High in the middle of the Smrekovec mountain range, hidden among mighty spruces and the silence of mountain forests, lies Black Lake, also known as Končnik's Puddle. This small lake is a mysterious natural gem, wrapped in legend and tranquillity that does not fade even in the greatest drought. It's believed to have formed in the former crater of the ancient Smrekovec volcano, a theory still supported today by the large rocky masses scattered nearby. Smrekovec itself is an impresive 15-kilometre-long mountain range on the edge of the Prealps. During the Tertiary period the volcano was still active. Today it's extinct and considered as one of the most valuable natural areas in Slovenia. It's protected as both geological and botanical reserve and also forms part of the Natura 2000 network. The lake is roughly circular, with a diameter of about 25 metres and a depth of 2 metres. In its calm, dark surface, the silhouettes of the surrounding trees are reflected so clearly and perfectly that even the greatest artists would envy them. By the lake you can take a moment of peace, breathe in the fresh air, and enjoy a silence broken only by the whispering of nature.
