On a sunny June weekend, we set off on yet another memorable trip to Vratsa. It was already our third or fourth visit to the region, this time mainly focused on the impressive waterfalls near the city—Vrachanska Skaklya and Borov Kamak, both among the highest waterfalls in Bulgaria. Several more trips followed after that, and with each visit I discovered new places while happily returning to familiar favorites.
In this article, I’ll share some of the top things to do in Vratsa and the surrounding area. You can use it as a practical travel guide for exploring the city, its nature, and its many beautiful sights.
Contents
Where is Vratsa and how to get there
Things to do in Vratsa
Things to do near Vratsa
Bonus: on the way to Vratsa – Zhitolyub waterfall
Where to stay in Vratsa
Other things to do in the Vratsa area
Final thoughts
Where is Vratsa and how to get there
Vratsa is a regional city in Northwestern Bulgaria, located 111 kilometers north of Sofia. You can get there by car or by public transport – train or bus.
By car
If you travel by car from Sofia, it will take you about 2 hours.
By bus
There are regular bus lines from Sofia to Vratsa – more or less every hour. Buses depart from the Central Bus Station. The journey takes 2 hours and 10 minutes.
By train
The journey from Sofia to Vratsa by train takes about 2 hours and 20 minutes. It departs from Sofia Central Railway Station and there is a transfer at Mezdra Station. Currently, due to renovation works, there is another connection, which is at the very beginning of the journey – at Sofia North Station. An option is to go to North Station by tram and directly get on the train from there.
Things to do in Vratsa
In the heart of Vratsa, besides strolling through the central square, you can explore several interesting landmarks and cultural sites. Some of the top things to do in Vratsa include visiting:
- the monument of Hristo Botev, one of Bulgaria’s national heroes and poets;
- the monument of Vasil Levski, another iconic Bulgarian national hero;
- the Regional History Museum;
- the Ethnographic Complex Sophrony of Vratsa;
- the Kurtpash Tower.
The Meshchii Tower in the center of Vratsa
One of the interesting landmarks in the city center is the Meshchii Tower. According to the inscription on the building, it was constructed in the 17th century as a residential and defensive tower belonging to the Meshchii family. Today, the tower is recognized as a cultural monument.
Church of the Holy Ascension
Located next to the Ethnographic Complex, this church is now known as the Temple-Monument “St. Sophrony of Vratsa.” Built in 1848, it is the oldest active religious building in the city. During the second half of the 19th century, it served as an important center of spiritual and political life in Vratsa.
The Bolyar Church
Among the hidden gems and unusual things to do in Vratsa is visiting the Bolyar Church. Even though it is located in the city center — in the courtyard of the Metropolitan Church “St. Nicholas of Myra,” behind the monument to Hristo Botev — many visitors miss it.
The church is partially dug into the ground and built entirely of stone. Architecturally, it is a single-nave church without an apse and features a vaulted ceiling. A stone staircase leads down to its entrance.
Information boards beside the church explain its history:
“The Bolyar Church is the oldest and only underground church in Vratsa. The unique church dates from the late 16th and early 17th centuries, and Sophrony of Vratsa preached here.”
The church was reportedly built by the bolyar Georgi, whose daughter married a Turkish prince and later moved to Constantinople.
To learn the full story, you’ll need to read the information on site.
The Bolyar Church is usually locked, but visitors can request the key from the Metropolitan Church. There is no entrance fee.
Vestitel Complex (The Hut)
The Vestitel Complex is located on a wooded hill just 400 meters from Vratsa’s central square and is a favorite walking spot for locals. It can be reached by climbing more than 400 stone steps or by following the winding alleyways beside them.
The complex includes a monument, a hut with a distinctive tower, and a café. The monument honors the Russian soldier Petlak — known as “Vestitel,” meaning “Herald” — who announced the liberation of Vratsa from this hill on November 9, 1877.
There are also recreation areas near the monument and hut, offering beautiful panoramic views of the city.
Vratsata Gorge
One of the most impressive natural attractions and essential things to do in Vratsa is visiting Vratsata Gorge. Located on the outskirts of the city on the road to Ledenika Cave, the gorge was formed by the Leva River and is considered a symbol of Vratsa.
The dramatic cliffs rise more than 400 meters, making them among the highest on the Balkan Peninsula. Around 70 climbing routes of varying difficulty have been established along the rock faces, making the area popular with climbers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Vratitsa Fortress
The Vratitsa Heritage Trail begins at Vratsata Pass and follows the remains of the ancient Vratitsa Fortress.
The fortress was originally built during the Roman period in the 4th century. It continued to be used during the Byzantine era and later under the Second Bulgarian Kingdom. By the 13th century, the fortress had developed into a medieval town known as Vratitsa. In the 14th century, it fell under Ottoman rule.
Things to do near Vratsa
Ledenika Cave and the Karst Trail
If you’re planning a trip to Vratsa, I recommend starting with Ledenika Cave, one of the region’s most famous natural landmarks and one of the top things to do in Vratsa. Near the cave, you can also explore the educational “Karst and Biodiversity” trail.
Ledenika Cave is located about 16 kilometers west of the city and is easily accessible via an asphalt road marked with brown tourist signs. A large parking area has been built near the site. The cave is open year-round, with guided tours starting every hour.
A visit to the cave can easily be combined with the nearby Karst Trail, which begins right next to the entrance. There is a large information board at the starting point.
The trail is circular, passing through the forest around Ledenika Cave. It is 3.2 km long and marked with wooden signs and faded blue trail markings. We completed it in about an hour of walking time, excluding breaks. Along the route, there are several picnic and recreation areas with tables and benches. Keep in mind that there are no water sources on the trail.
Vratsa Skaklya Waterfall
Vratsa Skaklya Waterfall is the highest waterfall in Bulgaria. Its waters fall from an impressive rock ridge of 141 meters in height and are visible from afar, if the waterfall is working. Unfortunately, Vratsa Skaklya Waterfall is fed by a small stream and therefore is not active all year round. The most suitable periods for visiting are spring and especially after heavy rains.
The waterfall is located very close to Vratsa. An eco-trail leads to it, but thanks to its impressive height, it can also be seen from the city itself. If you decide to hike to the waterfall, you can find detailed route information in this article (see the third waterfall).
Pine Stone (Borov Kamak) Waterfall
Borov Kamak Waterfall is also one of the highest waterfalls in Bulgaria. The waterfall is particularly picturesque and can be reached by an attractive eco-trail. Borov Kamak Waterfall is fed by the Leva River – the same one that forms that beautiful gorge near the city of Vratsa – Vratsata. The trail to Borov Kamak Waterfall starts on the outskirts of the Vratsa village of Zgorigrad (coordinates: 43.16570753101858, 23.503656647043996). It takes about an hour and a half to reach the Borov Kamak waterfall at a moderate pace, not counting the breaks.
In addition to the large Borov Kamak Waterfall, many other lower waterfalls can be observed along the eco-trail to it, and all of them are very beautiful.
Okolchitsa Peak
Okolchitsa Peak is a panoramic peak above Vratsa that can be reached either by car or via a marked hiking trail.
The peak is closely connected to Bulgaria’s struggle for liberation, as this is where the national hero Hristo Botev was killed in battle. A monument has been erected at the summit in honor of Botev and the soldiers who died alongside him.
Visiting Okolchitsa Peak is one of the most meaningful historical and panoramic things to do in Vratsa, especially for travelers interested in Bulgarian history and mountain scenery.
St. Ivan Pusti Monastery
This ancient monastery is one of the most peaceful and atmospheric places near Vratsa. A small waterfall flows below the monastery, adding to the beauty of the surroundings.
It is believed that the monastery originally functioned as a rock monastery, with monks living in nearby caves. Even today, visitors can see preserved frescoes and an old rock inscription in the cave above the monastery, both connected to its history.
The area is quiet, scenic, and surrounded by beautiful views. Several legends are associated with the monastery. According to one of them, Saint Ivan of Rila — the most revered Bulgarian saint — spent 40 days here fasting and praying before traveling to the Rila Monastery, which he later founded.
The monastery is located about 12 km northwest of Vratsa and is easily accessible by car. Visiting it is one of the most peaceful and spiritual things to do in Vratsa and the surrounding area.
The God’s Bridge
God’s Bridge (Bozhi Most in Bulgarian) is a fascinating natural rock phenomenon and passage cave located between the villages of Lilyache and Chiren, about 15 kilometers north of Vratsa. Officially, the area is known as the Karst Spring Zhabokrek — a name that translates roughly as “Frogs’ Croak.” And yes, there are plenty of loud frogs around the area!
There are two ways to reach the God’s Bridge. You can start either from the village of Lilyache or from Chiren. If approaching from Chiren, you can drive almost all the way to the site. From Lilyache, the walk takes around 40 minutes, but this route can easily be combined with a visit to the nearby Peshketo Rock Labyrinth.
Coordinates: 43.315275441922196, 23.55141912285578.
Another nearby attraction is the Roman fortress Gradishte, although little historical information about it is available today.
Rock Labyrinth Peshketo
Peshketo Rock Labyrinth is an impressive passage cave known for its unusual rock formations and large openings in the ceiling. It is located on the eastern outskirts of the village of Lilyache, about 15 kilometers north of Vratsa.
The site resembles the nearby God’s Bridge, but its interior is especially interesting because of the rich vegetation growing inside the cave — mainly shrubs and trees, some of which extend through the openings above.
To reach the rock labyrinth, head toward the western outskirts of Lilyache, where you can leave your car nearby. From there, it’s about a 5-minute walk. After crossing the river, you’ll arrive at the rock formation. At first glance, the site looks like an ordinary rocky hill and does not reveal what lies inside. Walk around the left side of the rock and climb slightly uphill. After a short walk, you’ll reach the large entrance to Peshketo.
Exploring places like the God’s Bridge and Peshketo is among the most unusual and adventurous things to do in Vratsa for nature lovers and photographers.
Peshketo is an impressive in size and shape passage cave with openings in its upper part. It is located on the eastern outskirts of the village of Liliache, about 15 kilometers north of Vratsa. It is similar to the nearby God’s Bridge. Its inner part, in addition to stone formations, is also rich in vegetation – mainly shrubs and trees, some of which protrude through the openings from above.
Bonus: on the way to Vratsa – Zhitolyub waterfall
The waterfall is located in the Iskar Gorge, on the outskirts of Lakatnik, and can easily be seen from the road. Technically, Lakatnik is neither part of Vratsa nor the Vratsa region, but if you’re traveling through the gorge, it’s definitely worth stopping by—especially if you enjoy waterfalls.
The waterfall is fed by a karst spring that gathers water from the Petrenska and Proboynitsa rivers. Both rivers pass through the nearby Temnata Dupka Cave and flow through a narrow siphon before emerging at the foot of the rocks.
For me, this waterfall was a pleasant surprise. I hadn’t known about it while returning from our third trip to Vratsa, which had been dedicated to exploring the region’s waterfalls. Its beautiful cascades turned out to be the perfect ending to this memorable weekend discovering the top things to do in Vratsa.
Where to stay in Vratsa
I have stayed in Vratsa several times and I can recommend the Villa Teodora Guest House, which has become my favorite place. It is located in the Medkovets neighborhood and has 6 cozy rooms. The entire atmosphere in the house is extremely pleasant. What really sets the place apart is the delicious and well-presented food, prepared with lots of love by the hostess of Venera, who lived in Italy for over 30 years.
See current prices and available dates here!
If you are planning a visit to Vratsa during an event, it can be difficult, even impossible, to find hotels. I tell you this from personal experience. I have been in such a situation twice. Therefore, in such cases, be sure to book on time.
In the box after the article you will find more suggestions for accommodation in Vratsa.
Other things to do in the Vratsa area
If you have an extra day in Vratsa, consider taking a trip to the town of Oryahovo, located on the Danube River just an hour away by car. There, you can stroll through the Old Bazaar, visit the hilltop remains of Kamaka Fortress, see the medieval Ottoman hammam in the riverside park, and explore the Marin Varbanov exhibition and the Diko Iliev House Museum in the town center.
Final thoughts
In this article, I introduced you to some of the most interesting things to do in Vratsa and the surrounding area, based on my personal impressions from many visits to the city and the region. During my first trips, I focused mainly on Ledenika Cave and relaxing walks around the city itself. Later visits were dedicated to the waterfalls, and then came the fourth, fifth, sixth trip – and honestly, I’ve lost count since then. I hope you’ll like the Vratsa region as much as I do and this travel guide will help you enjoy the most.
