Nature trails in Shumen region

Shumen region is a home of unique nature trails. If you love the mountains and you are not afraid to climb steep paths, you will really like them. Also, there are amazing plants you can’t see in any other place in Bulgaria and astonishing rock forms, you will always remember.

Here we give you some information about them. Remember, that public transport is not always available, so you will need preparation to walk a lot.

A two-day (weekend) trip:

Day 1: Kyoshkove park-Borovets fountain-Biserna cave-Shumen-fortress- Khan Krum rock monastery

Day 2: Madara rider-Madara eco path-The Lonely Rock (Samotnitsata)-The dark hole cave (Tamnata dupka)-The dry waterfall (Suhia vodopad)-Grandpa Dimo’s cave (Diado Dimo cave)-Madara fortress- rock forms of Klyulevcha village- The Phalos rock-Kyulevcha village.

A three-day trip:

Day 1: Shumen Platau, Kyoshkovete park-the Devil’s trail (Dyavolskoto prohodche)-Rusalka cave- Bukaka reserve-Tarnov dyal (the highest point of Shumen plateau-rock form “The eye”-Kostadinovo rock monastery- Podkovata rock cell -Osmar village. Going back by bus.

Day 2: Madara rider-Madara eco path-The Lonely Rock (Samotnitsata)-The dark hole cave (Tamnata dupka)-The dry waterfall (Suhia vodopad)-Grandpa Dimo’s cave (Diado Dimo cave)-Madara fortress- rock forms of Klyulevcha village- The Phalos rock-Kyulevcha village. It is possible to see the old capital Pliska from above, if the weather is good.

Day 3: Going by car is recommended. Marash village Marash nature reserve-Gyure Bahcha rock monastery-Red rock near Zhivkovo village.

Important!!! You need special protective clothes and shoes for this trail. Also, you need to be very fit psysically. The path is extremely beautiful too, you can see beautiful plants and breathtaking views.

A five-day trip:

Day 1: Kyoshkove park-Borovets fountain-Biserna cave-Shumen-fortress- Khan Krum rock monastery

Day 2: Shumen Platau, Kyoshkovete park-the Devil’s trail (Dyavolskoto prohodche)-Rusalka cave- Bukaka reserve-Tarnov dyal (the highest point of Shumen plateau-rock form “The eye”-Kostadinovo rock monastery- Podkovata rock cell -Osmar village. Going back by bus.

Day 3: Madara rider-Madara eco path-The Lonely Rock (Samotnitsata)-The dark hole cave (Tamnata dupka)-The dry waterfall (Suhia vodopad)-Grandpa Dimo’s cave (Diado Dimo cave)-Madara fortress- rock forms of Klyulevcha village- The Phalos rock-Kyulevcha village.

Day 4: Kaspichan-Madara plateau (breathtaking views!)- a small rock tomb-Katera rock form-Podvodnitsata rock form (The submarine)-a big rock tomb above Kalugeritsa village- train stop Kalugeritsa. You can go back to Shumen by train from Kalugeritsa.

Day 5: Going by car is recommended. Marash village Marash nature reserve-Gyure Bahcha rock monastery-Red rock near Zhivkovo village.

Note: All the places are very beautiful, off the beaten track and deeply mystical. They are great to help you connect with nature and the true beauty of human experience. There are places to relax and also places that require rigorous physical activity. For all those trails you need to be well prepared to walk a lot and to climb steep places. The caves are truly wonderful but you need to follow all safety instructions. In some of the rock monasteries you can see altars, icons and places to pray. One of the most important monastery is “Virgin Mary” which is still not well-known but very important part of the trail.

Text and photos by Kaloyan Zhivkov

Translated by Irina Miteva