Zagorka

Lake Zagorka is one of the most beloved places for walks and recreation in Stara Zagora – an artificial reservoir created between 1952 and 1962 and located in the green embrace of Bedechka Park. Although man-made, it was shaped with attention to detail and is now home to wild ducks, waterfowl, and a rich fish population, attracting fishermen and nature lovers.Pochivka.bg+1.

Here, time flows more slowly. The water reflects the sky, and the paths around the lake create a sense of lightness and spaciousness – an ideal place for a walk, sports, or simply to recharge.

How to get there

The lake is located in the northeastern part of Stara Zagora, within Bederka Park. Access is extremely easy:

  • 🚗 By car: There is a large free parking lot nearby, although it can be busier on weekends.
  • 🚶 On foot: It takes about 20–25 minutes of pleasant walking from the city center.
  • 🚲 By bicycle: The paths in the area are suitable for cycling.

Route

Here's a short but fulfilling itinerary that combines nature, views, and a bit of history — right up your alley, Ivaylo:

  1. Start from the western side of the lake, near Park Hotel "Stara Zagora". The view of the water here is the most panoramic.
  2. Walk along the main alley, which follows the shore — flat, comfortable, and suitable for all types of visitors.
  3. Stop at the artificial island — one of the most interesting spots, offering a different perspective of the water and birds.
  4. Continue to the northern part, where fishermen often gather and you might see various waterfowl.
  5. Finish at the centuries-old plane tree — a 670-year-old tree that stands as a living memory of the past and adds a special atmosphere to the place.

What not to miss

🦆 Wild ducks and birds — the lake is a true small oasis for ornithologists.

🎣 Sport fishing — the place is restocked annually and is popular among fishermen.

🚣 Boats and pedal boats — a great activity in the warm months.

🌳 Bedechka Park — the green areas around the lake are ideal for a picnic or a peaceful walk.

🍺 Zagorka Brewery — the iconic factory, which gave the lake its name, is literally meters away.

Fun fact

Lake Zagorka is part of a much larger project by Mayor Yordan Kapsamunov from the 1950s—a plan that included a lido, a rose garden, a concert hall, and even a terraced restaurant. Although the project was not fully realized, the lake remains one of his most successful and beloved creations.