„Pastel diversity with view to the sky“

(Geopark “Iskar – Panega”)

Geopark “Iskar-Panega” is a colorful idyll, situated in the park bearing the same name, which combines two separate areas – Karlukovski karst complex and Landscape Park “Panega”.

The distance to complete the path is 12 km, initially passes through the first region, accompanied by Zlatna Panega river and continues through hilly terrain plateau named after the second area. The travel is about 3-4 hours and the route itself has numerous spots for rest.

Geopark “Iskar-Panega” provides visitors with a great diversity of water, plants and rocks which in turn contributes to a magical atmosphere in the area.

Parts of the trail pass just over the river by wooden platforms placed in the rock formations. They provide a closer view of the picturesque meanders belonging to the river, which carry beautiful pastel colors and rich mix of flora, fauna and rock formations.

Diversity, which I witnessed during a walk in the geopark, contributes to a positive experience, and full recharge with good emotions. The trail itself endows with abundant breathtaking views that can only make you smile when you remember them.

The difference of this trail, compared to others in Bulgaria, is that here reign mainly two things: the smell of the wonderful herbs and many beautiful, colorful and playful dragonflies that easily make the picture more colorful and enjoyable.

The location of the eco-trail runs entirely along the river Zlatna Panega, which originates from one of the largest karst springs – Glava Panega, located about 19 km south of Lukovit. Also passes along the periphery of the Karlukovo plate. The route presents the full range of surface and underground karst formations. It turned into a sustainable tourism product of geological, geomorphological or paleontological objects with aesthetic or cultural and historical value. Finally, this whole combination of beautiful meanders river, colorful meadows and rock formations of ecotrail Iskar-Panega, makes it one of the most beautiful natural sites in Bulgaria.

Useful information:
To reach Geopark Iskar – Panega you must take the road on  highway Hemus in the direction of Pleven-Ruse. The eco-trail is located 110 km from Sofia, 55 km from the town of Pleven and 2 km from Lukovit;
On the outset of the eco-trail there is a parking with large capacity. It is located just before the sign to Lukovit;
Visiting this place will make you witness the diversity that can only impress you with enchanting landscapes that creates;
This is a place where you can feel the beauty of nature in its entire splendor;

After our visit to the beautiful Geopark “Iskar-Panega” we headed to cave Prohodna or as better known God’s eyes.

Prohodna is a cave located 2 km from the village Karlukovo area Lovech. It is the longest cave tunnel in Bulgaria. Its length is 262 m. and reaches a height of 50 meters. The rock arch passage is naturally lit through the phenomenon of “Eyes of God” – by the erosion in the ceiling of the average hall have been formed two holes with almost the same shape and strongly resembling eyes. It is they, “Eyes of God”, that allow the sun to penetrate and illuminate the cave. The cave has two entrances, large (45 meters) and small (35 meters).

Finally, this creation (cave phenomenon “God’s eyes”) leaves you with amazement and admiration for nature itself,  what is possible to be created and at the same time be so simple and yet very beautiful!

Useful information:
The distance from Sofia is 120 km. The route passes through Lukovit from there turn left at the road to village Petrevene – after about 8 km. to Karlukovo. There are sideways marked with corresponding road signs.
The cave can be visited in any season, preferably to walk during the warmer months;
There is a parking near the entrance of the cave;
Prohodna is one of the few caves in Europe where there are good conditions and are practiced cave bungee jumpings;
You do not need special mountain equipment;