Pancharevo Lake

Lake Pancharevo is an artificial lake in western Bulgaria, situated around 600 meters above sea level between the Vitosha and Lozenska mountains at the end of the Pancharevo Gorge of the Iskar River. The lake is just 12 kilometers from Sofia, on the road to Borovets resort in Pancharevo neighborhood, on the capital city’s outskirts.

The communities of Pancharevo and Kokalyane, as well as the Pancharevo thermal springs, are located on the lake’s western bank, while a hydroelectric power plant is located near the lake’s southern end. Around the lake, sports centers and dining enterprises have been built, making it a popular excursion destination for Sofia locals. There are two more manmade lakes farther upstream in the gorge: the Pasarel Reservoir and the Iskar Reservoir.

The lake is 600 meters above sea level, 3 kilometers long, and up to 700 meters broad, with a depth of 30 meters. The lake was formed in 1956 as part of the development of the “Iskar” Hydrohub as a drinking, irrigation, and electricity supply for the Sofia Agglomeration.

In Pancharevo, you may just wander about and enjoy the magnificent environment, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. There, you may wander for an hour and immerse yourself in the lovely environment, and you will be entirely rejuvenated both physically and mentally. Hiking routes and park areas with coffee shops and restaurants may be found all around the lake. You might just have lunch at a restaurant with a view of the gorgeous lake. All restaurants provide a welcoming ambiance as well as delectable Bulgarian fare such as grilled meat, handmade potatoes, fresh salads, fried fish, and cool beer.

You may just relax on the bridge over the lake and enjoy the great Bulgarian cuisine while watching the fisherman capture pike – perches. You may also hang out there if you like fishing. Just keep in mind that you must have your fishing license with you.

Over the years, the area has established itself as a favored location for sports, leisure, and entertainment for Sofia residents and visitors to the capital, owing to the developed sports and recreation facilities, many pleasant catering businesses, and pristine nature near to Sofia. It is appropriate for sunbathing, fishing, and water activities such as swimming, surfing, water skiing, and rowing. Water wheels may be rented as well. Fishing and swimming are only permitted in a few locations of Pancharevo Lake.

On the shores of Lake Pancharevo, the national rowing base is situated. The rowing base, which was built in 1968, is Bulgaria’s first modern facility, specialized in rowing training and competitions. It hosted the World Cup Canoe in the capital in 1977, and the World Championships for Young People in Water Sports in 1981. It has hosted various world championships, national and international rowing regattas, and the European Triathlon Championships throughout the years.

Regular public transportation buses go from the district to Pancharevsko Lake. “Geo Milev,” Mladost, Mladost district “Gorublyane,” and alleyways from the park complex “Bells” and the city of German. A bike lane around the lake is being built as part of a project.