Batak is a small town in the Western Rhodope Mountain. It is 156 km south-east of Sofia, 35 km south of the district town of Pazardjik and approximately 50 km from the town of Plovdiv. It is also very near to the famous spa town of Velingrad.

During the 1876 uprising Batak became the symbol of Bulgarian martyrdom after practically the whole population was massacred by the Ottoman army. Among the places of interest are the church of Saint Nedelya (now transformed into a museum and ossuary). According to a NASA survey, the border between Batak and Ravnogor is the environmentally cleanest point in Europe.

Batak dam is 3 km northwest of the town. 17 km long and 3 km wide it is one of the biggest artificial lakes in Bulgaria, holding 315 million cubic metres of water. Surrounded by forests, hills and mountains it is a place of exceptional beauty. Winter sports enthusiasts can avail themselves of the nearby relaxed ski slopes and lifts or they can go ice skating on the lake itself. Ice fishing can also be enjoyed during the winter months.

In spring and summer the area around the lake is transformed from a carpet of white snow to a carpet of lush greenery. This idyllic setting is an open invitation for nature lovers and hikers.

During these months one can also enjoy a variety of water sports on the lake including wind surfing, rowing, water skiing and fishing.

Hunting is another sport that can be enjoyed in the area. Other places of interest in and around the lake area are the various caves, two nature reserves and historic remains dating back from Thracian times.