Tuzla's Panonska Lakes Celebrate 23rd Anniversary

On July 23, Tuzla marked the 23rd anniversary of the opening of its Panonska (Pannonian) salt lakes. The complex, inaugurated in 2003 by then mayor Jasmin Imamović before more than 20,000 citizens, was the first urban salt‑water recreation centre in Europe.

The celebration featured live music by the Acustiko band, a foam party for younger visitors, and a programme of concerts, sports events and cultural activities across the three lakes and surrounding facilities. Director of the public enterprise Pannonica, Maid Porobić, highlighted the continued high quality of the water, safety measures and medical support available to guests.

Since opening, the lakes have attracted over 7.5 million visitors and earned Tuzla the UNWTO Ulysses award for tourism innovation. The site now includes a museum, archaeological park, children’s playground, sports fields and regular cultural programmes, positioning it as a central tourist attraction in Bosnia and Herzegovina.