Velingrad: Thermal Springs, Nature and History

Velingrad lies in the Chepino Basin in the western part of the Rhodope Mountains, 755 metres above sea level. If you are looking for a hotel in Velingrad, it helps to consider whether thermal waters, hiking trails or cultural history will shape your trip. The city’s places and themes offer different starting points for exploring them.

Thermal Springs and Mineral Water

The thermomineral deposit in Velingrad is considered the largest in Bulgaria. The Chepino thermal zone includes twelve springs spread over an area of about 70 metres. It includes the thermomineral spring with the highest flow rate in Bulgaria. In the central Lyudzhene district, 40 thermal springs lie along the Lukovitsa Valley; the thermal zone extends for around two kilometres.

The scales differ considerably: in Chepino, the area is about 70 metres, while in Lyudzhene the zone extends for around two kilometres. Central Mineral Beach is also part of the mineral water theme: it has three pools, including a 33-metre-long pool supplied with mineral water. This places the springs as a natural feature alongside the pool complex as a distinct facet of the same theme.

Hiking Trails and Landscape

Around Velingrad and Yundola, more than 30 marked eco-trails are part of tourist routes; guided tours are available year-round. Kurtovo has a ski slope, and marked hiking routes also start there. The Elin Vrah trail leads to a 1,568-metre-high peak. From there, panoramic views extend towards Velingrad, the Rhodope Mountains, Stara Planina, Pirin and the eastern Rila Mountains.

A marked trail leads to the Pashovi Skali Natural Landmark, from where panoramic views extend towards the Rhodope Mountains, Rila and Pirin. Kleptuza’s two artificial lakes form a recreational area with pedal boats. Marked hiking trails start in Kleptuza and lead towards Harmanite, Brezi and Sivata Voda. Another marked route leads from there towards Prosce and Brezi; Prosce and Brezi are year-round excursion areas for mountain hikers.

Felibelijska Meadow has been designated for protection since 1981 to safeguard its mountain peony habitat. The Tree of the Seven Brothers also stands in the meadow: seven trunks grow there from a single root. The protected-area designation and the tree’s unusual growth give the landscape two distinct, specific features.

Museum and Cultural Heritage

The Velingrad Historical Museum preserves and studies more than 19,000 archaeological finds and cultural artefacts. Its permanent exhibitions focus on Vela Peeva, local ethnography, painted Easter eggs and Nikolay Gyaurov. The museum’s themes thus range from local life and traditions to the named personalities.

The Church of the Holy Trinity in Kamenitsa was built in 1816 on the foundations of an older stone church. At the western entrance is a rare Bulgarian version of a blue icon of the Virgin Mary. For more than 3,000 years, locals have regarded the Bess sanctuary on Mount Ostretz as a sacred place. Traditional health kurbans are held there on 6 May.

The Cepina Fortress is also part of the region’s history: it lies 18 kilometres east of Velingrad and was the seat of Despot Slav. These historical themes differ in their timeframes—from the dated church, to the sanctuary’s long-standing sacred significance, to the fortress’s former role.

Getting There and Finding Your Way

The Rhodope narrow-gauge railway connects Septemvri, Velingrad, Yakoruda, Razlog, Bansko and Dobrinishte. It is considered a year-round tourist journey through scenic areas. Velingrad is also considered to have good connections to European transport corridors 4 and 8. If you plan to use the narrow-gauge railway to get there, check the timetable before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Batak, Panagyurishte, Pazardzhik, Peshtera.

For the broader travel overview: Pazardzhik Province.