The 7 Natural Wonders of Bulgaria You Must See

The 7 Natural Wonders of Bulgaria You Must See

I have already given you a guide to Varna, the city I call home, but Bulgaria has so much more to offer. Specifically, there are several natural wonders that every traveler should see for themselves. From natural caves surrounded by legends to crystal clear lakes nestled at the top of mountains, this is my guide to the natural wonders of Bulgaria that you must see. 

The Rila Lakes

The Rila Lakes are the most famous of the breathtaking locations on this list and for a good reason. The Seven Lakes are situated in the northwestern area of the Dangskiya region. They are about a two-hour drive from the nation's capital of Sofia.

The Seven Lakes are named per their shape. From highest to lowest, you have the Tear Lake, with its crystal clear water. Then there is the deepest of the seven lakes, the Eye lake. A short trek down a rocky incline will bring you to the Kidney Lake, named for its kidney shape. The next lake down is the Twins, named so as depending on the weather, it will either be two separate lakes or one. Further along the trail, you will find the Three-leafed lake and the Fish lake. There is a shelter serving food and drinks overlooking the banks of the Fish lake. Finally, and appropriately named, is the Lower lake. These lakes are not generally home to any fish, due to the icy cold temperatures from the rain and snow that fills them,  but Minnow and Trout have been known to frequent the lower lakes. The Ski lift ride up to the lakes through the surrounding pine forests is just as impressive. If planning to visit these beautiful lakes, you should plan for the whole day. This is a yearly attraction, though it is busiest in the summer.

The Canyon of Waterfalls

This canyon is often overshadowed by several other waterfalls in Bulgaria, which is great because you can wander the forest path without too many tourists. Even better is that you don’t get to see one waterfall, but forty-six! The 6km trek will take you along a breathtaking path, and is quite possibly my favorite place in Bulgaria. The walk can take a good day, so make a weekend of it and visit the below locations on the next day. The Canyon of Waterfalls is located in the Rhodope Mountain Range near the town of Smolyan.

The Devil’s Throat Cave

The winding Trigard Gorge is home to the Devil’s Throat Cave.  A man-made shaft will take you down into a vast chamber that sits on top of a 150-meter tunnel, which people have tried and failed to explore. Don’t drop your phone.  Legend says that this tunnel is the entrance to the underworld, as is backed up by the image of the Devil that can be seen in the rocks (from the right angle and with some imagination.) What is a fact is that this cave is home to the largest colony of long-winded bats. A large and steep staircase runs alongside a waterfall and will lead you out of the cave. The Devil’s Throat cave can be found in the Rhodope Mountain Range, about a 4-hour drive from Sofia. 

Yagodinska Cave

The Yagodinska Cave is the fourth longest cave in Bulgaria and the longest in the Rhodope Mountain Range. This primarily marble cave complex is full of striking natural limestone formations. If feeling romantic, there is a wedding chapel built into the cave complex, as well as a hall used to celebrate New Years. This cave complex is only 30 minutes from the above Devil’s Throat cave, and both can be seen in a day.

The Wonderful Bridges

The final location you should definitely see if staying somewhere close to the Rhodope Mountain Range is The Wonderful Bridges. Chudnite Mostove as it is known to the locals is a natural phenomenon. The Bridges were once a single cave complex until the river had caused the marble to crumble, leave two bridges for you to walk on top off and underneath. There is a legend of a battle with a dragon, to go along with the creation of these stone bridges, but I will let you discover that for yourself.

Prohodna Cave

Stepping away from the Rhodope Mountains, we go to the northern mountain range of Bulgaria, the Central Balkan National Park, specifically, to Prohodna Cave. The Eyes of God, as they are known, is a 262-meter cave with two large gaping holes in the ceiling, the eyes. After rainfall, water will fall through the eyes, giving the impression of tears. The cave can be found 1 and a half hours outside of Sofia. Ruins within the cave show signs that people may have once lived there, but it is uncertain if the cave was inhabited or if it was used for ritual purposes. 

Krushuna Waterfalls

Also located in the Central Balkan National Park, Krushuna Waterfalls, is one of the largest waterfalls in the country, with a 20-meter drop. An Eco-path will lead you through the forest, across multiple wooden bridges, and past multiple smaller waterfalls, until it brings you out to the main attraction. The beautiful scenes throughout the hike are peaceful and relaxing. The falls are 1 and a half hours drive east from Prohodna Cave, so worth a visit if in the area. 

Bulgaria: A Country Full of Wonders

This list is my own, there are numerous natural lakes, caves, and other wonders, all with their own bit of legend behind them. Bulgaria a beautiful country and cannot be summed up a by a simple list. So get over here and explore the country. 

Do you have a favorite place in Bulgaria? Have you been to any of the above locations?