Bulgaria definitely has a wide variety of tourist attractions related to water. From beautiful and sheltered lakes, through our romantic Black Sea coast, to the majestic waterfalls that make their way in different parts of the country.
With this article, we continue the series of “Five waterfalls to visit in…“, in which we explore the most attractive, distinctive and beautiful waterfalls on the territories of Rila, Pirin, Stara Planina, Rhodopes and Belasitsa mountains.
Today we are heading to the backbone of Bulgaria, namely the irreplaceable and beautiful Stara Planina, which gathers a large part of the top waterfalls in Bulgaria, as well as a great variety that one cannot help but fall in love with. Find out in the following lines which are the five waterfalls that you should visit!
Table of Contents
Kademliysko praskalo
Kademliysko praskalo waterfall is one of the most impressive waterfalls in Bulgaria and is located in the territory of the Central Stara Planina. It originates from the Kademliyska river, which starts a little higher up in the mountain and is a tributary of the Tuzha river. The waterfall is located at an altitude of 1,500 meters above sea level, and its height is 72 meters, making it one of the highest waterfalls in the country. There is a well-marked route to it and it is not difficult to walk, but it takes a considerable amount of time as it takes at least 3:30 – 4:00 hours each way.
The best time to visit is in early summer when there is water and the weather is favorable for longer walks.
You will find the location of the waterfall here.
Difficulty level: Medium.
Starting point: the village of Tuzha, it is located a few kilometers east of Kalofer.
Route: The route is well marked and goes in the following sequence – Tuzha village – Rusalka hut – Kademliysko praskalo, it is approximately 13 kilometers long.
Sopot waterfall
The Sopot waterfall and the area around the Manastirska river is a neat place hidden in the foothills of Stara Planina near the town of Sopot. The waterfall is about 15 m high, forming two large falls of water. The route is pleasant and most of the path is flat, the walk to the waterfall takes about 30-40 minutes.
The best time to visit is between April and June.
You will find the location of the waterfall here.
Difficulty level: Low.
Starting point: The lift station of the city of Sopot, located in the northern part of the city, has multiple signs.
Route: From the beginning of the route to the waterfall itself, you have to walk about 2 km with about 200 meters of elevation gain, which takes about 30-40 minutes at a normal pace.
Skaklya waterfall
Perhaps one of the most famous waterfalls in Bulgaria is Skaklya waterfall, also known as Zaselska skaklya and Vazova skaklya. It is located not far from the capital. The Vazova eco-path and Skaklya waterfall are among the most preferred places for a walk during the weekends, and the place itself adds additional value with the stunning views of the Iskar Gorge. The waterfall has a drop of 85 m and originates from the river Skaklya. Depending on where you start, the duration varies: if it is from the village of Zasele, it is 15 minutes in one direction, if it is from the lower side, Bov Station is 1:30 hours in one direction.
The waterfall is full of water all year round, but in the summer it is weaker.
You will find the location of the waterfall here.
Difficulty level: Low.
Starting point: Depending on where you start, 15 minutes from Zasele village square or 1.30 hours from Bov Station.
Route: Depending on where you start, from the village of Zasele it is downhill, and from Bov Station it is uphill.
Raysko praskalo
The Raysko praskalo is a place that bears this name for a reason, because once you climb up here, you fall in love with the heavenly atmosphere, saturated with tranquility and beauty. Raysko praskalo is the highest permanent waterfall (with a drop of 125 m) in Bulgaria, and even on the Balkan Peninsula. It is located below the Botev peak 2376 m and in the immediate vicinity of the Ray hut. The waterfall can be reached in about 4:00 hours along a mountain path starting from the area of Panitsite to Kalofer.
The waterfall is full of water all year round.
You will find the location of the waterfall here.
Difficulty level: Medium.
Starting point: Panitsike locality, 5 km north of the town of Kalofer.
Route: The route takes approximately 3:00 – 3:30 hours each way and is just over 10 km long. The route has a large elevation difference of over 900 m. It passes through steep, flat, open and closed places. It also offers viewing platforms and benches along the way.
Suchurum waterfall
Suchurum waterfall, translated as Flying Water, is one of the most accessible waterfalls in Bulgaria. It is located extremely close to the old historical center of Bulgarian culture – Karlovo. It practically falls within the limits of the city itself, as it is located within the boundaries of the city park. The waterfall is positioned on the Old River, which flows through the town of Karlovo. It is about 8 meters high, flowing into a formed lake below it, and is located approximately 480 m above sea level in the northern parts of the city.
The best time to visit is between April and June.
You will find the location of the waterfall here.
Difficulty level: Low.
Starting point: Either through the city park, following the signs, or along “Vodopad” street.
Route: The waterfall can be reached by Karlovska Street, called “Vodopad”, which is located in the northern part of the city.