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The Krushuna Waterfalls are the largest cascades with travertine terraces in Bulgaria, about a kilometre south of the village of Krushuna (35 km from Lovech). They run through the Maarata Nature Park: since 1995 it has been a protected landmark and one of the country's 100 best national tourist sites. Admission is 4 leva for adults, free for children; set aside an hour to an hour and a half for the walk.
In the Lovech Province, 35 km from the town of Lovech, lies an unremarkable village of fewer than five hundred people — Krushuna. Yet a kilometre south of the little village churns a true gem of Bulgaria — the Krushuna Waterfalls. In 1995 the site was recognised as a protected landmark. These are the largest cascades with travertine terraces across the Bulgarian landscape.
The Krushuna Waterfalls are among the 100 best national tourist sites in Bulgaria.
Travertine is a limestone rock based on the insoluble salt of calcium bicarbonate, which forms out of groundwater.
They flow through the Urochishte Maarata Nature Park, which also has a paid mineral-water pool, several cafés and even a grill restaurant. You can grab a bite there before an engaging tour of the area or, the other way round, after hiking the eco-trails.
At the park's entrance gates there are two car parks: a paid one and a free one (located a little farther from the entrance). You can leave your car there without worrying about it during the walk.
Visiting on weekends is not recommended for people who prefer quiet. On those days there are large crowds, especially around the waterfalls.
Within the park there is a visitor centre where you can find many brochures telling the story of the surroundings. Here you can also ask a local guide about the most interesting spots in the Maarata park or hire their services so they take you through the best locations themselves.
At the entrance to the park there is a map showing two routes for a walk by the waterfalls.
The red trail is the main one for tourists, leading to the most beautiful scenery. Walking it takes about 20 minutes.
The blue trail is chosen by active visitors. Covering it takes about 45 minutes because of its greater length and hilly climbs. The trail reveals beautiful views hidden from most people who choose the first route.
A walk around the Krushuna Waterfalls costs 4 leva (≈€2) for an adult; admission is free for children. Paid parking costs 3 leva (≈€1.5).
It is better to set aside at least an hour and a half for the walk. Besides endless admiration of the churning waterfalls and cascades, you will need to climb slopes, make your way along narrow paths and curiously peek into the caves along the way.
The water streams begin somewhere about 15 minutes from the central entrance. A paved alley with benches gradually turns into a forest path. Going ever deeper into the park, which resembles a jungle, you come across small rivers, little waterfalls and blue pools along the way. The local atmosphere is simply enchanting.
The continuous flow of the main waterfall originates at a height of 25 metres from a narrow cave known for its dripstone formations. The water temperature at the outlet reaches 60°C. Breaking against the rapids, the water cools and forms hundreds of small streams. Over its existence the waterfall has coated the mountain rapids and banks with centuries-old moss, and has also contributed to the formation of karst terraces that give the water an emerald tint.
The surroundings of the pool are encircled by eco-trails and fifteen viewing bridges, from where it is convenient to enjoy the endless cascade. There is also plenty of room for picnics and rest near the waterfall. If you are in good physical shape, don't hesitate to explore all the trails near the river. However, do not go on those that are closed — it can be dangerous.
In summer these places intoxicate the traveller with an abundance of red-list species of flora and fauna, the endless singing of birds and the sounds of crashing water streams. Taken together, all the impressions create the feeling of being on an exotic island. The abundance of small caves by the Krushuna Waterfalls is striking. They are found near every water cascade. Many of them are inaccessible to tourists; some can be entered only with equipment.
Because of the high humidity around the waterfalls, you need to be careful when moving about. Take care of your clothing and footwear. Clothes should be comfortable, and shoes non-slip, with a good sole.
How to get here?
To get from the capital of Bulgaria or the resort towns of the Black Sea coast to Lovech, and from there to the sights, there are several ways: by bus, by train or by car. Ticket prices for the various types of transport are listed below:
| Route | Bus | Train |
|---|---|---|
| Burgas – Lovech | €9.5 – €19, ≈6 h | €9 – €15.5, ≈9 h |
| Varna – Lovech | €13 – €17, ≈6 h (night service ≈5 h) | ≈€12, ≈7 h |
| Sofia – Lovech | €5 – €9.5, ≈3.5 h | €6 – €19, ≈5 h |
Of course, it is more convenient and faster to get there by car. If you don't have your own transport, you can rent a car, but it will cost considerably more than a bus or train ticket. Renting a car will cost on average up to €65.
Tourist buses run from Lovech to the village of Krushuna from 13:00 to 17:00.
Where to stay nearby?
For those who want to stay a while in the vicinity of the waterfalls, guest houses are available in the complexes “Zavoya”, “Kray Potoka” and “Pchelina”. They are all located in or near the village of Krushuna, so the Krushuna Waterfalls and other important local sights will be within walking distance.
What to see nearby?
On the road from the village of Krushuna to the Krushuna Waterfalls there is another waterfall — “Green Rock”, whose height reaches 20 metres. Its special feature is that, descending the rocky rapids, it creates an extravaganza of boiling jets of water.
For fans of extreme recreation, 10 km from Krushuna there is the hard-to-reach “Staircase” cave. To explore it fully you should get special equipment. The cave is an underground chamber without any tunnels or passages. The place is especially beautiful during the high solstice, when the sun's rays penetrate the cave and moisture begins to evaporate inside it. The phenomenon looks mystically unusual.
Questions and answers
What are the Krushuna Waterfalls?
They are the largest cascades with travertine terraces in Bulgaria, in the Maarata Nature Park near the village of Krushuna. Since 1995 they have been a protected landmark and are among the country's 100 best national tourist sites.
Where are they and how much is admission?
A kilometre south of the village of Krushuna (35 km from Lovech). Admission is 4 leva (≈€2) for an adult, free for children; paid parking is 3 leva (≈€1.5).
How long does the walk take?
The red trail takes about 20 minutes, the blue one about 45 minutes. It is best to set aside at least an hour to an hour and a half.
How do you get to the waterfalls?
To Lovech from Sofia, Burgas or Varna — by bus, train or car; tourist buses run from Lovech to the village of Krushuna from 13:00 to 17:00. By car is the most convenient and fastest.
What is there to see nearby?
The “Green Rock” waterfall (up to 20 m high) along the road from the village, as well as the hard-to-reach “Staircase” cave 10 km from Krushuna.
What should you keep in mind when visiting?
Summer is especially beautiful, but because of the high humidity you need comfortable clothing and non-slip shoes. It is crowded on weekends, especially around the waterfalls.
