The fans of wild nature in Bulgaria are the only ones who know well the hidden tourist potential of Yablanitsa, Cherven Bryag and Lukovit municipalities. The multiple karst formations in this region, including the meanders of Zlatna Panega River, are a perfect destination for eco tourism and photo tours. The northwestern part of Bulgaria was until recently terra incognita for tourism. However, thanks to the joint efforts of the local administration, the number of visitors who go there to enjoy a real tourist adventure has been constantly growing.

Thanks to the financial support of the EU funds the three small municipalities (Yablanitsa, Lukovit and Cherven Bryag), situated along the valley of Zlatna Panega River, have fulfilled a joint project aimed at turning this region into a popular tourist destination. The incredible abundance of caves and other karst formations in this region are at the root of the eco routes launched by the municipalities. Tourists who go there find themselves into a fairytale world of rocky arches and stone heaps overhanging Zlatna Panega, Iskar and Vit rivers. This amazing part of the Bulgarian nature was inhabited even in the history of mankind, which is proved by a series of traces of ancient settlements, Thracian sanctuaries, antique necropolises, etc. The only of its kind Iskar-Panega Geological Park, with its incredible 100-120 million years-old geological formations, is situated near the town of Lukovit. Covered by a multitude of rocky formations, the karst plateau near the village of Karlukovo is among the most picturesque spots in this region. The Head of the Magic of Panega Valley project Ekaterina Miloslavova has more:

“These three municipalities cover only 1% of the country's territory. However, over 700 caves were formed in this region. The most popular one is Prohodna Cave, also known as The Eyes of God. It is situated near the village of Karlukovo and was the venue of a series of film shootings. Temnata Dupka (The Dark Hole), Svirchovitsa and Saeva Dupka are also among the most popular caves in this country. Most rock arches were found in this part of the country. One of the most beautiful natural formations is Skalnite Mostove (Rock bridges) natural phenomenon which hangs over the Vit River. In fact, nearly two-thirds of our territory is part of the Natura 2000 environmental network. The region is rich in virgin spots with exceptional bio diversity. Giant breathtaking stone figures can be seen behind each river meander.”

A series of eco pathways with summer houses, bridges and wooden handrails were built under this project. At night these eco paths are illuminated by solar panels. The most popular eco path takes tourists to Staritsata - the oldest and most-picturesque meander of Zlatna Panega River near the town of Lukovit. The magnificent nature, however, is not enough to reveal the full tourist potential of Lukovit, Cherven Bryag and Yablanitsa municipalities. More from Ekaterina Miloslavova:

“The local tourism has started to show signs of recovery in the past two years. Several new guest houses already opened doors for visitors. In these small and cozy places people can feel the authentic atmosphere of the traditional Bulgarian home. Many tourists started to visit us recently. Last summer for instance a small family hotel welcomed Romanian tourists. Enchanted by the stunning nature in this region, these tourists stayed there for 2 or 3 days on their way to the Mediterranean Coast in Greece. They promised us to come back again this summer”, the Head of the Magic of Panega Valley project Ekaterina Miloslavova says.

English version: Kostadin Atanasov