Belogradchick rocks
The Belogradchik Rocks (Bulgarian: Белоградчишки скали, Belogradchishki skali) are a group of strangely shaped sandstone and conglomerate rock formations located on the western slopes of the Balkan Mountains (Stara Planina) near the town of Belogradchik in northwest Bulgaria. The rocks vary in color from primarily red to yellow; some rocks reach up to 200 m in height. Many rocks have fantastic shapes and are associated with interesting legends. They are often named for people or objects they are thought to resemble. The Belogradchik Rocks have been declared a Natural Landmark by the Bulgarian government and are a major tourist attraction in the region.
The landmark came to the notice of global population when Elon Musk retweeted a photograph of the place, saying, “Pretty sure that was in Elden Ring”.
Getting there
- The closest big city to Belogradchick is Sofia, and a bus runs from the central bus station every day.
- Train on the Sofia -Vidin line leaving from Sofia central railway station. It stops at the village Oreshets which is 10 km east of Belogradchick.
- Best way? By car. If you don’t have one and are traveling to Bulgaria, a rental would give you much more flexibility.
Where to stay?
There are no big chains of hotel in Belogradchick, but a lot of guest houses and local hotels which can be easily found on booking.com. Excellent for a small family, but if you are travelling as a group you might have to book well in advance. During peak season, availability is limited, and it’s always a good idea to plan well ahead.
Ideal time to visit
April to September is supposed to be ideal, do keep in mind that if you like warmth visit between June to September. A one-day trip is not enough to do justice to the place, so have at least two full days in hand if you want a nice, easy paced experience.
What to see and do?
Belogradchick fortress
Situated 1.5 km from the town of Belogradchick, the fortress has been in existence since the Roman era. It was built to control the road from the town of Ratsiaria (today’s village Archar in Vindin region). In 1396 the Ottomans conquered it and reconstructed it.
The fortress has three yards separated from one another and has a total area of 10,210 square meter. Even today, one can see the openings for guns and cannons on the fortress wall. In 1965, it was declared an architectural and constructional monument.
The area around the town is strewn with the rock structures, which can be seen from different vantage points.
Trek to Borovitsa rock complex or Pine stone
If you are up for a trek along an eco trail to a natural monument which falls a little outside the Belogradchick rocks, the journey up to the pine stone is for you. It is located between the Borovitsa village and falcon bridge, and a trail leads from the village. It is advised you do your due diligence before attempting the journey, as the trail is not easy to find unless you know someone who can assist you. The easiest way is from the Holy Trinity Church, just outside Borovitsa.
Difficulty level – Easy to medium because of the gradual incline all along the course without a respite. Make sure you have enough water and not carrying too much weight.
A 4×4 safari around Belogradchick
If crazy, bumpy off-road trails are your thing, you will find these 4X4’s near the fortress. All I can say is that these guys are insanely skilled and take you around the rocks, showing you the most important ones. Make sure you are not stuffed when you embark on the journey. It’s a no holds barred, exhilarating ride which will give you a memorable experience.
Hot air balloon ride
During the season, you can book hat air balloon rides through various online sources. The two best sources are visitbulgariaon.com and new.adventure-bg.com. What’s better than getting a bird’s eye view of the entire region with a small group?:)
Borovitsa Winery
If you are a wine lover, a visit to borovitza winery is a must. Their wide range of collection and award-winning wines are sure to entice you. A good gift to carry back to your loved ones.
There is another place you can combine with Belogradchick – Boziyat most or God’s bridge, about which I will soon write. Have you seen our recent photographic showcase on Plovdiv?
