The Iskar Reservoir is one of the most famous and beautiful, and most visited reservoirs in Bulgaria. Its wall is situated only 25 km after leaving Sofia on the road to Samokov, while the Iskar Reservoir itself has a length of 13.5 km. Being commissioned in 1954, it was the largest construction in Bulgaria at the time and it still is the largest reservoir in the country with a total surface area of 30 sq. km. The total volume of the reservoir is 673 million cubic metres. The width of its wall is 76 metres and its length along the crest is 204 metres. The Iskar Reservoir was built on the eponymous river in a northwest-southeast direction. Its main purpose is water supply and power production through a hydropower plant. 78% of the reservoir water is used for the potable water needs of Sofia, and the power is produced by the hydropower plants of Kokalyane and Pasarel along the hydropower cascade of Iskar. The reservoir is an established tourist destination for fans of fishing, sailing and other water sports, as well as for all those who love to spend their holidays close to nature. The western part of the reservoir is the narrowest - it is a guarded water feeding zone where fishing and swimming are prohibited. The rest of the reservoir is a wonderful place to relax. On the southwest shore, where the road Sofia-Samokov passes, there are many holiday settlements, villas and guest houses, camping sites with tents and caravans, as well as many hotels near Iskar Reservoir. The selection of hotels is really good. They are all located on the shore and offer fabulous views. The hotel rooms' prices along the Iskar Reservoir are generally affordable and the accommodation conditions are very good. The entire area of the opposite northwest shore is occupied by the Iskar State Hunting Reserve, which provides conditions for photo safaris, hunting, fishing, and horseback riding of special locally grown pure-bred horses from Eastern European breed. Here are bred red deer, fallow deer, moufflon, wild boar, etc. The following fish can be caught in the Iskar Reservoir: European chub, catfish, carp, bream, crucian, white fish, bass, common nase, common roach, silver carp, rudd, bleak. Some of the best fishing areas are the reservoir mouth, the Movie house, Shipochanski Bay, the Shtarkelovo Gnezdo resort area, and the area around the hunting reserve of Avala (by boat). The Iskar Reservoir offers great opportunities for walks by pedalos, boats, jet ski, motor boat or kayak. Regattas are held with sailing boats. The area is suitable for hiking, walks, and picnics. The St. Peter and Paul Dolnopasarelski Monastery is situated next to the village of Dolni Pasarel. Samokov is 10-15 km away from the Iskar Reservoir. It has many cultural and historical sites. Borovets is 10 km further, offering excellent skiing and winter sports, hiking and trekking.