1. Ledenika Cave
Ledenika Cave is in the northwestern part of the Vratsa Mountain, 16 km from the town of Vratsa. Known to locals for hundreds of years, it was even used by shepherds to keep milk cool. Ledenika comes from the Bulgarian word for ice – led (лед). It spans 320 meters and features ten halls. The cave is situated at an elevation of 830 meters above sea level and boasts with exceptional formations of stalagmites and stalactites.
The cave’s famous Concert Hall is impressive, measuring 60 by 45 meters and standing 23 meters high. With a bit of imagination and guidance from a tour guide, visitors can spot formations resembling Father Christmas, a Christmas tree, a quill and an inkwell, and a Giant’s Head, which is considered the cave’s guardian. Classical musicians perform concerts in this hall. They are short in duration up to 30 minutes due to the high humidity and cold air affecting the instruments.
The adult entry fee is 15 BGN and 12 BGN for children over the age of 6. Put on an extra layer of clothing as temperature inside dips to 8 °C.
2. Skaklya Waterfall
Discover the highest irregularly flowing waterfall in Bulgaria, standing at an impressive 141 meters, just south of Vratsa behind Kaleto Hill. This stunning natural wonder is beautiful in all seasons and offers breath-taking views of Vratsa from its upper part. The area around Skaklya Waterfall is rich in history, with remains of the medieval Bulgarian settlement of Patleyna found nearby.
Skaklya Waterfall is part of the Vratsa Karst Reserve, which spans 1,467 hectares and is managed by the Regional Inspectorate of Environment and Waters – Vratsa. The waterfall is also a hub for several tourist routes, making it a perfect destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts. To reach Skaklya Waterfall, you can drive or walk to the area above the hospital in Vratsa. From there, it’s a one-hour climb to the foot of the waterfall.
You can combine your visit to the waterfall with any of the following trails: Route 1: “Voyvodin Dol – Skaklya Peak – Vratsa” (4 hours); Route 2: “Vratsa – Skaklya Peak – Patleyna Area – Izbata Area – Mount Okolchitsa” (3 hours); Route 3: “Parshevitsa Hut – Borov Kamak Area – Tsarevo Livage Area – Mt. Okolchitsa” (4.5 hours).
Whether you’re a hiking enthusiast or a nature lover, Skaklya Waterfall offers a unique and enriching experience.
3. Borov Kamak nature trail
Embark on a scenic 3-hour journey starting from the end of the village of Zgorigrad, following the picturesque canyon of the Leva River. The route features charming wooden bridges, numerous stairs, and railings on both sides of the river, leading you to the stunning Borov Kamak waterfall, which cascades down from a height of 63 meters. An observation deck above the waterfall offers breath-taking views.
After enjoying the waterfall, you’ll come across a beautiful meadow equipped with a wooden shelter and a barbecue area, perfect for a relaxing break. From here, you have three options to continue your adventure: Follow the marked path to Parshevitsa hut, which takes about 1 hour. Take the green-marked path back to the village of Zgorigrad, a 2-hour trek. Finally, opt for the red-marked trail leading to Mount Okolchitsa, a more challenging 4-hour hike. This route offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and adventure, making it a must-visit for nature enthusiasts.
4. God’s Bridge
Nestled in the heart of the Vratsa region is a breath-taking natural wonder that will leave you spellbound. God’s Bridge is a magnificent limestone overpass, located near the charming villages of Lilyache and Chiren, is just a 15 km drive from Vratsa. Standing an impressive 20 meters tall and 25 meters wide, God’s Bridge stretches over 125 meters, making it one of the most spectacular limestone landmarks in Bulgaria.
To reach God’s Bridge, you’ll follow a narrow, steep path descending to a valley beneath the Gradishte Roman fortress. Along the way, you’ll find a quaint recreation and picnic area, perfect for resting and soaking in the stunning scenery. In the summer months, the Lilyashka Stream may dry up, leaving behind a few pools teeming with frogs. The acoustics of the area also makes it a popular spot for outdoor concerts.
5. Ritlite rock formation
Discover the beauty of Ritli, one of the most stunning rock formations in the Iskar Gorge. These sheer limestone cliffs, formed 120 million years ago when a prehistoric sea covered the area, are a testament to nature’s power. From a distance, they resemble carriage stairs, rising to 80 meters and dominating the steep south-eastern slope of the Vratsa Mountain near Lyutibrod.
But Ritlite is more than just a natural wonder—it has a rich history dating back to ancient times. Legend has it that an iron gate once blocked the path to the ancient Bulgarian fortress of Serdika, and Ritli played a crucial role in helping the Romans block the exit of the Iskar Gorge. Today, the towers of Ritlite still bear the remains of old fortress walls, reminding us of the area’s legendary past.
Nearby, you’ll find the ruins of the old Bulgarian settlement, fortified with strong stone walls and battlements that still stand today. Nine medieval Bulgarian churches have been discovered in the area, with the best-preserved dating from the 10th-12th centuries. This rich archaeological complex and the medieval fortress Ritlite, was declared a national cultural monument in 1979.
