Bulgaria is a country where one can spend a lifetime discovering its unique aspects. It’s a place where different cultures have merged since ancient times. However, its nature deserves special attention. Mountains, fertile valleys, and the sea create landscapes that never grow old. Make sure to plan a visit to one of its masterpieces: the Belogradchik Rocks. This unique natural formation will impress you with its pristine beauty and stunning color combinations.
The first thing that strikes you is the shape of the rock formations. It feels like entering an open-air museum of fantastical figures created by a kind giant. It’s not immediately apparent that this creation wasn’t crafted by human hands. The rocks are arranged in a ridge ranging from 100 to 200 meters high and are divided into five main groups. Each rock is unique, with its own name, color, and position.
Some groups have their own legendary history, based on beautiful love stories, insurmountable obstacles, and, most importantly, a touch of magic. The rest is up to your vivid imagination.
There are many convenient viewing platforms where you can take stunning photos. The rocks are filled with unusual color combinations, from gray to cream, from bright orange to red. While this can be explained from a geological perspective, it’s more about soaking it all in and remembering it. Even if clouds roll in, it won’t spoil your experience. On cloudy days, the complex takes on a softer and more mysterious appearance.
If you prefer to explore on foot, make sure to estimate distances and gauge your stamina in advance. This mountainous area is part of the Balkan Range and covers a substantial area of approximately 6 by 30 kilometers.
How to get there?-
By Train
The Belogradchik Rocks are located 170 km from Sofia. You can travel by train, alight at the nearest stations of Orešets or Skomlya, and then take a taxi for about 20 km along mountain serpentine roads.
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By Bus
Public transport is quite convenient, with regular services. You can take a direct bus from the capital at least twice a day, and the journey takes just over 3 hours.
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By Car
Traveling by car is very convenient in the country. If you’re on the coast, you can rent a car through vput.ru in Sunny Beach and see Bulgaria with your own eyes. Roads are well-maintained, though narrower than those in Europe, and less congested. For example, the drive from Burgas to Belogradchik is just over 500 km and promises to be an interesting and enjoyable adventure! There are many parking options around the attractions in Belogradchik.
When you visit the rocks, make sure to explore the ancient fortress. It’s another must-see attraction. It combines natural and human artistry. Notably, it was built among the impregnable rocks during the Roman Empire, before the Bulgarian state existed. Only the northwest and southeast walls were built by human hands; the massive rock formations naturally complete the fortifications. Initially built as an observation post, it was later expanded during the Ottoman Empire. An entrance ticket costs 6 BGN for Bulgarians and foreigners, 4 BGN for students and pensioners, and 12 BGN for a family ticket for parents with children under 18.
The rocks, fortress, nature reserve, and everything around them are named after the town of Belogradchik, located at the base of the complex. The settlement itself is built in a narrow valley. Previously, residents used part of the mountain to save on construction, with houses seemingly clinging to the rocks. The town has many interesting places worth visiting.
Mosque, Observatory, and Museums Carved Ceiling of the MosqueThe “Hadji Hussein” Mosque is a local cultural monument. Built in 1751, it was closed for over 60 years but has recently been restored by a small Muslim community in the city. It is notable for being the only mosque in the country with a carved ceiling in the national Bulgarian style. Good news for tourists: it is open daily, not only as a religious site but also as an interesting historical attraction
The Belogradchik Art Gallery opened in 1983. It features over 180 paintings by many famous Bulgarian artists, such as Vladimir Dimitrov, Svetlin Rusev, Stoyan Venev, Ivan Hristov, Ioan Leviev, Bahit Bapishov, and others.
The gallery regularly hosts themed exhibitions, with a special focus on the local nature. Individual exhibitions, where authors and many notable cultural figures are present, are announced in advance.
The gallery is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Entrance fees are 3 BGN for adults and 2 BGN for those under 18. Discounts are available for people with disabilities, with free admission upon presenting documents.
The astronomical observatory was built in 1961 on the initiative of Hristo Kostov, a physics teacher at the local high school, and a group of astronomy enthusiasts. It has two observation domes with diameters of 6 and 4 meters and three telescopes. Visitors can observe celestial objects under the supervision of specialists. You can enjoy an informative tour and explore a collection of posters, telescopes, and other astronomical equipment. Night sky observation requires advance booking 3 to 7 days ahead to coordinate with the on-duty astronomer. The observatory operates after 8 PM, with daytime visits limited to introductory tours. Admission costs 2 BGN.
The Historical Museum in the town is located in the “Panovata House” – a building constructed in 1810 and declared a cultural monument. The museum was established in 1970 and houses over 6000 exhibits related to the period of the Bulgarian Revival.
Well-curated displays highlight the local struggle against Ottoman oppression, with special emphasis on the popular uprising of 1850. Exhibits reflect events related to the liberation of Belogradchik from slavery and include items related to local life and traditional costumes.
The museum is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. with a lunch break from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM. Admission prices are similar to those at the art gallery.
The Belogradchik Natural History Museum is located in the park area of the town. It is the only museum of its kind in northwest Bulgaria. Its collection contains 520 exhibits, and its total fund exceeds 3000 units of flora and fauna from the region. The museum features photographs, models, and animal figures, as well as a library with specialized documents, research data, and more.
For those traveling by car, note that park entry is prohibited, and visitors need to walk about a kilometer to reach the museum. It operates daily, but you must book tours in advance by phone. The operating hours are standard for public places in Belogradchik, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
