Doberdò and Pietrarossa Lakes Reserve

The Doberdò and Pietrarossa Lakes Regional Nature Reserve lies on the western boundary of the karst plateau and includes three municipalities in the province of Gorizia: Doberdò del Lago/Doberdob, Monfalcone and Ronchi dei Legionari. The area features two karst depressions partly occupied by lakes and separated by a ridge.

The larger depression houses the Lake Doberdò, one of the few karst lakes in Europe. Its water level varies with the levels of the Vipacco and Isonzo rivers. During dry periods, its water level drops and the lake surface is reduced to canals and small pools. This particular hydrological regime is characteristic of karst lakes, which alternately undergo flooded periods (spring and autumn) and dry periods (winter and summer).

Along the banks of Lake Doberdò lies a thin strip of riparian wood, formed mostly by black poplars and other forest species which provide excellent shelter for nesting woodpeckers, including the famous lesser spotted woodpecker. The area is also populated by a large variety of mammals, from the more common species such as roe deer to other, less easily sighted species such as the golden jackal.

In the Doberdò and Pietrarossa Lakes Regional Nature Reserve, the lake ecosystem contrasts with the surrounding barrenness of the karst environment, hence the area's high biodiversity. Along the reserve trails you can admire the typical wetland landscapes surrounding the lakes as they merge into barren steppe and karst fields.


The Gradina visitor centre  is open until 22 November every Friday 9-13 and 16-23 and Sunday 9-23 and from 23 November daily except Monday.
At the Gradina Visitor Centre it is possible to visit a museum route with nine stations with information sheets and detailed information. The exhibition is free of charge and has been specially created for children, but is also ideal for adults who are interested in learning more about the Karst area.

Visitor Center Gradina
via Vallone, 32
34070 Doberdò del Lago
ph. 0039 320 2963942
centrovisitegradina@gmail.com
www.riservanaturalegradina.com