Belmeken Dam, Hydroelectric dam in Rila Mountains, Bulgaria
Belmeken Dam sits at 1,923 meters elevation in the Rila Mountains and creates a water body ringed by steep banks and mountain slopes. The structure holds water in a confined valley surrounded by evergreen forests and bare rocky ridges.
The dam was built in the mid-20th century to supply Bulgaria with hydroelectric power during a period of rapid industrial growth. It became one of several cascading reservoirs constructed across the mountain regions.
The reservoir sits within a remote mountain zone where locals and visitors come to fish and enjoy the high-altitude landscape. The site represents how rural communities in Bulgaria adapted to the introduction of large water management systems.
The site is open year-round without entrance fees, though snow and ice can restrict access during winter months in the mountains. Visitors should dress in layers and wear sturdy footwear when exploring the area.
The dam holds approximately 140 million cubic meters of water and ranks among the highest-altitude reservoirs on the Balkan Peninsula. This extreme elevation makes it a remarkable feat of engineering for its era.
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