Over the centuries, Bulgaria has witnessed a turbulent history with many empires ruling this country.
But with the departure of communism, the country has since grown to embrace tourism with new energy and inspiration.
Where visitors to the often undiscovered heart of the Balkans can embrace an incredibly diverse array of Bulgaria's stunning natural wonders.
From mist-shrouded mountains to ancient forests, glacial lakes and caves; to well-preserved ecosystems and wildlife.
Therefore, travelers who wander here will be amazed by its rich beauty and untamed nature that can be experienced in many UNESCO sites Nature reserves and national parks.
Top Natural Wonders of Bulgaria
Rila Lakes, Bulgaria
If there is one stunning view that takes your breath away, it might be the Rila Lakes.
These glacial lakes are over 2000 metres high and are located in Rila National Park, the largest protected area in Bulgaria.
Terraces between pine forests, deep valleys, majestic rocks and grassy slopes.
If you manage to take a trip to the top of the lake, you will see a serene and picturesque view before your eyes.
Moreover, each of the lakes flows into the other in a series of streams and waterfalls before flowing into wild mountain streams from which the largest Bulgarian rivers take their course.
Hiking, to see these famous cold crystal waters, will also allow you to see wildlife, birds, animals and endangered plants.
Rila Lakes
Belogradchik Rocks, Bulgaria
Located in the western foothills of the Balkan Mountains, the impressive rock formations that make up the Belogradchik Rocks are another Bulgarian natural landmark.
These rock carvings extend over 30 km in length and 5 km in width, and their highest height reaches 20 meters.
These red columns are amazingly shaped to resemble mythical creatures, humans, animals and birds.
Some of the Belogradchik rocks
Stone Forest, Bulgaria
The Stone Forest near Varna, the maritime capital of Bulgaria, is a geographical phenomenon that has sparked worldwide debate about how it was formed in the past.
The most popular theory is that the formations originated on the sea floor 50 million years ago, and then, as the water receded, soft rocks formed these groups of horizontal columns.
The 3-kilometer-wide area is abnormally quiet.
Locals have given names to the formations, which resemble animals, humans and mushrooms.
While ancient legend says that these formations are the work of gods or giants because they look so ordered.
Stone Forest
Devil's Throat Cave, Bulgaria
Located in southwestern Bulgaria, this cave contains the highest waterfall (42 meters) in the Balkan Peninsula.
After walking through an artificial passage, visitors enter a huge chamber, or Thunder Hall, so named because of the deafening sound of the waterfall inside the cave.
According to local folklore, the cave is an entrance to the underworld, where Orpheus descended into the kingdom of Hades to rescue Eurydice.
It is also said that the abundance of water came from the tears of Orpheus.He is a prophet in ancient Greek religion and Greek mythology who cried for seven days, and the locals still believe that these waters have healing properties.
Devil's throat cave
Pirin National Park
With more than 100 peaks rising above 2,000 metres, Pirin National Park is often called the Land of Giants.
It is the oldest in Bulgaria and is included in the UNESCO Man and Biosphere Programme.
Covered with ice for most of the year, it is made up of more than 170 glacial lakes, deep valleys, pyramidal rocks, and pine forests.
The protected area can also be found within the wider Pirin Mountains, whose foothills are dotted with hot mineral springs, vineyards and rivers.
Pirin National Park Highlands
Prohodna Cave
Famous for its two eerily symmetrical openings in the cave's ceiling, Prohodna Cave can be found in one of Bulgaria's largest karst areas in the north of the country.
From the middle chamber of the 262-meter-long cave, lights penetrate those two openings, referred to by locals as the Devil's Eyes.
Water can often be seen flowing down the cave walls, giving the appearance of weeping eyes.
Prohodna Cave
Krushona waterfalls
Also known as Marta Falls after its local river, Krushuna Falls is one of the largest waterfalls in the country, with the main falls dropping from a height of 20 metres.
During your tour around these waterfalls, you will pass by small natural pools of water between the limestone rocks.
You can even swim in a natural mineral water pool of these pools, which has a temperature of 58 degrees Celsius.
The blue-green colour of the water is said to come from limestone which has healing properties.
Krushona waterfalls
Srebarna Nature Reserve
Located in the northeast, near the Danube River, it is one of the most important nature reserves for wildlife viewing in Bulgaria, the first wetland to receive legal protection in the Balkan Peninsula and listed by UNESCO.
Bird lovers flock here to see purple herons, red-footed hawks and Bulgaria's only breeding colony of Dalmatian pelicans.
The reserve, its lake and its scenery lie on the migration route between Europe and Africa, and are home to more than 170 species of birds, many of which are rare or endangered.
Srebarna Nature Reserve
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