Enguri Dam | Zugdidi

Information

Landmark: Enguri Dam
City: Zugdidi
Country: Georgia
Continent: Asia

Enguri Dam, Zugdidi, Georgia, Asia

The Enguri Dam is a hydroelectric power station located on the Enguri River, forming part of the border between Abkhazia and Georgia.

Visual Characteristics

The dam is a concrete arch structure with a height of 271.5 meters and a crest length of 720 meters. The reservoir behind the dam has a surface area of approximately 20 square kilometers. The concrete is a light grey, and the surrounding landscape is characterized by steep, forested slopes.

Location & Access Logistics

The dam is situated approximately 30 kilometers northwest of Zugdidi. Access is primarily via the S2 highway (Zugdidi-Gali highway). From Zugdidi, follow the S2 towards Gali, then take the turn-off for the dam. The road leading directly to the dam is paved. Parking is available at designated areas near the dam's base. Public transport directly to the dam is limited; bus services operate between Zugdidi and nearby villages, requiring onward travel by taxi or private vehicle.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Construction of the Enguri Dam began in 1961 and was completed in 1978. It was designed by Soviet engineers to provide hydroelectric power to the Georgian Soviet Socialist Republic. The dam's construction involved significant engineering challenges due to the mountainous terrain and seismic activity in the region.

Key Highlights & Activities

Observation of the dam's scale and engineering is the primary activity. Walking across the crest of the dam provides panoramic views of the reservoir and surrounding Caucasus Mountains. Photography of the dam structure and the reservoir is permitted. Access to the power station itself is restricted.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Basic visitor facilities are minimal. There are no dedicated restrooms or food vendors directly at the dam site. Shade is limited to areas near the base of the dam. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally available but can be intermittent.

Best Time to Visit

The best time of day for photography is in the morning when the sun illuminates the dam face. The months of May through October offer the most stable weather conditions, with less rainfall. The reservoir level fluctuates seasonally, but there are no specific tide requirements for viewing.

Facts & Legends

The Enguri Dam is one of the highest arch dams in the world. A local anecdote suggests that during its construction, workers discovered a rare species of cave-dwelling fish in the tunnels, though this has not been officially verified.