How to get by car to Belmeken Reservoir in Bulgaria?
Belmeken is a high mountain reservoir at an elevation of 1,932m (6,338ft) above sea level, located in the Pazardzhik Province of Bulgaria.
Where is Belmeken Reservoir?
The reservoir is located near the town of Velingrad, within the boundaries of Rila National Park, in the southwestern part of the country.
When was Belmeken Reservoir built?
Belmeken is the highest dam lake on the Balkan Peninsula. The name of the lake means “Famous place.” The construction of the reservoir began in the 1960s and was completed in the early 1970s. The area is perfect for picnics, fishing, and biking.
Is the road to Belmeken Reservoir paved?
The road to the summit is fully paved, with some potholes, running through lovely old coniferous woods. Although there is not much traffic on the road, it may be difficult to proceed if you encounter another car. With its 12 hairpin turns, the road has been featured in the WRC Rally Bulgaria.
How long is the road to Belmeken Reservoir?
Starting from the town of Sestrimo, the road is 25.8km (16.03mi) long. Over this distance, the elevation gain is 1,303 meters. The average gradient is 5.05%. Set high in the Rila mountain range, a minor paved road located to the south of the dam tops out at 2,062m (6,765ft) above sea level.