Hodoš Lake
| Region | Mura statistical region |
| Starting point | Hodoško jezero |
| Route length | 1.3 km (0.8 miles) |
| route duration | 45 min |
| Best time to visit | all year |
| Appropriate for | Baby Carriers , 1-3 years of age , 3-6 years of age , 6+ years of age |
| Level of difficulty | Easy route |
Route Description
Hodoš Lake (Hodoško jezero) is located north of the town of Hodoš, in northeast Goričko near the Hungarian border. The accumulation lake was formed after the Dolenski potok stream was dammed and is also called Dolensko jezero Lake. The area of this artificial lake is 5.2 hectares big and has a source of clean drinking water as well as a resting place.
Hodoš Lake was originally intended to retain water for irrigating agricultural land, contain a high water wave, and increase opportunities for waterfowl hunting as well as tourist fishing.
The town of Hodoš is a part of the Goričko Regional Park and has a special role, as it is a well-known otter habitat. Otters are perfectly adapted to living in water. Here lives one of the largest otter populations in Slovenia. Since there are no natural stagnant waters, water reservoirs such as Hodoš Lake have been built. These extremely important oases of aquatic life enrich the food supply of otters, the so-called queens of water, and increase their chances of surviving more easily in the dry months. Habitat destruction, water pollution, traffic (no underpasses under roads, unsuitable bridges) and illegal hunting all threaten the life of otters.
A variety of wetland habitats make it possible for the rare and endangered plant species to thrive, such as the Siberian iris, broad leaved cotton grass, marsh seedbox and marsh speedwell. Hodoš Lake is an important habitat for amphibians, and for 20 species of dragonflies, four of which are endangered. In addition, the occurrence of an endangered marsh cricket was recorded.
Interesting Facts
There are 13 species of otters on Earth, and the Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) or shorter otter is the only species living in Europe.
They are members of the weasel family (Mustelidae) and are well equipped for their aquatic habitats. Normally, this species is over one metre (3.2 feet) long, including the strong, cone-shaped tail. A large male weighs around 9 kilos (almost 20 pounds) and is bigger than the female, who weighs around 6 kilos (13 pounds). Their thick fur is of dark brown colour.
Did you know? Their water-repellent fur (up to 50,000 hairs per square centimeter) allows the otters to stay completely dry in water.
Map
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Nearby Restaurants
K Rotundi
This restaurant is located in the midst of the beautiful Prekmurje plains. They offer a varied menu that satisfies every gourmet eater. Smoked meats, “bograč” (meat stew), goose livers, venison dishes and fish. All the food is authentic and home-cooked. Let us not forget the delicious signature dish of this region, the Prekmurje layer pastry (Prekmurska Gibanica), which you simply must try!
Selo 30A
9207 Prosenjakovci
02 544 1035
Vita, Olja and Juna Recommend
Would you like to see an otter?
Shhhhhhh! When visiting the Hodoš Lake, be as quiet as a mouse in order to see this beautiful animal. On the path around the lake, the otters leave various tracks. Along the lakeshore, you can see bitten and damaged tree trunks that otters use to build their habitats.
We, on the other hand, found their footprints in the mud on a path around the lake.
