Bulgaria Inside

Horseback riding in the Stara Planina Mountain region offers diverse opportunities in terms of routes and duration. If you decide to get yourself very familiar with the region, you will need at least five or six days.

The mountain town of Apriltsi has its riding base and organizes trips in Stara Planina and Sredna Gora. The difficulty level differs. Talk to the guides to organize the most suitable ride. During the first day, you will get to see the horse that you will ride and to learn more about its habits.

Depending on the amount you are willing to pay, you can get food and water included in the package or you might have a trip organized specially for you.

Horseback riding will last at least six hours each day. It might be a good idea to start getting fit, if you plan on undertaking this adventure. Sometimes you might need to get off the horse and climb the steep mountain slopes.

Routes include passage through central Stara Planina national park, reaching Botev peak, going down to the Rose Valley or traveling to Sredna Gora, where you could spend the night in a hut.

Another route will take you to Peeshtite Skali (the singing rocks) preserve. The name comes from the rock phenomenon that makes specific sound, whenever wind passes through it. In the region, you could observe rare bird and animal species.

Make sure to visit the national park. The region features many caves, meadows and waterfalls. Bulgaria’s highest waterfall is situated there. Raiskoto Pruskalo is 125 m high.

Other towns and villages in the region have their riding bases, as well. The mountain region is big and horseback riding is an alternative way to get in touch with and experience nature.