Pannonica

The Pannonian Lakes (Panonska jezera / Pannonica) in the centre of Tuzla are billed by the operator as the only salt lakes and a unique tourist attraction in Europe. Rather than a chlorinated pool, visitors swim in naturally occurring saline water drawn from the region's underground brine, and the complex is a member of the world association of water parks.

The saltwater lakes and salt waterfalls

The resort centres on a chain of open-air salt lakes — Prvo jezero (First Lake), Drugo jezero (Second Lake), Treće jezero (Third Lake) and the Slapovi (Salt Waterfalls). The operator gives a salinity of roughly 30 g per litre for every basin and the waterfalls. The cascading Salt Waterfalls share the same mineral brine composition as the lakes.

Pools, beaches and attractions

• Natural saltwater swimming across several lakes of differing depth and size
• Water slides (tobogani), jacuzzis and massage water features distributed through the complex
• Beaches and beach areas set around the lakes
• Beach volleyball courts, with seasonal tournament play
• An open-air fitness centre
• Giant chess and, in winter, the seasonal "Klizalište Panonika" ice-skating rink

Salt heritage and museum

Tuzla's identity is built on salt, and the complex weaves that heritage into the site. It includes an archaeological park reconstructing a Neolithic pile-dwelling (sojeničko) settlement, and the "Pannonica" geological museum exhibition, which presents the geology behind the salt lakes.

Family and children

Families are served by "VRTIĆ – Panonika," a children's entertainment and amusement park within the grounds, alongside the shallow lakes, slides and open green space.

Dining

The restaurant "Panonski Lovac" sits on the Third Lake, offering varied gastronomic choices, richly decorated interiors, two summer gardens and parking, and hosts celebrations. Around a dozen further beach bars, snack bars and grills are spread across the complex.

Setting and recognition

The complex lies at Šetalište Slana Banja in the heart of Tuzla, easily reached on foot from the city centre. Its innovative reuse of the city's salt resources earned it the 2012 UNWTO Ulysses Award from the United Nations World Tourism Organization.