Belmeken-Sestrimo-Chaira Cascade, Hydroelectric cascade in Eastern Rila Mountains, Bulgaria
The Belmeken-Sestrimo-Chaira Cascade comprises three reservoirs and two pumped-storage power stations, collecting water from Maritsa, Struma, and Mesta river basins.
The construction of this engineering complex began in 1964 and continued through multiple phases until 1999, becoming Bulgaria's largest hydrotechnical facility.
The cascade system integrates with local communities through the Belmeken sports complex, which provides athletic facilities near the western dam section.
Visitors can access the cascade through marked trails starting from Sestrimo village or Yundola locality, with the main reservoir situated at 1923 meters elevation.
This cascade features Southeast Europe's largest pumped-storage power plant, Chaira PSHPP, with 864 MW generation and 788 MW pumping capacities.
GPS coordinates: 42.16780,23.87000
Latest update: March 3, 2025 02:18
Belmeken Dam
6.1 km
Bełmeken
8.2 km
Kleptuza
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Milevi Skali
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Rila Monastery Nature Park
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Belovo Basilica
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Ibar
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Ibar
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Chaira reservoir
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Skalovitets
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Rawni czał
10.5 km
Славеева скала
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Вила Райна
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Aleksandar Stamboliyski ossuary
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Исторически музей (Белово)
13.1 km
Holy Trinity Church
16.9 km
Водопада на река Чавча
10.5 km
Saint George protected area
20.7 km
Koritata protected area, Varvara
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Милеви скали
15.7 km
Ezeroto, protected area
16.7 km
Народно читалище „Христо Смирненски-1904“
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18.5 km
Thracian tomb of Septemvri
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Clock Tower of Dolna Banya
18.2 kmReviews
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