Shiroka Polyana Reservoir is a peaceful mountain lake hidden in a pine forest of the Western Rhodopes, sitting at 1500 m above sea level. It's a place where quiet water meets untouched wilderness, drawing anglers and nature lovers who want to escape the crowds.

Built between 1959 and 1962 as part of the Batak hydro-power cascade, the reservoir fills a former pasture valley and gathers water from the Dospat and Vacha catchment areas. Its shores are relatively hard to reach, far from main roads, which has kept the surroundings wild and largely untouched. The lake is bordered by three protected areas - Shiroka Polyana, Studena Chuchurka, and Kaval Tepe. In summer the pine forest is fragrant and full of life, while the shallow lake, averaging just 6 m deep, offers good conditions for fishing. Autumn brings golden colors to the hills, and winter can make access more challenging due to altitude and snow.

How to get there

• Batak — about 30 km away, own transport recommended, moderate difficulty
• Peshtera — about 46 km away, alternative starting point
• Dospat — closest town, about 20 km away

Practical information

• Shores are far from the road and relatively difficult to access
• Surrounded by three protected natural areas
• Popular spot for sport fishing

Interestingly, the reservoir is linked by an underground tunnel to Golyam Beglik reservoir, forming a connected system that feeds the region's hydro-power plants.