Bulgaria Inside

If you are wondering where to spend your vacation, here is one quite unusual suggestion, which you might nevertheless enjoy. We present you with tourism opportunities involving the banks of Iantra River.

Iantra is situated in northern Bulgaria and is probably one of the most beautiful rivers in the country. It springs from the northern slopes of Stara Planina at an altitude of 1340 m. The river’s trip lasts 285 km, after which it flows in the Danube near the village of Krivina. It is the third biggest Danube tributary in Bulgaria after Iskur and Osum. Iantra’s biggest tributary is Rositsa River.

Following the river, you will visit a number of beautiful Bulgarian towns and will explore the majestic Stara Planina.

Gabrovo is one of the towns, through which Iantra passes. There, you will see one of a kind monument constructed in the river itself. The statue was made in honor of Gabrovo’s founding father – Racho the blacksmith.

Iantra passes near Etura ethnographic complex, where you can have a cup of hot coffee, try some delicious sweets or explore the craftsmen workshops.

The river is peaceful and winds through the Turnovo valley, cutting through the picturesque Veliko Turnovo hills. The view from these is incredible. Explore the old capital of Bulgaria and its Tsarevets fortress and you will go back in time.

Gorna Oriahovitsa, Polski Trumbesh and Biala are other settlements through which Iantra passes.

Iantra’s banks are beautiful and covered in beech forests. At some locations, the slopes are steep, while others feature excellent camping conditions. You can schedule a biking or a hiking trip near the river, or simply have a picnic there. Fishermen can try their luck catching trout, carp, grey mullet, perch and pike.

Those into extreme sports will surely enjoy kayaking down the Iantra flow. The best place to practice the sport is the section from Biala to the place where Iantra enters the Danube. Numerous sports clubs have instructors and equipment available. The price depends on your preferences.