Chiflik between mineral springs and mountain nature

Chiflik brings together two travel interests that can easily be planned separately on site: mineral water and spa offerings, and trails through the mountain landscape. The village lies on the upper reaches of the Beli Osam River. The offerings vary by type, and the routes described each have their own character.

Mineral Springs and Accommodations

Chiflik is part of Bulgaria’s balneological and spa destination Stara Planina, known as “The Power of the Balkan”. Water and wellness offerings include hot mineral springs reaching temperatures of up to 55°C, an Olympic-size outdoor pool, indoor and outdoor mineral-water pools, and spa treatments. The range therefore extends from springs and pools to spa treatments. When comparing hotels, check which services each property offers.

A municipal profile dated November 8, 2023, lists guesthouses and hotels of various categories in Chiflik. As the mix of accommodations may change, check current availability for your travel dates.

Nature in the National Park and Kozya Stena Reserve

Routes from Chiflik lead into Central Balkan National Park and the adjacent Kozya Stena Reserve, where edelweiss still grows. The protected area covers 904 hectares and was established in 1987 to protect endangered edelweiss and old beech-fir forests. Around 40 plant species found there are listed as rare or endangered. The reserve is also home to about 68 nesting bird species, including rare birds of prey; the area is an important passage for wild goats.

Walking through the reserve is permitted only on marked trails. Check current information about the protected-area regulations before your visit.

Two Routes, Different Levels of Difficulty

The route from Chiflik to the Haydushka Pesen Hut follows 3.5 kilometers of paved road. It can be covered on foot, by bicycle or by car. Check route details and surface conditions on site before setting out. A marked trail from the Haydushka Pesen Hut to the Kozya Stena Hut takes 2 hours and 30 minutes. The terrain is steep and involves a significant elevation gain.

For planning the paved route, the distance and mode of transport are the main considerations; for the mountain trail, the stated duration, gradient and elevation gain are important. Seasonal preparation is recommended for the marked mountain trail. Find out about mountain conditions in advance.

Historical Traces in Chiflik

Ceramics and man-made burial mounds are considered evidence that a Thracian settlement may once have existed in Chiflik. Another historical connection comes from goods transported from here across wider regions: in the past, carriers from Chiflik brought Trojan ceramics, wooden objects, woven carpets and blankets to the Aegean, Thrace and the Danube Plain. The possible settlement and the crafts transported across the region offer two different insights into the history of the place.

Discover more destinations: Kaleytsa, Balabansko, Staro Selo, Balkanets, Oreshak, Gorno Trape, Trojan, Debnevo

For the main travel overview: Troyan.