Bulgarian Beauty
Chudnite Mostove: Chudnite Mostove (Wondrous Bridges) is a pair of stone arches situated near the Aidarsko Dere River, beneath the Chernatitsa Ridge. The total area of the natural monument comprises 40.3 hectares. One theory has it that the bridges are the result of an ancient cave collapsing during an earthquake. Over time, atmospheric processes have shaped two natural marble bridges of extraordinary beauty. Chudnite Mostove has been a protected area since 1949. Photo: Sigfrido Gonzalez | Text: Monika Arnaudova
Bulgarian Beauty
Dyavolsko Gurlo: The Dyavolsko Gurlo (Devil's Throat) is an amazing feature of the Trigrad Gorge, located in the Rhodope Mountains. This cave formation is the result of many layers of earth collapsing. Inside the main part of the cave is a large hall in which tourists can admire the Balkan Peninsula's highest underground waterfall. The name of the cave originates from the devil's head-shaped entrance. One popular legend is that the cave is where the mythological Orpheus, the god of music, began his underworld journey to Hades to rescue his beloved Eurydice. Photo: Nikolay Andonov | Text: Monika Arnaudova
Bulgarian Beauty
Rila Mountain: Rila Mountain is not only Bulgaria's highest mountain, but the tallest Balkan peak and Europe's sixth-highest, reaching a height of 2,925 metres. Situated over much of Rila National Park, the mountain's name is of Thracian origin, meaning "well-watered". The mountain region is home to more than 200 glacial lakes and hot springs, a huge variety of plant species and a rich fauna habitat. Rila Mountain is also famous for Bulgaria's largest and most historically significant monastery, Rila Monastery. Photo: Stella Momcheva | Text: Monika Arnaudova
Bulgarian Beauty
Stara Planina: The Stara Planina mountain range stretches over the Balkans from Bulgaria into eastern Serbia and to the Black Sea. The largest part of the range is situated in Bulgaria, and the range forms the division between the northern and southern halves of the country. The range's highest point is Botev Peak, standing at 2,376 metres. The Stara Planinas are home to a many rocks, grasses and waters. Some of the region's waterfalls are popular tourist attractions, such as Rajsko Pruskalo, Vidimsko Pruskalo and Dzhendemsko Pruskalo. Photo: Deni Manova | Text: Monika Arnaudova
Bulgarian Beauty
Vitosha National Park: The Vitosha mountain range lies on the outskirts of Sofia, west Bulgaria. Its highest peak, Cherni Vruh (Black Peak) rises to 2,290 metres, fourth highest in the country. A symbol of Sofia, Vitosha National Park, the oldest in the Balkans, offers several amenities to residents of the capital city, such as skiing and hiking. With 50-percent forest cover, Vitosha is home to roughly half of Bulgaria's plant species. Illegal hunting over the years has seriously reduced the area's large mammal population. Photo: Nikolay Andonov | Text: Monika Arnaudova
Bulgarian Beauty
Belogradchik Rocks: The Belogradchik Rocks, often referred to as 'The Bulgarian Grand Canyon', is a group of rock formations, the magical result of eons of erosion. The tallest of the formations reach heights of approximately 200 meters, and each bears a legend behind its name: e.g. the Madonna, the Rider, the Monks, the Student, the Lion, the Bear, Adam & Eve. The Belogradchik Rocks were declared a natural landmark in 1949. Photo: Nikolay Andonov | Text: Monika Arnaudova
Bulgarian Beauty
Rusenski Lom Canyon: The Rusenski Lom River in north-east Bulgaria is one of the Danube's last tributaries. The Rusenski Lom Nature Park, protected since 1970 and covering an area of 3,408 hectares, is one of Bulgaria's 10 nature parks. The park enthralls nature lovers and scientists alike with a richness of astonishing natural diversity, such as high vertical rocks, caves, beautiful riverside terraces, meanders, and historical monuments of national and international significance. Photo: Eli Vlikova | Text: Monika Arnaudova
Bulgarian Beauty
Oborishte Park: Oborishte Park in Bulgaria's capital city of Sofia is better known to residents by its original name, Zaimov Park. One of the city's most beautiful and treasured locations, the park is kept in exceptional condition, and possesses a wealth of fresh, green grass and beautiful, colourful flowers. Photo: flickr | Text: Monika Arnaudova
'It's all about cooperation': Frank van Lamoen
