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Bulgaria, Danube region, Sofia region, Southwest region, Vratsa region

The beauty of the Balkan through the prism of Iskar river gorge

posted by Dario
Feb 14, 2017 1443 0 0
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The beauty of the Balkan through the prism of Iskar river gorge

 

Today’s adventure will be for my daylong trip to the Iskar river gorge.
The area itself provides numerous places to visit, as well as various types of activities. From trails to climbing cliffs, visiting beautiful villages or just a pleasant stroll through the lush nature of the Balkan. But in this post I will show you some places that  impressed me greatly and I think it is a nice occasion to walk for a day and to get away from the urban environment.

  • Cherepish monastery
  • Village of Lakatnik
  • Waterfall Bovska Skaklya

Cherepish monastery

We left at nine in the morning from Sofia and headed without delay, north direction Svoge. Our first stop was Cherepish monastery, founded in the 14th century during the Second Bulgarian State ruled by King Shishman.

The monastery was repeatedly burned with the little room in which are hold the bones of the fallen soldiers in the fighting against the Ottoman Empire.

This fact contributes to the rich and dramatic history which can be felt to this day in this place. The place brings a compelling serenity caused by strong faith and perseverance of the Bulgarians.

A few meters from the monastery is the beautiful Iskar river. For me the most interesting fact  is that right here, the Patriarch of Bulgarian literature Ivan Vazov wrote his story “A Bulgarian woman” (apparently I have not listened enough in literature classes at school because I realized this fact just when I visited the place).

Useful information:
You can reach the monastery, travelling from Sofia to Vratsa (distance 85 km) and at the junction to Lyutibrod – turn left. The road is nice and maintained;
Near the monastery you have the opportunity to go to the terrace which allows you to take spectacular shots to remember, and to see all the magic of this place;
To the panoramic terrace you can reach by returning to the main road and continue upwards. Pass the first tunnel and just before the second tunnel, on the left, you will see a road for the terrace;
The monastery is known for its rich history that possess. For the curious: in his travelogue “In Bulgarian Switzerland,” Aleko Konstantinov praised it;

Village of Lakatnik

After the monastery we headed to Lakatnik to see a small cottage attached to the high cliffs of the gorge. It’s “Eagle’s Nest” or more simply said house for climbers enthusiasts. This is a house built in 1938 by climbers that serves as a shelter, located at over 300 meters and providing spectacular views. To visit this place you have to be prepared, it will be very extreme and will raise your adrenaline.

Useful information:
The house is located just above the station Lakatnik attached to one of the rocks surrounding the village. Located only 60 km from Sofia, you can get in the way to Svoge;
Lakatnik is defined as “swing of Bulgarian mountaineering”

Waterfall Bovska Skaklya

Last but not least was the breathtaking panorama of waterfall Bovska Skaklya. It is located on the eco trail “Dyado Yotso” but we didn’t have time to go over the whole trail, so we drove to the village settlement.

Waterfall “Skaklya” is named after the river that is situated in the eastern part of the mountain Ponor. It is about 120 meters high. The water that falls is like “jumping” over several cascades, the highest of which reaches 85 meters. Falling from a height the water creates an incredibly beautiful view, but unfortunately, we visited the place during the dry season and as you can see in the pictures the water can hardly be seen.

But on the other hand, I can show you the stunning panorama that provides this place.

Useful information:
If you want to walk and go all over the eco trail you can start either from the top of the village Zasele, or down from Gara Bov;
The site provides extensive views over the Balkan;
The waterfall is best suited for photos during the winter period of the year when forming large frozen icicles;

The photographs in this publication are in collaboration with Ergyun Musov, you can see his gallery here.

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Travel Blogger

Dario Dionisi



If you want to know something more about me – my soul is a traveler, my origin is Italian and my true essence is a faithful friend. I am always open to new ideas and will be very happy if you want to contact me at dario@beyondsofia.com

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Dario • Exploring beyond Sofia
Is it a fox? Is it a wolf? Is it Hachiko? No, it' Is it a fox? Is it a wolf? Is it Hachiko? 
No, it's Yuki-Doro conquering Cherni vrah peak at the age of 4 months.

Who would think that this little guy would manage to accomplish this so early stage in his life.

Imagine what he would do in the future, Everest here we come! 😂

#hiking #winter #dog
People have said it well that the dog is man's bes People have said it well that the dog is man's best friend.

This weekend was Yuki-Doro's first real adventure-challenge.

We wandered through the winter landscapes of snowy Vitosha.  Based on the amount of snow he ate, yes, he definitely liked the snow, it's good that it is low in calories, otherwise I would have returned to Sofia with a meatball.

Definitely this little one knows how to brighten up the atmosphere and make the trips more interesting.

I look forward to our next adventures.

Do you travel with your pets?

#winter #mountain #dog
Winter etudes of Vitosha Mountain • So, let us Winter etudes of Vitosha Mountain •

So, let us be clear here - I cannot stand winter and I really do not like the snow and cold. It is probably inherited from my Italian bloodline, who knows, but anyways.

However, I must confess, I have been multiple times in Vitosha mountain but probably for the first time I visit it for a whole hike to the peak during winter. Won’t lie, I enjoyed a lot the nature scenes I saw during my hike but still I was going to loose my hands no matter I had gloves all the time.

Overall, the experience was pleasant because it is good to remind ourselves what a true winter looks like. We all know that because of the global warming we do not have that heavy winter that we used to have back in the early 2000s. So, to see so much snow and peace at one place was a delight for my senses.

As I always say, it is good to challenge yourself and go out of your comfort zone. Only then you can discover many intriguing things, but most importantly -  to learn so many new things about yourself.

#winter #hiking #nature
Cherni vruh, the highest point of Vitosha mountain Cherni vruh, the highest point of Vitosha mountain 2290 m the peak is the fourth highest mountain summit in Bulgaria.

It presents the best spontaneous getaway if you want to go out in the nature. Also is way to good challenge yourself. I myself did it multiple times and must confess every time I climb it from different points it amazes me with the beauty that this mountain contains.

#Bulgaria #nature #mountain
The stone river in Vitosha or also known as The Go The stone river in Vitosha or also known as The Golden Bridges - amazingly beautiful natural phenomenon - the largest stone river in the Vitosha National Park. Massive stones (average size 2-3 meters) flow down from the mountain top to the valley for more than 2 miles long and 150 meters wide.

The stone river is ‘descending’ from elevation 1800 m above sea level to 1410 m at Golden Bridges site.

#Bulgaria #nature #stoneriver
Etudes of Vitosha • Is there anyone who lives i Etudes of Vitosha •

Is there anyone who lives in Sofia and had never visited Vitosha Mountain?

Because clearly this mountain is a pure nature gift for us all!

Vitosha Mountain is the oldest nature park on the Balkan Peninsula. Its gorgeous silhouette is visible from almost all positions in the city and is inseparable part of Sofia’ image.

Vitosha Naturе Park is the most broadly protected territory in Bulgaria, and due to its proximity to Sofia it has turned into a site of education in responsible attitude towards nature.

And don’t forget Sofia is the only European capital with such a big mountain so close to the city center.

So no matter the time and season Vitosha is always a good choice for adventures.

#Bulgaria #mountain #tourism
It is the uncertainty that charms one. A mist make It is the uncertainty that charms one. A mist makes things wonderful.

#Bulgaria #mist #nature
The geological phenomenon "Strupanitsa" is formed The geological phenomenon "Strupanitsa" is formed among the Maastrichtian limestones of "Mezdrenska" and "Kailashkata svita". 

It is located 2 km north of the village of Karlukovo, on the right bank of Iskar rivar, to a cliff with a height of 60-70 m. It is a huge landslide of rock blocks, mostly cubic and parallelepiped-shaped, with dimensions up to 15-20 m.

The formation of the landslide is most likely due to the undermining of the vertical rocks of the gorge of the Iskar River at a very sharp left turn. Most likely, a deep niche was formed initially, and later the cracked massive limestones collapsed, changing the course of the river. 

The area has been declared a rare natural phenomenon by the Committee for Environmental Protection.

#Bulgaria #naturephenomenon #nature
I wandered lonely as a cloud that floats on high o I wandered lonely as a cloud
that floats on high o'er vales and hills, to rediscover that special beauty of Bulgarian nature under the caress of the autumn rain. 🌦️
#Bulgaria #nature #view
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