They used to call Varshets the Bulgarian Baden-Baden in the early 20th c. The quiet town, situated at the northern foot of the Balkan Range amidst the coolness of mixed forests, looks like it still lives in the epoch of its aristocratic fame. The place used to gather famous and wealthy people, who opted for its healing mineral springs, mild climate and inspiring nature. The town is aside from the fuzz of modern life and wild competition, aiming at the attraction of tourists via pompous construction works. This is the only place where gardening art’s connoisseurs can truly appreciate the work of gardeners who have created the Sunny Garden unique park complex and the romantic Plane Tree Alley.

The resort hosts the second-largest park in Bulgaria, where exclusively imported exotic species grow. An irrigation system has been constructed through the entire village, in order to keep equal humidity of the clear mountainous air.

The city woodland was created in 1912 as a project of the first in Bulgaria spa doctor Dr. Damyan Ivanov, an Austrian graduate. The park is situated on 80 ha and is planted mainly with coniferous trees: sequoia, pine wood, cedar, ginkgo biloba, magnolia etc. The doctor was a true erudite who had knowledge in different areas and he invested all his potential in Varshets, turning the place into an exceptional European resort.

New trees have been recently planted and the sporting zone has been entirely changed thanks to the Eco Park for Relax and Tourism in Varshets project. There are resting areas formed and also cycling alleys. Anyone may hire a bike from the Tourist Information Center of Varshets. Environmental routes start from the park’s center for both short-distance walkers and dedicated hikers.

The path, leading to Ivanchova Polyana /Ivan’s Lawn/ takes only 10 minutes from downtown. The place is situated at the highest spot of the park and links it with the century-old forests of the Balkan Range’s Koznishki Dyal. The place has been well known since the early 20th c. when dancing and youth evenings were organized there. The lawn is now turned into a resting zones spot, picnics in wooden sheds and lounge chairs for sunbathing.

The park gives the start to an environmental route towards the waterfall, situated in the Zanozhene area, 3 km away from the mineral springs. The route crosses beech and coniferous forests and lawns only 30 minutes away from Varshets. There is this other route, some 7 km away from the town, towards the Byalata Voda /White Water/ area with the shed of the same name. Then the path towards the Todorini Kukli /Todora’s Dolls/ Peak invites the most experienced mountain climbers.

Fans of peaceful evening walks may stroll along the Plane Tree Alley – a 2-km-long pedestrian zone, situated downtown. The trees which form the beautiful green tunnel to the Zanozhene neighborhood are nearly 100 years old. This has always been the traditional place for walks of those in love, ever since the previous century. Some of the most beautiful villas of the settlement, built in the early 20th c. are situated alongside the boulevard. They are named after tender flowers: Rose, Nezabravka (Forget-Me-Not), Ortenzia (Hydrangea) etc. Great poets like Ivan Vazov and Dora Gabe used to stay there.

The first Bulgarian casino was built in Varshets in 1924 – right next to the two mineral baths and almost in the same architectural style. It was electrified in the 1930s, when Varshets saw its peak as a resort, known abroad as well. It was visited by Prince Kiril who would often play at the casino – hence for its name, the Royal Casino. The initial beauty contest, Miss Varshets 1938, took place here.

Each year the town marks its most significant fest in the period end-July – mid-August – the festival of the resort, mineral waters and the Balkan Range. It honors the mineral springs and natural resources. Various events for children and grownups take place in the course of several weeks – rock concerts, crafts alley, fine art workshop of local artists, football and volleyball tournaments etc. The Balkan Sings folklore fest will take place this year within the frames of the fest, with popular Serbian singer Dragan Kojić "Keba" being invited as its guest.

English version: Zhivko Stanchev