Kalin Reservoir is one of the highest mountain roads of Bulgaria
Kalin Reservoir is a high mountain reservoir at an elevation of 2.398m (7,867ft) above sea level, located in the Kyustendil Province of Bulgaria. It’s one of the highest roads in the country.
Where is Kalin Reservoir?
The reservoir is located in the southwestern part of the country, to the south of Karagyol Reservoir.
Is the road to Kalin Reservoir paved?
The road to the reservoir is mostly paved with concrete, in fairly poor condition and partially broken. It’s called Road to Vintcheto. This route is not recommended if your passengers are prone to car sickness. Vintcheto, the summit, is marked by a crumbling old building. To get there you’ll have to face 28 hairpin turns at an average gradient of nine per cent, with some parts up to 20%.
How long is the road to Kalin Reservoir?
The road is 18km (11.18 miles) long starting from Pastra, a small mountain village in the Rila Municipality. A high clearance vehicle is recommended. It’s said to be the highest concrete-paved road on the Balkans.
Is the road to Kalin Reservoir open in winter?
Set high in the Rila mountain range, the road to the reservoir tops out at 2.553m (8,375ft) above sea level. The highest part of the road is closed between late October and the beginning of July due to the snow.
Is the road to Kalin Reservoir worth the drive?
The road was built between 1943 and 1946. On a clear day, the summit offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. The climb sweeps up the mountainside with a series of switchbacks, although the rough road surface may demand something a little more heavy-duty than your conventional road bike.
Pic: Nik Bo