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Lake Iskar is Bulgaria's largest inland lake and can be likened to an inland sea in fact. Stretching for 15kms along the main Sofia-Borovets road, it is an impressive sight. Being 30kms south of Sofia, it means that the lake is a magnet for tourists, particularly in summer time. In summer and particularly at weekends, the sides of the Samokov-Sofia road will be lined with tourists having picnics, enjoying swimming and boating etc.
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It without a doubt adds to the total all year dimension to the beautiful Borovets region. Why go to the coast when you have the sea AND skiing here?! Just 30 mins from Sofia, the location is spot on as there is public transport (bus stops at a number of places on the route) and you access Sofia, Samokov and Borovets.
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Activities
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With private coves and bays, you are simply spoilt for choice when trying to find a private area to spend a few hours with family and friends. There are around 3 restaurants along the lake, the most popular being the one right near the shore. Here you can site on the expansive terrace and eat your meal overlooking the majority of the lake. It is a truly breathtaking site.
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Nearby, boats and pedalos can be rented and you can take a trip right out into the lake. Because the weather is very moderate here and the lake is well protected from the elements, you will very rarely have waves. This makes boating particularly good for those who are inexperienced or with families.
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For those wanting something a little more extreme, windsurfing is done further down the lake (near the Sofia side). This is not done all year round (due to some ice in deep winter) but from about April until October, it should not be a problem to windsurf. Other watersports like jet-skiing, water-skiing are also readily available.
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Near to Lake Iskar are the famous Iskar stables. Here you can take horse-rides around the lake and also up into the Iskar mountains with qualified instructors. The four day trip that the stables offer is a truly great experience- you visit everywhere from Lake Iskar to the Seven Rila Lakes and the Rila Monastery. Jeep safaris are also on offer in the region and you can visit parts of the lakes that are particularly hard to access, particularly on the Ihtiman side which is virtually untouched.
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A good challenge for any keen mountain walker is a trip around the lake. This normally takes about two days due to the sheer scale of the lake but on the Ihtiman side, it is unlikely you will meet anyone, the vistas are breathtaking and there are plenty of places suitable to camp.
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It is probably the fishing mecca of Western Bulgarian! All year you will find keen fishermen on the shores and in summer time, with the beautiful weather, there is even more. Because Lake Iskar is completely free of pollutants is constantly supplied with fresh clean water, fish thrive in the lake, particularly trout, bream, pike and carp, which have been known to grow to very substantial sizes.
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At the Samokov end of Lake Iskar, in the 'Lavandula' region, you will find the majority of fishers. Even into the early hours of the next day, the keenest will still be there and will camp out as the nights are very warm and with camp fires, barbeques and a local caf? nearby, it makes for a very memorable trip out.
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