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Batak Reservoir

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Lake
—°1
Batak Reservoir (Bulgaria)

Weather…

The Batak Reservoir is one of the largest and most pretty artificial lakes in Bulgaria, located in the Western Rhodope Mountains at an altitude of approximately 1,100 meters above sea level. Completed in 1959, the reservoir is a key component of the 'Batak' hydropower cascade, primarily used for electricity generation and irrigation. Spanning a surface area of about 22 square kilometers and holding a total volume of 309 million cubic meters, it dominates the landscape near the town of Batak. The shores of the reservoir are lined with dense coniferous forests, making the area a highly popular destination for camping, hiking, and eco-tourism. The 'Zhigov Chark' resort on the western bank features extensive tourist facilities for year-round recreation. The reservoir is also a premier location for anglers, known for its abundance of carp, perch, and trout. Beyond its economic importance, the Batak Reservoir serves as a vital ecological habitat for various species of waterfowl and local wildlife.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-4-216111517171383-2
Rain mm574861607280594951534460

📋 Practical info

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Getting there
The Batak Reservoir is generally accessed via winding mountain roads leading into the Rhodope Mountains. The main access points are typically the lakeside resorts and the town of Batak.
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Best season
The most popular time for recreation at the reservoir is the summer season from June to September. Autumn is also excellent for peaceful walks and enjoying the colorful surrounding forests.
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Terrain & paths
The surrounding terrain features forested hills and gentle shoreline areas great for lakeside strolls. Some paths around the water are paved, while others are dirt trails that get muddy.
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What to bring
Appropriate gear typically includes comfortable walking shoes or light hiking boots for the trails. If you plan to engage in water activities, bringing swimwear and a towel is recommended.
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Parking
You can usually find designated parking areas near the main tourist zones, campsites, and local guesthouses around the lake. During peak summer weekends, these spots might fill up quickly.
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Safety
General water safety rules apply; swimming should typically be done only in widely accepted safe zones. Be aware that the water can remain quite cold due to the reservoir's location.
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Time needed
Many visitors come for an afternoon to enjoy the water and the views of the Rhodope Mountains. However, staying for an entire weekend is very common for those wishing to fully recreate.

Geography

Coordinates
41.95000, 24.18000

Facts

  • The Batak Reservoir was inaugurated in 1959 to serve the national power grid.
  • It covers 22 square kilometers and holds up to 309 million cubic meters of water.
  • The reservoir is situated at a high altitude of 1,107 meters in the Rhodopes.
  • It provides irrigation water for the fertile Plovdiv and Pazardzhik plains.
  • The surrounding 'Zhigov Chark' area is a major hub for mountain tourism in Bulgaria.
  • The lake is fed by several mountain streams and the waters of the Mutnitsa River.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Banya (Pazardzhik 2)Banya (Pazardzhik 2)11 km · NExplore →
PeshteraPeshtera14 km · NEExplore →
Banya (Pazardzhik)Banya (Pazardzhik)17 km · NExplore →
BratsigovoBratsigovo17 km · NEExplore →
VelingradVelingrad18 km · NWExplore →
Batenberg (Pazardzhik)Batenberg (Pazardzhik)24 km · NEExplore →
SarnitsaSarnitsa27 km · SWExplore →
DevinDevin28 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Batak Reservoir (1)

Museum of History🏛 museum

A regional museum in Batak documenting the history of the town.

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Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Which resort is located by the reservoir?
Tsigov Chark is the most famous resort on the shores of the Batak reservoir.
Can you ski there in winter?
Yes, there are small ski slopes in Tsigov Chark, well-suited for beginners.
At what altitude is the reservoir located?
It is located at about 1100 m altitude in the Western Rhodopes.
Is fishing allowed at Batak reservoir?
Yes, it is a very popular destination for anglers (carp, perch).
Are there campsites?
Yes, around the lake there are several camping options and bungalows.
Batak Reservoir: where is it located?
Batak Reservoir is located in Bulgaria.
Batak Reservoir: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Batak Reservoir: why is it worth visiting?
The Batak Reservoir is one of the largest and most pretty artificial lakes in Bulgaria, located in the Western Rhodope Mountains at an altitude of approximately 1,100 meters above sea level.
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Nearby cities

Batanovtsi (Rural) — Batak Reservoir (Bulgaria)
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Batenberg (Pazardzhik) — Batak Reservoir (Bulgaria)
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Batenberg is a small town near Pazardzhik, embedded in the agriculturally used Thracian Plain.
Batenberg (Pazardzhik 2) — Batak Reservoir (Bulgaria)
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Another small settlement Batenberg near Pazardzhik.
Asenovgrad — Batak Reservoir (Bulgaria)
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Asenovgrad is located at the foot of the Rhodope Mountains, south of Plovdiv.
Kyustendil — Batak Reservoir (Bulgaria)
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Kyustendil is located in western Bulgaria on the slopes of the Osogovo Mountains.
Kardzhali — Batak Reservoir (Bulgaria)
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Kardzhali is located in the Eastern Rhodope Mountains in southern Bulgaria.
Yabulkovo — Batak Reservoir (Bulgaria)
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Dupnitsa — Batak Reservoir (Bulgaria)
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Petrich — Batak Reservoir (Bulgaria)
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Smolyan — Batak Reservoir (Bulgaria)
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Smolyan is the highest regional administrative center in Bulgaria.
Karlovo — Batak Reservoir (Bulgaria)
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Nestled in the famous Rose Valley at the foot of the Balkan Mountains, Karlovo is the birthplace of Bulgarian national hero Vasil Levski.
Sandanski — Batak Reservoir (Bulgaria)
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Samokov — Batak Reservoir (Bulgaria)
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Botevgrad — Batak Reservoir (Bulgaria)
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Gotse Delchev — Batak Reservoir (Bulgaria)
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A town in southwestern Bulgaria, nestled in a picturesque valley between the Pirin and Rhodope Mountains.

History & landmarks

Sopot — Batak Reservoir (Bulgaria)
Sopot
Sopot is nestled at the foot of the Balkan Mountains, famous as the birthplace of Ivan Vazov and Bulgaria's premier paragliding hub.
Troyan — Batak Reservoir (Bulgaria)
Troyan
Famous for the third-largest monastery in Bulgaria and its centuries-old tradition of handmade ceramics.