The best part about summer is that it’s finally here, but the worst part is how quickly it flies by. That’s why I decided to spend every weekend discovering new places in beautiful Bulgaria. I visited the Krushuna Waterfalls many years ago, but back then, I didn’t have time for other sights in the region. It turns out I had completely underestimated the beauty of this area.
I want to share with you a wonderful weekend itinerary featuring the Krushuna Waterfalls, Devetashka Cave, and the hidden gems of Lovech.
How to Get There?
The first stop on our road trip was the Krushuna Waterfalls. They are located about 30 km from the town of Lovech and around 200 km from Plovdiv, where I started my journey. To get there from Southern Bulgaria, you have to cross the Troyan-Karnare mountain pass, so make sure to allow extra time for driving. The road is slow and very winding. If you get carsick on mountain roads, I highly recommend taking some medication beforehand.
Since we wanted to avoid the heavy weekend crowds, we left Plovdiv at 07:00 AM. By 10:30 AM, we were right at the start of the eco-trail leading to the waterfalls.
A quick note: There is a surprising lack of road signs directing you to the waterfalls. When I first visited years ago, it wasn’t a famous spot, so it made sense. But I can’t believe such a popular natural landmark still lacks proper road signs today. Make sure your GPS is ready!
Krushuna Waterfalls
This was my first time visiting an eco-trail with an entrance fee. The ticket is about 2 EUR per adult. We started our walk, happy that our early-bird plan worked and we beat the tourist rush.
Overall, the trail is very light and short. There are two main paths – one leads to the main cascading waterfalls, and the other goes to a cave and the so-called “Hidden Waterfall” (which unfortunately had no water during our visit).
In my honest opinion, the place is beautiful, but it looks much more impressive in photos. Somehow, it didn’t completely take my breath away. It is definitely worth a visit, but only if you combine it with other landmarks in the area. I don’t think it’s worth the long drive just for the waterfalls alone.
The entire walk, including the time we took for photos, took us about an hour. We wore hiking boots, but you can easily do it in sneakers. As we were finishing our walk, buses and cars started arriving, and the place got incredibly crowded. So, if you love peace and quiet, wake up early and visit in the morning.
At the entrance of the eco-trail, there is a complex with a swimming pool, so you can bring your beach gear and relax there. There are also plenty of small restaurants where you can grab a bite and a drink.
Devetashka Cave: A Grand Surprise
If you are looking for amazing things to do around Lovech, this is the place! On the road from Krushuna to Lovech, there is a left turn leading to the Devetashka Cave. It’s located about 15 km from Lovech. There is an entrance fee here as well – 2 euro.
You can check more info about the cave and Time table here .
As I always say – when you have no expectations about a place, you are always pleasantly surprised. This cave is absolutely astonishing! It is a truly unique place that you simply must visit. I have been to almost every tourist cave in Bulgaria, but this one instantly became one of my favorites.
Words cannot describe the grandiose view this place offers. I felt like I had stepped into a fairytale. The sunlight penetrates through the massive openings in the cave ceiling (called okna) in a very beautiful way, giving the place a mystical and special vibe.
Interesting facts about Devetashka Cave:
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It is one of the three most important bat habitats in all of Europe.
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For movie fans: The bridge you cross from the parking lot to the cave was built in 2011 specifically for the filming of the Hollywood blockbuster “The Expendables 2”.
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Decades ago, the cave was used as a top-secret storage facility for the state’s food reserves.
Things to Do in Lovech: A Hidden Gem
By the time we reached Lovech, we were exhausted, and the summer heat was killing us. After the long drive and exploring the waterfalls and the cave, we needed food and rest. We sat down at a restaurant called “Drakata”, which I highly recommend. The food was delicious, and the service was top-notch. The waitress was incredibly polite, which pleasantly surprised us.
Where to Stay in Lovech?
After lunch, we headed to our hotel – “Varosha 2003“. I highly recommend it if you decide to spend the night in Lovech. It is very close to the center, the restaurant food is great, and the staff is extremely welcoming.
Actually, the first thing that amazed me about Lovech was the kindness of the locals. They were incredibly welcoming and positive. I couldn’t believe how smiling everyone was in the shops and restaurants. I also noticed there were quite a lot of young people in the city.
When we checked into our room, we were a bit skeptical about what there was to see in the city. We knew we would visit the famous Covered Bridge, but what else? We waited for the weather to cool down and started our walk around town.
Top Sights in Lovech
The Old Town (Varosha Quarter)
The first place we visited was the old part of the town, and it impressed me the most. It is an extremely pleasant place for a walk, full of beautiful National Revival-era houses and quiet, picturesque cobblestone streets. I was surprised I had never heard of the Old Town in Lovech before. It’s an incredible place that is clearly very underrated. I hope more tourists visit it because it truly deserves the attention.
The Vasil Levski Monument
The next thing you must see is the monument of Vasil Levski (a Bulgarian national hero), unveiled in 1964. In fact, Lovech is home to the largest monument of the Apostle in Bulgaria, standing 14 meters tall. The Vasil Levski Museum is right nearby. I couldn’t visit it because it was too late in the evening, but I am sure it is very interesting.
Lovech Medieval Fortress (Hisarya)
Located on the Hisarya hill, this fortress was built to protect the approaches to the medieval capital of Tarnovo. The fortress has been restored and even features a stage where theatrical performances are held. I highly recommend a visit. It is located at the top of the hill, right after the Old Town.
The Covered Bridge by Kolyu Ficheto
Built in 1876, this is the absolute symbol of Lovech. Originally, it was made entirely of wood, without any metal parts. Unfortunately, it burned down almost completely in 1925 and was later reconstructed. Today, it houses small artisan shops selling handmade souvenirs. The view from the bridge over the Osam River is lovely. There is also a small café inside where you can sit and enjoy the atmosphere.
We didn’t manage to get to the “Stratesh” Park and the zoo, but if you have enough time, locals highly recommend it.
After this wonderful walk through the Krushuna Waterfalls, Devetashka Cave, and the sights of Lovech, we went back to rest. The next day, another intense adventure awaited us – the Iskar-Panega Eco-Trail, Prohodna Cave (The Eyes of God), St. Marina Rock Monastery, and the Stone Houses in Lukovit. I will tell you all about them very soon!
Overall, this two-day itinerary is the perfect combination for your next weekend getaway in Bulgaria!
f you are looking for another great idea for a multi-day trip around the country, make sure to read about my experience exploring Top Things to Do in Vidin: A Local’s Guide
