Bulgaria is not a mainstream destination for most tourists, but it is one of the most beautiful countries in Europe. It is also a much cheaper travel destination compared to other countries in Europe, and the people here are very welcoming. Plus, they serve delicious foods, as well. People who’ve already visited Bulgaria most likely went to see the popular places here like its capital city Sofia. But aside from the wonderful places you can see in Sofia, there are many other great sites to see in other parts of Bulgaria.
If you are traveling to Europe soon and Bulgaria is on your list of countries to visit, we are here to help you plan your itinerary. Today, we’re giving you a list of the unusual things to do and see in Bulgaria. These places will enable you to know more and better understand the culture of this country.
Buzludzha Monument
The Buzludzha Monument is an abandoned saucer-shaped monument located in the Bulgarian mountains. It is an off beaten sight in the country, but it has been becoming popular among foreign tourists in recent years. This monument was built in 1974 and was opened to the public in 1981. It was closely connected with the socialist ideology. Aside from that, this place is also considered as a holy place from the members of the Socialist Party, because in 1981, the founding congress was organized here, which was the first step towards the organized labor movement in Bulgaria.
The Scary Lake
If you want to forget about your worries, then visiting the Scary Lake is perfect for you. This is not a popular place to go to in Bulgaria. In fact, it’s not even popular with the Bulgarians. It is located in the northwest parts of Rila Mountain. There is also a shelter next to the lake where you can stay for a night. When you visit this place, you would definitely want to come back for more. It is the best place to be in of you want to see and experience unique beauty and silence. The lake isn’t really scary. It was given its name because of the sounds heard in the place during the storm.
Tryavna
Tryavna is one of the best places that you must visit in Bulgaria. It is a little town that is located in Central Bulgaria, in the mountains. It is an attractive place that has a conserved Revival spirit and atmosphere. There are many things you can see and do in this place. You can see the architectural-ethnographic complex Etara, Dryanovo Monastery, and Bacho Kiro Cave. Or you can simply just walk around the old town and feel the unique atmosphere in this place. Its aura will surely bring you back in time.
Devil’s Bridge
Another wonderful site to see in Bulgaria is the Devil’s Bridge, which is located in the town of Ardino. It spans the Arda River and holds stories of a haunted past. Locals are hesitant to cross this bridge at night because of a tale that the devil’s footprint can be seen someplace on the rocks. There’s also a story saying that the head builder’s wife passed away during the construction of the bridge, that’s why her shadow was encased in the structure. But these were all just folkloric myths, and the bridge is still stunning, so it’s another must-see place in Bulgaria.
Belogradchik Rocks
The Belogradchik Rocks are strange-shaped rock formations that can be found in the northwest part of Bulgaria. Each one of the rock formations has a name and as well as a story. These rocks were formed at the bottom of the sea as the product of compression and erosion over the last 45 million years. They are made of limestone and also contain a lot of caves, including Magura Cave, where many prehistoric species and paintings were discovered. If you want to learn about the legends behind these rock formations, and as well as see how stunning they are, then you must add this place to your list.
Melnik
Melnik is a tiny Bulgarian town located in the sweeping mountain vistas. It is composed of old-fashioned city streets, scenic valleys, fantastic markets, and delightful bottles of wines. But one of the most unique things about Melnik is that there are only 385 residents here. It is the smallest city in Bulgaria. This place is able to remain an incorporated city because of its storied history. Did you know that almost a hundred of the structures here are designated historic landmarks? One of the best sites you can see here is the medieval Rozhen Monastery. It features well-preserved murals, stained glass windows, and carvings.
The Eyes of God
The Eyes of God is what the ceiling of Prohodna Cave in northern Bulgaria is called. It’s because it features two deity-sized eye-shaped holes that let you peek at the sky from inside the cave. This place shows evidence of prehistoric habitation, but it’s not clear if it was a domestic or ritual site. In the present time, the entrance of this cave is a popular place where tourists go bungee jumping. So, if you are adventurous, you might also want to experience bungee jumping here after you see the Eyes of God.
Monument to the Soviet Army
When you visit Sofia, one of the unusual things you can see there is the Monument to the Soviet Army. This monument was built in 1954 in honor of the Soviet soldiers who died in Bulgarian efforts during World War II. However, it has become a popular site for protest and vandalism in Sofia. People turn the figures into different pop culture icons. There was a time when the military figures were painted to look like superheroes like Superman and Wonder Woman. And there was also a time that they are painted pink in honor of the Prague Spring anniversary. When you visit Sofia, try and see what the figures look like at that time.
The Meanders of Arda River
Most of the beautiful places in the world are usually remote and challenging to get to. And one of the perfect examples for that is the Meanders of Arda River. It is the longest and most beautiful river you can find in the Rhodope Mountains. The river meanders beautifully through the mountains. They form fabulous curves along the river valley. But before you get here, you need to drive more than a hundred kilometers through the rough and winding roads. Along the way, you’ll be able to see abandoned houses in small remote villages. But the views are breathtaking. There are no traffic and urban noise, giving you a relaxing and peaceful time.
These are some of the unusual things to do and see in Bulgaria. All of these places are unique and will surely give you a wonderful time exploring and discovering more about the country. Which of these amazing places would you like to visit in Bulgaria?