Ogosta Reservoir

Located just 600 meters southwest of the city of Montana and elevated 60 meters above the town level, Ogosta Reservoir stands as the fourth largest by surface area (23.6 sq km) and the second largest by water volume (506 million cubic meters) in Bulgaria. This massive engineering project impounds the waters of three mountain rivers—Ogosta, Burziya, and Zlatitsa—creating a sweeping aquatic landscape at the foot of the Balkan Mountains.

Construction History & Submerged Villages

Construction on the dam spanned two decades, concluding in 1986 before its official inauguration in September 1987. To make way for the vast artificial lake, two historical villages were entirely submerged, with their residents relocated to nearby Montana and Berkovitsa:

• Kalimanitsa Village: The birthplace of celebrated Bulgarian author and playwright Yordan Radichkov.
• Zhivovtsi Village: The home village of renowned writer and painter Ivan Davidkov and poet Anastas Stoyanov. During low water levels, the haunting stone ruins of Zhivovtsi's village church can still be spotted near the shore.

Economic Uses, Hydroelectric Power & Fishing

Originally designed to irrigate vast agricultural tracts extending from Montana to the fertile Zlatiyata plain near Lom, the irrigation pipeline network remained partially unfinished following the political transitions of the late 1980s.

• Hydroelectric Energy: Today, the reservoir's volume generates clean energy via two hydroelectric power stations—HPP Ogosta (located directly on the main dam wall) and HPP Kosharnik.
• Angling & Recreation: Ogosta is widely regarded as a premier sports fishing destination in Bulgaria, renowned for monster catfish, pike, zander (walleye), carp, perch, bream, and chub.

Useful Visitor Information

• Location: Directly adjacent to Montana City, Northwestern Bulgaria.
• Accessibility: Easily reached by car or taxi from central Montana, with multiple access points along the shore for picnics and fishing.
• Safety & Security: Due to the immense size of the reservoir and dam structure, the main wall area remains under specialized security guard.
• Trip Tip: Ogosta Reservoir is ideal for scenic sunsets, boating, kayaking, and angling. Combine a stroll along the shoreline with a visit to the ancient Roman Fortress of Montanensium on the nearby hill for sweeping views over the lake.