Things to do in Balkan Mountains
Discover the best attractions and experiences Balkan Mountains has to offer
Historic Monuments
From ancient fortresses to bold 20th-century monuments, the Balkan Mountains hide iconic landmarks across Bulgaria.
Buzludzha Monument
A stark, decaying monument perched on the peak of the Balkan Mountains honoring Bulgaria's early communist era.
Belogradchik Fortress
A dramatic fortress carved into towering rock formations that witnesses centuries of Balkan history.
Tsarevets Fortress
The medieval hill fortress above Veliko Tarnovo, offering panoramic views and rich Bulgarian history.
Museums
Explore regional culture, crafts, and history across the Balkan range.
Etar Ethnographic Complex
An open-air museum of Bulgarian crafts and traditional wooden architecture.
Regional History Museum Veliko Tarnovo
Exhibits on the local Thracian and medieval history of Veliko Tarnovo and surroundings.
Religious Monuments
Historic churches and monasteries cling to the hills, offering serene spaces.
Shipka Monastery
A functioning monastery perched near Shipka Pass with scenic views and history.
Dryanovo Monastery
A 14th-century Orthodox monastery set in forested cliffs above the valleys.
National & Theme Parks
Protected areas and natural landscapes showcase Bulgaria's diverse Balkan scenery.
Central Balkan National Park
Sprawling protected lands along the Balkan range, home to Botev Peak and varied wildlife.
Shumen Plateau Nature Park
Protected plateau offering karst landscapes, caves, and sweeping panoramas.
Neighborhoods
Historic towns along the range have walkable cores and craft-filled streets.
Gabrovo Old Town
A charming historic center with traditional houses and craft shops.
Tryavna Old Town
A picturesque hill town known for woodcarving and preserved architecture.
Arbanasi (Veliko Tarnovo)
A cliffside village near Veliko Tarnovo with churches, terraces, and stone houses.
Free Things to Do
Many Balkan beauties are accessible without an admission fee.
Walk along Shipka Pass
Scenic drive or walk with viewpoints over the steep pine slopes.
Hike in Central Balkan National Park
Choose a marked trail and enjoy forest, streams, and wildlife.
View Belogradchik Rocks from the lookout
Enjoy dramatic rock formations and sweeping valley views for free.
Gastronomy
Taste rustic Balkan flavors in village taverns and local eateries.
Traditional Banitsa and Shopska salad in a village mehana
Taste staples of Bulgarian cuisine with rustic flavors.
Kebabche and Gyuvech from a mountain tavern
Smoky grilled meat dishes often served with sides and bread.
Nightlife
Evenings in mountain towns offer cozy venues with live folk music.
Folk music evenings in Gabrovo or Tryavna
Local taverns host evenings of traditional songs and dances.
Tsarevets Fortress night program (seasonal)
Seasonal sound-and-light performances with medieval themes.
Entertainment
Cultural performances and museums offer night-time options.
Tsarevets Fortress sound and light show
A dramatic experience exploring Veliko Tarnovo's medieval past.
Samovodska Charshiya crafts street
Open-air crafts street with demonstrations and shops.
Sports
Active pursuits harness the region's rugged terrain.
Hike to Botev Peak
Climb Bulgaria's highest peak in the Balkan range with panoramic views.
Trek the Kom-Emine trail
Long-distance route along the Balkan spine from west to east.
Caving in Prohodna Cave
Explore the 'God's Eyes' cave with its dramatic ceilings.
Off the Track
For intrepid travelers, lesser-known natural wonders await.
Prohodna Cave (God's Eyes)
A famous cave with striking twin eye-like openings in the ceiling.
Ledenika Cave
A dramatic underground network with stalactites and stalagmites.
Belogradchik Rocks
A spectacular rock formation field set against the fort and the valley.