Bulgaria Inside

Shortly before you reach the town of Vratsa, road signs will direct you to a steep road, leading to Okolchitsa peak. The many curves will take you high up in the mountain to a place where crucial historic events took place.

Okolchitsa is situated 20 km away from Vratsa. Buses transport visitors from the town to the landmark during the summer. The peak is one of the hundred national tourism landmarks.

A monument in the form of a cross, having the impressive height of 35 m, has been set up there to honor the act of revolutionary Hristo Botev and his followers. On June 2 1876, Botev’s revolutionaries led their final battle. Botev himself was killed in this battle. A stone carving in Yolkovitsa hollow marks the revolutionary’s final resting place.

In 1947, the monument was replaced by a five-pointed star. It was restored in the original form in 1991.

National celebrations take place there each year on June 2.

1947 is the year that marks another development. A group of 12 tourists decided to follow Botev’s revolutionaries from the town of Kozloduy to Okolchitsa. The march takes seven days to complete.

Many routes lead to the peak. While traveling, you can stop in the village of Chelopek. The house-museum of Baba Iliytsa is situated there. This woman is known for the way she aided Botev’s revolutionaries after their defeat. The house has been preserved in its original appearance.

Gliding club Okolchitsa offers deltagliding opportunities in the vicinities of the peak. According to the club’s website, the location is suitable even for beginners. SkyNomad, Wind Riders and other clubs also carry out their activities there.

Okolchitsa hut is situated east of the peak. The complex is made of five bungalows that have the capacity to accommodate 80 people. From there, you can take a walk to Purshevitsa and Ledeni huts.