Lovech Province: Hiking, Nature and Crafts

Hills and mountains shape much of the travel experience in Lovech Province: two thirds of the region is hilly and mountainous. Rivers and reservoirs, protected natural areas and places with distinctive craft traditions complete the landscape. You can tailor your trip to your interests, whether hiking, karst landscapes and caves, cultural visits or regional festivals.

Mountains, Rivers and Karst Landscapes

The Iskar, Vit and Osam rivers, along with the Sopot, Krapets and Aleksandrovo reservoirs, are destinations for relaxation and fishing. Protected areas also shape the natural landscape: eight reserves and protected areas in Lovech Province are part of Central Balkan National Park. These include Kozya Stena, Steneto, Boatin and Tsarichina. Before visiting, check the park’s official guidance on the rules in force.

Near Apriltsi, the 80-metre-high Vidimsko Praskalo waterfall lies on the Praskalska River. The Devetashko Karst Plateau is known for its large Bulgarian cave systems and wide variety of other karst formations. In the Krushuna region, a model area for protected karst areas has been designated; the Maarata natural landmark is part of Maarata Forest Park.

The caves, too, reveal different aspects of the landscape. Saeva Dupka Cave near Brestnitsa is designated a national tourist site. Formed in tectonic limestone, it is 400 metres long and between 5 and 17 metres high. Access may be regulated seasonally; check local conditions before visiting. Devetashka Cave is known for archaeological finds and protected wildlife, including 12 amphibian, 34 mammal and 9 bat species. Check the rules for protecting wildlife and any restrictions on access to the galleries in advance. The Arkata rock bridge over the Vit is a protected natural landmark; it protects a rare, representative and scenically significant rock formation.

Hiking Trails and Planning Your Time

In Teteven, the “Under the Waterfall’s Spray” eco-trail starts in the town centre. The route is about four kilometres long, crosses four wooden bridges and leads to Skoka Waterfall; it takes approximately two hours. From Ribaritsa, marked trails lead to Kostina, G. Benkovski Hut, Vezhen Hut and Vezhen Peak, as well as Eho Hut. Published walking times range from two to seven hours. These provide different time estimates for planning your hikes; trail conditions, markings and walking times can change seasonally, so check them before setting out.

Beklemeto is a mountain tourism complex in Central Balkan National Park that supports summer and winter tourism. Routes from there lead to several mountain huts and Vezhen Peak. Trail and road conditions vary by season. A park in Teteven also has a treetop rope course, the Lion’s Leap attraction, an artificial climbing wall and paintball; activities and operating conditions may change.

Crafts, History and Regional Cuisine

In Lovech, the Varosha architectural and historical reserve preserves the old town on the right bank of the Osam, which developed during the Bulgarian National Revival. The covered bridge connects the old and new towns as the “Street of Crafts.” Its shops sell Bulgarian folk art and crafts, and workshops demonstrate production techniques. The shops and demonstrations taking part may vary.

Another focus is Troyan and Oreshak. The Troyan Museum of Folk Arts and Applied Crafts is considered unique in Bulgaria: it displays not only finished works, but also tools, forms, functions and decorative techniques. The National Exhibition of Arts and Crafts in Oreshak is also unique nationwide, showcasing folk art objects by leading masters from all of Bulgaria’s ethnographic regions. At Troyan Monastery, notable architecture and frescoes are part of the visit, along with a museum collection of historical applied-craft objects, valuable manuscripts and traditional items.

Oreshak combines plum growing with the tradition of Troyan plum brandy. A recurring festival features culinary competitions and tastings, as well as pottery and woodcarving demonstrations. A traditional four-day craft market is also held in connection with the Troyan Monastery festival. Craftspeople from across Bulgaria display their work there; visitors can find ceramics, traditional food and other attractions. Check event dates and programmes before your trip.

Different Highlights Across the Province

The province’s mountain climate resorts include Ribaritsa, Oreshak, Cherni Osam, Apriltsi and Beklemeto. They are associated with balneological services and ecotourism; available services vary. Two corridors are relevant for road navigation: the E-772 runs between Yablanitsa, Sevlievo, Veliko Tarnovo and Targovishte, while the E-83 runs between Yablanitsa, Lukovit, Pleven and Byala. Check road conditions and journey times before setting off.

Explore More Subregions

Discover more destinations: Lovech, Apriltzi, Lukovit, Troyan, Teteven, Yablanitza, Letnitza, Ugarchin, Alexandrovo.

Back to the main travel overview: Bulgaria.