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Varaždin Hydroelectric Power Plant
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The Varaždin Hydroelectric Power Plant (HE Varaždin) is a significant renewable energy facility located on the Drava River in northern Croatia. Commissioned in 1975, the plant was a major engineering achievement for the region at the time. It is a low-head, run-of-the-river power plant with a total installed capacity of 94 megawatts. Equipped with two Kaplan turbines, it generates an average of 450 gigawatt-hours of clean electricity annually. The facility includes a large dam and the Varaždin reservoir lake, which also serves ecological purposes and recreational activities. Operated by the state-owned utility HEP (Hrvatska elektroprivreda), the plant is crucial for the stability of the Croatian national grid. Beyond energy production, the hydroelectric system plays a vital role in regulating the Drava River's flow and providing essential flood protection for the city of Varaždin and surrounding agricultural areas.
- Location: Croatia
- Top sights: Općina Sračinec · Spomen obilježje poginulim braniteljima
- Nearby: Varaždin (4 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -1 | 1 | 5 | 11 | 16 | 20 | 23 | 22 | 16 | 11 | 5 | 0 |
| Rain mm | 40 | 50 | 50 | 52 | 84 | 86 | 83 | 83 | 95 | 71 | 65 | 52 |
📋 Practical info
What is this place?
The Varaždin hydroelectric power plant on the Drava River is a key pillar for power generation in northern Croatia. It harnesses river hydropower for sustainable electricity, supporting the regional economy with clean energy.
Visiting
The facility is generally not open to the public, but the exterior can be viewed from surrounding roads and paths. Occasional guided tours for groups are available upon advance booking.
Where to view it
A good viewpoint is the bridge over the Drava near the plant, offering views of the dam and turbine houses. The riverside path also provides direct sightlines to the facility at several spots.
Local products
No direct products are sold at the plant. In the Varaždin region, local specialties such as Varaždin biscuits and wines from nearby vineyards are well-known and available for travelers.
Active season
The plant operates year-round, with output seasonally affected by the Drava water level. Peak efficiency is typically achieved in spring during snowmelt and after rainy periods.
Nearby
Combine the visit with a trip to Varaždin's baroque old town, featuring castles and museums. A bike ride along the Drava or a visit to nearby Trakošćan Castle are also recommended.
Geography
Facts
- Commissioned in the year 1975
- Total installed capacity of 94 MW
- Annual energy output of approx. 450 GWh
- Equipped with two large Kaplan turbines
- Operated by the state utility HEP
- The Varaždin reservoir lake is a protected area
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
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Sights in the town Varaždin Hydroelectric Power Plant (2)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the Varaždin Hydroelectric Power Plant?
It is a run-of-river hydroelectric power plant on the Drava River, producing electricity since the 1970s.
Can you visit the power plant?
Visits are only possible for professional groups by prior arrangement.
Are there recreational activities there?
The reservoir is a popular area for fishing and nature walks.
Where exactly is the power plant located?
It is located upstream from Varaždin on the Drava River.
Is the power plant eco-friendly?
Hydroelectric power is a renewable source, but the facility affects the local ecosystem of the Drava River.
Varaždin Hydroelectric Power Plant: where is it located?
Varaždin Hydroelectric Power Plant is located in Croatia.
Varaždin Hydroelectric Power Plant: what is there to see?
Highlights include Općina Sračinec, Spomen obilježje poginulim braniteljima.
Varaždin Hydroelectric Power Plant: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Varaždin Hydroelectric Power Plant: why is it worth visiting?
The Varaždin Hydroelectric Power Plant (HE Varaždin) is a significant renewable energy facility located on the Drava River in northern Croatia.
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