Sharing is caring!

Circuit voyage Nord Bulgarie

Immersion in Northern Bulgaria: A Magical Journey

Circuit voyage Bulgarie

When I started my series of articles on Bulgaria,I initially intended to begin with this one. However, reason prevailed, and I first focused on more substantial topics like gastronomy, and the Black Sea, (after all, it is the Black Sea ). But now, the time has come to delve into something serious, especially because, in my opinion, this region of the country is not explored enough. In this article, you'll discover ideas for a Northern Bulgaria itinerary for your next trip to the country.

Table of Contents

Circuit de voyage Bulgarie

The Journey

If you've made it to Bulgaria, congratulations! You've already completed the first step of your trip. If you flew in, chances are you landed at SofiaAirport. Let’s be honest, even though it’s not the country’s only airport, most international flights converge there. This is also where our itinerary begins. No surprises here, to freely explore the country, renting a car is essential. Unfortunately, the rail network isn’t extensive, but for those not driving (like me), you can still rely on the bus network, which is well developed and serves most towns and villages across the country. For those interested, check out the Sofia bus station’s website (available in English and German).

In this article, we will explore the northern part of the country,separated from the south by the Balkan Mountains.The total driving time is around 10 hours, covering about 700 kilometres. It’s up to you to decide how many days you’d like to spend on this trip.

Circuit

Starting the Itinerary: Troyan and Etara

After spending several days exploring Sofia(with all of my tips of Travel Planner), you’re ready to begin your journey in northern Bulgaria. Our first stop is the town of Troyan153 km from the capital. Nestled in a lush valley, Troyan is an ideal setting for nature lovers and history enthusiasts. The town is famous for its 19th-century Orthodox monastery, the Holy Trinity Monastery, which houses a remarkable collection of ancient icons and is an important pilgrimage site.

Troyan is also renowned for its traditional crafts,particularly pottery and handwoven rugs, which you can discover in the town's many artisan workshops. Visitors can stroll through the charming cobblestone streets of the old town, explore its fascinating museums, and enjoy the local cuisine. in its cozy restaurants. Troyan is also a great starting point for exploring the surrounding mountainous landscapes and hiking trails.

Circuit voyage Bulgarie

Just 76 km east of Troyan lies the ethnographic village ofEtara. When I was a student in Bulgaria, I took part in several school trips to this unique place. To be honest, I didn’t appreciate these visits at the time, which makes me a bit ashamed today. However, when I returned to the region in 2022, I truly understood why our teacher, Mrs. Dimitrova, insisted on organizing these trips every year.

Etara, a picturesque open-air museum village in Bulgaria, is much more than just a tourist attraction. Nestled in the heart of the Balkan Mountains, Etara offers a unique immersion into traditional Bulgarian life in the 19th century. Visitors can wander the cobblestone streets lined with wooden houses adorned with colorful folk motifs, explore artisan workshops where skilled craftsmen continue ancient techniques such as pottery, weaving, and blacksmithing, and even buy authentic handcrafted products. The jewel of Etara is undoubtedly its outdoor museum, where live demonstrations allow visitors to witness traditional craftsmanship up close. It’s an immersive experience that transports visitors into Bulgaria’s rich history and culture, making Etara a must-visit for anyone eager to discover the soul of this beautiful country.

Travel tip from your planner: Across from the entrance to the open-air museum, you'll find a great traditional Bulgarian restaurant (mehana). You can indulge in Bulgarian cuisine.

Veliko Tarnovo: A Meeting with History

Circuit voyage Bulgarie Tsarevets

Our next stop is Veliko Tarnovo. Majestically perched on hills, the city stands as a historical gem of the Balkans. This iconic city, once the medieval capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire, still breathes the essence of its glorious past through its cobbled streets, ancient monuments, and breathtaking views. The remnants of its rich history are reflected in its fortress ruins, thousand-year-old churches, and traditional houses. Every corner of Veliko Tarnovo reveals a treasure trove of history and culture, captivating visitors with its authentic charm and unique ambiance.

Wine lovers, you're in for a treat. The region is famous for its red wine production, and I highly recommend trying some.

 

Dominant fièrement Veliko Tarnovo, Tsarevets Dominating Veliko Tarnovo is the imposing Tsarevets Fortress, which recalls the medieval grandeur of Bulgaria. Perched on a steep hill, this iconic site offers not only stunning views of the city but also a fascinating dive into Bulgarian history. Visitors can explore the majestic ruins of palaces, churches, and ramparts, witnesses to the battles and events that shaped the region’s destiny. What makes the experience even more captivating are the nightly light shows that illuminate Tsarevets, transforming the old stones into a breathtaking spectacle of color and sound, taking spectators on a journey through time. These light shows add a magical touch to the visit, providing a memorable and immersive experience of Bulgarian history.

Circuit voyage Bulgarie

Ruse: Where It All Began

Here we are in RuseRuse, a city that will always hold a special place in my heart. Why? Because it’s where I was born, and I spent the first 18 years of my life here. With its elegant 19th-century buildings, vast green parks, and stunning views of the Danube, Ruse exudes an enchanting atmosphere that captivates visitors upon arrival. Locals like to nickname the city "Little Vienna" because of its neo-Baroque and neo-Classical architecture. And of course, there's the weather: very hot in summer and quite cold in winter, giving the city a particular charm.

Ruse is home to the Danube Bridge, connecting Romania to Bulgaria. Bucharest, the Romanian capital, is only 2.5 hours away by car, making a visit to Ruse possible when arriving in Romania. Long live the European Union and a borderless world! The city of Ruse was founded in the 2nd century BC, being an integral part of the Roman Empire at the time. Its name was Sexaginta Prista (the port of sixty ships). Today, Ruse remains a strategically important river port.

The city was at the heart of preparations for Bulgaria's liberation from Ottoman rule. According to historical novels, militants would cross the frozen Danube on foot to join the army. Whether true or not, a large pantheon stands in the city center, where several Bulgarian heroes rest. Ruse is also the birthplace of the famous writer Elias Canetti.

Circuit voyage Bulgarie

circuit voyage bulgarie

During your stay in Ruse, you can also visit Basarbovoa village famous for its rock monastery, perched atop a steep cliff. Founded in the 12th century, this Orthodox monastery offers spectacular views of the Rusenski Lom River and the surrounding landscapes. Accessible by a winding path, the monastery is a pilgrimage site for Orthodox believers and a popular tourist destination for its peaceful atmosphere and unique architecture. A visit to Basarbovo is an immersive experience in Bulgarian history and spirituality.

Circuit voyage Bulgarie

Pleven: The End of the Journey

Our journey through northern Bulgaria ends in PlevenPleven. Located in northern Bulgaria, this city is rich in history and culture. Known for its key role in the russo–turkish War of 1877-1878, Pleven was the site of the famous Battle of Pleven (naturally), where Russian forces dealt a decisive blow to the Ottoman army. Today, the city commemorates this historic event with monuments and museums dedicated to the Bulgarian War of Independence. Pleven also boasts fascinating archaeological sites, including Roman-era ruins,as well as picturesque parks and lush gardens where visitors can relax and enjoy the city’s tranquillity. With its blend of history, culture, and nature, Pleven offers a rewarding experience for travellers seeking authentic discoveries in Bulgaria.

We’ve reached the end of our itinerary. Exploring northern Bulgaria is an adventure filled with historical, cultural, and natural discoveries. From historic cities like Veliko Tarnovo and Ruse to picturesque villages like Basarbovo, this region offers countless unique experiences. Whether you’re passionate about history, nature, or simply seeking a getaway, northern Bulgaria will charm you. If you’re looking to plan your next trip to this region, don’t hesitate to use in my services of travel planning expert. I’d be happy to help you create a tailor-made itinerary that will allow you to discover the best of this beautiful corner of Bulgaria.

Circuit voyage Bulgarie

For more useful information

To find your plane ticket :

I can recommend you use ExpediaI trust them with my own travels and when I am working with clients

For your hotel reservation

I invite you to look into Hotels.fr they have a large choice of bookings and your client services are always available

Pour trouver des activités sur place :

I use either viator or GetYourGuideThe two plateforms offer a large choice of activities at reasonable prices

To rent a car

I recommend discovercarsTheir prices are competitive and they have a great customer service

Need more inspiration?

Get a look at my other blog articles to discover the Balkans and the rest of the world

Need a hand?

Contact me to discover my services of travel planning

You want to write an article for my blog?

It is here

Want more travel content?

Follow me Instagram

Articles liés

visite depuis Sofia

11 Unique Day Trips from Sofia to Discover Bulgaria

January 10, 2025 No Comments

Sofia is not limited to its cultural richness. The city is an excellent starting point to discover Bulgaria’s diversity. In just a few hours, you can explore majestic mountains, historic monasteries, and picturesque towns.

Want to learn more about Sofia?

Read more
Visiter Bourgas Bulgarie

Your Exclusive Guide to a Successful Trip to Bourgas, Bulgaria.

August 2, 2024 No Comments

Bourgas is a captivating city that combines historical richness, natural beauty, and a vibrant atmosphere. Less known than its neighbor Varna, Bourgas is well worth a visit for its numerous attractions and relaxed vibe. Get ready to uncover the hidden treasures of this fascinating destination.

Read more

Want to discover the world another way? Subscribe to my newsletter and exclusive information and alerts about new articles

Tagged

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

×