Stara Planina is a mountain full of natural and cultural-historical landmarks. In its depths are hidden many beautiful and full of history places. In this article we from @feel_bulgaria we chose 5 of them that are definitely worth seeing!
Kings Mark's Hole Rock Bridge
"Markova Dupka" or "Krali Markova Dupka" is a rock bridge with a height of 28 meters. It is located in the southern part of the Steneto Biosphere Reserve in the Central Stara Planina. Markova Dupka is a cave in the last stage of development. Most of its limestone walls were destroyed by water and weathering, leaving only its entrance. Currently, Markova Dupka is a passable cave or rock bridge. The cave can be reached in about 3 hours from the hut "Ambaritsa".
Mount Botev
Botev is the highest peak in Stara Planina and ranks among the leaders in Bulgaria with its 2376 meters high. It is an extensive grassland with a granite base, suffering from erosion. A meteorological station and a radio relay and television station have been built on Mount Botev, which covers over 651 TP2T of the territory of Bulgaria with a television and radio signal. The shortest route is from the Panitsike area to the "Rai" hut and takes about 6 hours.
Find great places and recommended businesses in our business directory…
Paradise Sprinkler Waterfall
The Paradise Sprinkler is the tallest constantly flowing waterfall in Bulgaria and the Balkan Peninsula. Its height is 124 meters. It was formed by the waters of the Pruskalska Reka. The waterfall is located in the central part of Stara Planina at the foot of Botev peak. Paradise sprinkler belongs to Jendema reserve. Near the waterfall is the Paradise Hut. The Paradise Splash is sometimes incorrectly called the Kalofer Splash or the Great Jendem Waterfall, but these are names of another waterfall that is very difficult to access.
SEE ALSO: 5 of the most beautiful waterfalls in Bulgaria
Heavenly Pastures Nature Park - Osikovitsa
The heavenly pastures are located in the center of the foothills in the village of Osikovitsa, divided into 6 neighborhoods. Each neighborhood has its own beauty, and in different seasons have their own charm. Within the park is the church "St. Basil the Great. " Ostroma peak can also be seen. Heavenly pasture is not only an unusual place to preserve natural treasures, but also recreates a number of fabulous worlds, such as, you can meet Winnie the Pooh, climb the steps to Paradise, cross the Seven Bridges of Love and more. . All this is a reality thanks to Dr. Vasil Angelov, who years ago turned his lands into a harmonious place, accessible to all people and completely free.
Tsarevets Fortress
This is a unique place where you can meet and get acquainted with the past and history of Bulgaria. The fortress is located on the hill of the same name in the old part of Veliko Tarnovo. The biggest attraction of Tsarevets is the night audiovisual show "Sound and Light". You will be amazed by the grandeur of the reconstructed royal palace with its throne room, palace church and royal chambers. From the fortress Tsarevets was ruled by kings Assen I, Peter IV, Kaloyan, Ivan Assen II, Ivan Alexander, Ivan Shishman.
SEE ALSO: 5 fortresses you must visit
Practical tips for visiting Stara Planina
Visiting Stara Planina requires some preparation, especially if you are planning longer treks. It is recommended to stock up on healthy ones hiking boots, suitable for uneven terrain and changeable weather. In summer, even on warm days, nights in the mountains can be chilly, so bring warm clothes and a raincoat. For lovers of long hikes or those who plan to spend the night in the mountains, equipment with a tent or a sleeping bag will provide additional comfort.
For easier access to Stara planina, it is good to familiarize yourself with the transport options to the area. The cities of Troyan, Karlovo and Kalofer are the main starting points and have facilities for tourists such as hotels, guest houses and restaurants offering traditional Bulgarian cuisine. If you are traveling by car, pay attention to the condition of the roads, as some sections can be difficult to pass, especially in bad weather.
Find great places and recommended businesses in our business directory…
Cultural and historical sights in Stara Planina
Stara planina not only impresses with its natural beauty, but also with its cultural and historical attractions. One of the main symbols of the mountain is the Troyan Monastery - the third largest in Bulgaria and an important spiritual center. The monastery is located near the city of Troyan and attracts thousands of tourists and pilgrims with its unique icons, murals and historical artifacts.
Also, the village of Zheravna, known for its authentic architecture, is a popular tourist destination. The village has preserved the spirit of the Renaissance and offers a unique atmosphere where visitors can immerse themselves in the past and explore the traditional wooden houses, some of which are more than two centuries old. In the village of Koprivshtitsa, located on the southern slope of Stara Planina, the National Assembly of Folk Art is held every year - an event that gathers people from all over the country to honor and preserve Bulgarian traditions and customs.
