Located at an altitude of 1200 meters, the Dospat dam reservoir is among the highest in Bulgaria, and with its water area of 22 000 decares it ranks second in volume. The lake is 18 km long, its average width – 3 km and its average depth – 40 m. Its waters are used for sports fishing as well as for water tourism. The locals call the lake The diamond eye of the Rhodopes. It’s a favorite spot for relaxation for both the town’s residents and guests. Centuries-old forests of spruce and white pine encircle like a ring the lake and fill the air with the intoxicating aroma of resin. While relaxing on one of the nearby meadows, you discover how the Rhodopes songs came into existence – they are meant to be sung in the open so that the mountain echo could carry them far away. Various private and municipal facilities for recreation are built along its banks. Near the Dospat Dam you can camp in tents and experience exciting adventures, that will allow you to truly feel the magic of the tourist region of Western Rhodopes. More pictures from the region can be seen...

The largest dam built in Bulgaria since the mid 80s onwards, is The Tsankov Kamak Dam. Located near the village of Mihalkovo, the dam is part of the Dospat-Vacha Water Cascade. The dam collects water by rivers Vacha and Gashnya, and its volume is 111 thousand cubic meters of water. The shores of the lake are very steep and inaccessible, its altitude is about 680 m. The water mirror of the reservoir reaches Devin and its length is about 15 kilometers. Besides large-scale hydro facility, it is also a favorite tourist attraction in the Western Rhodopes, mainly due to the wonderful fishing opportunities and attractive boat trips that can be organized in the lake. Boats and water wheels are equipped with life jackets and meet all safety standards. Boating or water wheel trip is requested in advance by phone for reservations: 0885 25 27 37. More pictures of the Western Rhodopes you can see...

Along the river Trigradska and the Devin-Trigrad road, 1.5 km away from the village, is located the majestic and strikingly beautiful Trigrad Gorge, also declared a protected area. The Trigrad Gorge is a deep gorge along the Trigradska River. This majestic view of vertical rocks partly covered by spruce and pine add special value to the natural reserve. The limestone cliffs of the gorge form one of the richest habitats of endemic, rare or relict plant species in Bulgaria. Many rare bird species such as the rock nuthatch, various birds of prey, woodpeckers and others nest here which attracts many birdwatchers. The road leading to the village of Trigrad passes through the gorge, curving along the river and at some places is very narrow, sometimes even carved into the rocks. Part of unusual Trigrad Karst Region is the Devil’s Throat Cave. More photos from the Western Rhodopes you can find...

The Brown Bear’s Museum is located to the side of the road between the Devil’s Throat cave and the Trigrad village. Visitors can listen to authentic recordings of the roar of bears and the gnarl of wolves and foxes and view casts of the tracks of various wild animals. The museum exhibit visualizes and presents interesting facts about the life of the brown bear. The interactive exhibit allows visitors to learn more about the behavior of the large predatory animals, their habitats, life cycle, the dangers related to their reproduction as well as get some advice on how to react if they encounter them in real life. Working time: 08.00-17.00 ч., every day, all year round. For more information: mob. phone.: +359 (0) 889 052...