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Pancharevo Lake

Attraction type: Lakes & Fountains

Lake Pancharevo is an artificial lake in western Bulgaria, at the end of the Pancharevo Gorge of the Iskar River, located at 600 m above sea level between the Vitosha and Lozenska mountains. The lake is located just 12 km away from Sofia, on the way to Borovets resort in Pancharevo quarter, in the suburbs of the capital city.

The altitude of the lake is 600 m above the sea level; it is 3 km long and up to 700 m wide, reaching a depth of 30 meters. The lake was created in 1956 in connection with the construction of Hydrohub “Iskar”, as a drinking, irrigation and energy source for the Sofia Agglomeration.

In Pancharevo you can simply walk and enjoy the beautiful nature, away from the noise of the big city. There you can walk and submerge in the beautiful nature, an hour or so and you will be completely restored both physically and emotionally. Around the lake there are hiking trails, several park areas with coffee shops and restaurants. What you may just opt for is a lunch at a restaurant overlooking the magnificent lake. All restaurants offer cozy atmosphere and delicious Bulgarian dishes – grilled meat, homemade potatoes, fresh salads, fried fish and cold beer.

You can just sit on the bridge above the lake, taste the delicious Bulgarian food and watch the fishermen, catching pike – perches. Or, if you are a keen fisherman, you can hang out there. Just have in mind that you have to carry your fishing permission.

Pancharevo offers plenty of opportunities for sports and recreation activities. It is suitable for sun bathing, fishing and water sports like swimming, surfing, water skiing, and rowing. Water wheels can also be hired. Fishing and bathing in Pancharevo lake are allowed in strictly limited areas.

The national rowing base is located on the shore of Lake Pancharevo. Built in 1968, the rowing base is the first modern facility in Bulgaria, specializing in conducting training and competitions in rowing events. In 1977 it hosted the World Cup canoe in the capital, and in 1981, the World Championships for young people in water sports. Over the years, it has been host to several world championships, national and international rowing regattas, and the European Triathlon Championships.

The incredible nature of this place will capture you and make your visit unforgettable.