Iantra

a river in northern Bulgaria; a right tributary of the Danube. The Iantra is 285 km long and drains an area of approximately 7,900 sq km. It rises on the northern slopes of the Stara Planina (Balkan Mountains) and crosses the mountains’ northern foothills and the southern Lower Danubian Plain. The river forms deeply incised meanders near the city of Veliko Turnovo. The highest water levels are in spring and early summer. The mean flow rate in the lower course is approximately 40 cu m per sec. Hydroelectric power plants are located on the Iantra and on its tributary the Rositsa River. The Iantra is used for irrigation. The cities of Gabrovo and Veliko Turnovo are situated on the river.