Guidebook for Beli Iskar
Sightseeing
Tsari Mali Grad
The name and the history of Sarafska House are closely linked with the Jewish family the Aries, whose forefather was born in Vienna and set led in Samokov in 1793.The wealth and splendor of this enterprising family were reflected in their houses and in the construction of the Synagogue at a time when no significant public buildings existed in the country and the exterior glamour of the house was still a novelty.
The so-called Big Sarafska house was not preserved. In it there was a lounge with a wood carved balcony where a musical band used to sit and the walls were painted with exotic landscapes of bays with palm trees, and with the silhouettes of faraway cites. There were four more houses built in the 1850s and 1860s but the only existing one inherited the name Sarafska.
Out of its splendor only the wood-carved ceilings and some of the ornamental decoration in the lounge have been preserved in the original. The furnishing has been collected specially for the restored house, which is a monument of culture.
Sarafska House Museum
The name and the history of Sarafska House are closely linked with the Jewish family the Aries, whose forefather was born in Vienna and set led in Samokov in 1793.The wealth and splendor of this enterprising family were reflected in their houses and in the construction of the Synagogue at a time when no significant public buildings existed in the country and the exterior glamour of the house was still a novelty.
The so-called Big Sarafska house was not preserved. In it there was a lounge with a wood carved balcony where a musical band used to sit and the walls were painted with exotic landscapes of bays with palm trees, and with the silhouettes of faraway cites. There were four more houses built in the 1850s and 1860s but the only existing one inherited the name Sarafska.
Out of its splendor only the wood-carved ceilings and some of the ornamental decoration in the lounge have been preserved in the original. The furnishing has been collected specially for the restored house, which is a monument of culture.
Rila Monastery was founded in the 10th century by St John of Rila, a hermit canonized by the Orthodox Church. His ascetic dwelling and tomb became a holy site and were transformed into a monastic complex which played an important role in the spiritual and social life of medieval Bulgaria. Destroyed by fire at the beginning of the 19th century, the complex was rebuilt between 1834 and 1862. A characteristic example of the Bulgarian Renaissance (18th–19th centuries), the monument symbolizes the awareness of a Slavic cultural identity following centuries of occupation.
61 yerel halk öneriyor
Rila Manastırı
Rila Monastery was founded in the 10th century by St John of Rila, a hermit canonized by the Orthodox Church. His ascetic dwelling and tomb became a holy site and were transformed into a monastic complex which played an important role in the spiritual and social life of medieval Bulgaria. Destroyed by fire at the beginning of the 19th century, the complex was rebuilt between 1834 and 1862. A characteristic example of the Bulgarian Renaissance (18th–19th centuries), the monument symbolizes the awareness of a Slavic cultural identity following centuries of occupation.
Arts & Culture
The cultural-historic heritage of Samokov has been presented in several theme displays in the History Museum. The name of the town is a remarkable cultural fact reflecting the cause of its foundation and development around the enormous mechanical hammers used for iron mining and called „samokovi”. The display „Samokov- Spirit and Metal” has been dedicated to the importance of the town as an ironmining, craft and cultural centre. Archaeological findings testify to metallurgic traditions, thousands of years old. The active miniature models of iron-melting furnaces „vidnya” and of the mechanical hammers „samokovo” visualize the origin of the name of Samokov. The crafts during the time of the Bulgarian National Revival (19th c.) – textile manufacturing, goldsmith’s trade, pottery, coppersmith’s have been presented with samples and tools. The processing of semiprecious stones after antique patterns used to be a very rare craft. It is interesting to learn that in the middle of the 19th century a glass factory was opened in Samokov where gifted masters from the towns of Karlsbad (Karlovi Vari) worked.
The traditional way of life during the 19th century and from the beginning of the 20th century has been presented with national costumes and embroideries from the Iskar region, typical of the villages in the district of Samokov. Women’s suits made in the latest European fashion from the second half of the 19thcentury, imported clocks, embroideries and others give an idea of the town culture and the modernization of Samokov public at the t me of the town’s most significant state of prosperity.
Historical Museum
4 ul. "Professor Vasil Zahariev"The cultural-historic heritage of Samokov has been presented in several theme displays in the History Museum. The name of the town is a remarkable cultural fact reflecting the cause of its foundation and development around the enormous mechanical hammers used for iron mining and called „samokovi”. The display „Samokov- Spirit and Metal” has been dedicated to the importance of the town as an ironmining, craft and cultural centre. Archaeological findings testify to metallurgic traditions, thousands of years old. The active miniature models of iron-melting furnaces „vidnya” and of the mechanical hammers „samokovo” visualize the origin of the name of Samokov. The crafts during the time of the Bulgarian National Revival (19th c.) – textile manufacturing, goldsmith’s trade, pottery, coppersmith’s have been presented with samples and tools. The processing of semiprecious stones after antique patterns used to be a very rare craft. It is interesting to learn that in the middle of the 19th century a glass factory was opened in Samokov where gifted masters from the towns of Karlsbad (Karlovi Vari) worked.
The traditional way of life during the 19th century and from the beginning of the 20th century has been presented with national costumes and embroideries from the Iskar region, typical of the villages in the district of Samokov. Women’s suits made in the latest European fashion from the second half of the 19thcentury, imported clocks, embroideries and others give an idea of the town culture and the modernization of Samokov public at the t me of the town’s most significant state of prosperity.
Parks & Nature
The Seven Rila Lakes are without a doubt one of the most notable natural attractions on the Balkan Peninsula, a dream destination not to be missed. Their beauty touches the thousands of Bulgarian and international visitors who visit them.
The Seven Rila Lakes, located in the Dangskiya region of the northwestern Rila Mountains, are glacial lakes. They are scattered at the foot of a massive cirque that includes the peaks Suhi Chal (Dry Peak), Otovishki, and Haramiya. The lakes have been named for their shapes and qualities. The highest of them is Tear Lake, which gained its name for its crystal-clear water. It is 2,535 meters high, directly beneath the Otovishki Peak. Next is Eye Lake, the deepest of the seven at 37.5 meters.
29 yerel halk öneriyor
Seven Rila Lakes
The Seven Rila Lakes are without a doubt one of the most notable natural attractions on the Balkan Peninsula, a dream destination not to be missed. Their beauty touches the thousands of Bulgarian and international visitors who visit them.
The Seven Rila Lakes, located in the Dangskiya region of the northwestern Rila Mountains, are glacial lakes. They are scattered at the foot of a massive cirque that includes the peaks Suhi Chal (Dry Peak), Otovishki, and Haramiya. The lakes have been named for their shapes and qualities. The highest of them is Tear Lake, which gained its name for its crystal-clear water. It is 2,535 meters high, directly beneath the Otovishki Peak. Next is Eye Lake, the deepest of the seven at 37.5 meters.
Malyovitsa is a peak in the northwest part of Rila mountain. With its 2,729 meters of height, Malyovitsa is one of the highest peaks in Bulgaria and the 7th in Rila. It is located in the Rila national park in the area of limited human impact. Rock climbing and mass events on the territory of the park are allowed after a consultation with the Department of the Rila National park.
The peak is very popular among climbers due to its alpine nature. Several routes of varying difficulty are passed along the sheer 124 meters long northern wall. They are only accessible with alpine equipment. For the climbing of the rampant southern slope you will only need a several hours of walking, a pair of sturdy shoes and some enthusiasm. No matter how you reach the top, the view, opening up to the picturesque valley of Malyovishka river, with its lakes, overhanging cliffs, glades and lush greenery is unforgettable. The unique nature of the highest mountain is presented here in its entire splendor – old spruce, fir, white fir forests in the lower parts give way to the typical alpine plants such as dwarf pine, juniper, beautiful mountain flowers, grasses and berries. The birds flying above the cliffs complete the picture. With a bit of luck, you can also notice an imprudent ibex, bouncing with ease on the steep granite slopes. It all becomes a white tale during winter – beautiful, raw, but only available for the brave and experienced ones. Not only the mountain top is subjected to tourism here. In winter the region is attractive for skiing and snowboarding. The ski center is located in the Mecha Polyana area. There are three ski runs available, five ski lifts, two of which are for children, two are dish-like and one is an anchor type. The headraces near Malyovitsa (Zliyat zab, Orlovets, Malka Malyovitsa, etc.) and the cliffs near the hut are popular climbing sites in summer and in winter. Climbing courses for beginners and advanced climbers are offered. The routes vary from sports and educational ones to difficult alpine routes with several ropes.
Summer is a suitable season for tourism. There’s an avalanche risk during winter, therefore special equipment and knowledge are required. Due to the high altitude, snow drifts persist until the end of spring.
The top can be reached by a path, running from the Central Mountain School of Malyovitsa, through Malyovitsa Hut, along a marked trail. The endpoint is reached after three hours. The village of Govedartsi is a starting point.
Another path is from Skakavitsa Hut or Rilski Ezera hut. It is а more picturesque, but also longer approach than the previous. Starting point is the village of Panichishte.
Whether you’re a novice traveler, skier, climber or adventurer, Malyovitsa is a place that will justify your bravest expectations.
8 yerel halk öneriyor
Malyovitsa
Malyovitsa is a peak in the northwest part of Rila mountain. With its 2,729 meters of height, Malyovitsa is one of the highest peaks in Bulgaria and the 7th in Rila. It is located in the Rila national park in the area of limited human impact. Rock climbing and mass events on the territory of the park are allowed after a consultation with the Department of the Rila National park.
The peak is very popular among climbers due to its alpine nature. Several routes of varying difficulty are passed along the sheer 124 meters long northern wall. They are only accessible with alpine equipment. For the climbing of the rampant southern slope you will only need a several hours of walking, a pair of sturdy shoes and some enthusiasm. No matter how you reach the top, the view, opening up to the picturesque valley of Malyovishka river, with its lakes, overhanging cliffs, glades and lush greenery is unforgettable. The unique nature of the highest mountain is presented here in its entire splendor – old spruce, fir, white fir forests in the lower parts give way to the typical alpine plants such as dwarf pine, juniper, beautiful mountain flowers, grasses and berries. The birds flying above the cliffs complete the picture. With a bit of luck, you can also notice an imprudent ibex, bouncing with ease on the steep granite slopes. It all becomes a white tale during winter – beautiful, raw, but only available for the brave and experienced ones. Not only the mountain top is subjected to tourism here. In winter the region is attractive for skiing and snowboarding. The ski center is located in the Mecha Polyana area. There are three ski runs available, five ski lifts, two of which are for children, two are dish-like and one is an anchor type. The headraces near Malyovitsa (Zliyat zab, Orlovets, Malka Malyovitsa, etc.) and the cliffs near the hut are popular climbing sites in summer and in winter. Climbing courses for beginners and advanced climbers are offered. The routes vary from sports and educational ones to difficult alpine routes with several ropes.
Summer is a suitable season for tourism. There’s an avalanche risk during winter, therefore special equipment and knowledge are required. Due to the high altitude, snow drifts persist until the end of spring.
The top can be reached by a path, running from the Central Mountain School of Malyovitsa, through Malyovitsa Hut, along a marked trail. The endpoint is reached after three hours. The village of Govedartsi is a starting point.
Another path is from Skakavitsa Hut or Rilski Ezera hut. It is а more picturesque, but also longer approach than the previous. Starting point is the village of Panichishte.
Whether you’re a novice traveler, skier, climber or adventurer, Malyovitsa is a place that will justify your bravest expectations.
Musala (Bulgarian: Мусала; from Arabic through Ottoman Turkish: Musalla, "near God" or "place for prayer" [1][2] is the highest peak in the entire Balkan Peninsula, standing at 2,925 m (9,596 ft). The summit of the Rila mountain range in southwestern Bulgaria, Musala is the highest peak between the Alps and the Caucasus and the highest in Eastern Europe bar the Caucasus. With a prominence of 2473 m, Musala is the 7th most prominent mountain peak in Europe.[3]
Musala is situated within the Rila National Park, which is noted for its rich flora, including species such as Macedonian Pine and Bulgarian Fir in the forests on its middle slopes, and fauna; it is one of the easiest places in Europe to see the wallcreeper. All major mountain ranges of Bulgaria can be seen from the top; these include Vitosha to the northwest, Sredna Gora towards the northeast, the Balkan Mountains along most of the northern horizon behind Vitosha and Sredna Gora, the Rhodope Mountains to the southeast, Pirin to the south, Osogovo and Ruy Mountain to the west, and of course Rila.
A Cosmic Ray Station was built on the peak in 1960 with cooperation from the Hungarian Academy of Science. The station conducted scientific experiments using a muon telescope. The station was destroyed by an electrical fire on October 29, 1983.[4]
With an average annual temperature of -2.3 °C Musala is the coldest place in Bulgaria and the entire Balkan Peninsula. Temperatures stay below 0 °C for about 8 months each year. Due to this about 45% of the annual precipitation on Musala is snow, and snow cover lasts for about 200 days (more than six months). Three of the main rivers of Bulgaria, the Iskar, Maritsa and Mesta have their sources near Musala.
The next highest peaks in the vicinity of Musala are Little Musala (2,902 m) and Irechek (2,852 m).
14 yerel halk öneriyor
Musala
Musala (Bulgarian: Мусала; from Arabic through Ottoman Turkish: Musalla, "near God" or "place for prayer" [1][2] is the highest peak in the entire Balkan Peninsula, standing at 2,925 m (9,596 ft). The summit of the Rila mountain range in southwestern Bulgaria, Musala is the highest peak between the Alps and the Caucasus and the highest in Eastern Europe bar the Caucasus. With a prominence of 2473 m, Musala is the 7th most prominent mountain peak in Europe.[3]
Musala is situated within the Rila National Park, which is noted for its rich flora, including species such as Macedonian Pine and Bulgarian Fir in the forests on its middle slopes, and fauna; it is one of the easiest places in Europe to see the wallcreeper. All major mountain ranges of Bulgaria can be seen from the top; these include Vitosha to the northwest, Sredna Gora towards the northeast, the Balkan Mountains along most of the northern horizon behind Vitosha and Sredna Gora, the Rhodope Mountains to the southeast, Pirin to the south, Osogovo and Ruy Mountain to the west, and of course Rila.
A Cosmic Ray Station was built on the peak in 1960 with cooperation from the Hungarian Academy of Science. The station conducted scientific experiments using a muon telescope. The station was destroyed by an electrical fire on October 29, 1983.[4]
With an average annual temperature of -2.3 °C Musala is the coldest place in Bulgaria and the entire Balkan Peninsula. Temperatures stay below 0 °C for about 8 months each year. Due to this about 45% of the annual precipitation on Musala is snow, and snow cover lasts for about 200 days (more than six months). Three of the main rivers of Bulgaria, the Iskar, Maritsa and Mesta have their sources near Musala.
The next highest peaks in the vicinity of Musala are Little Musala (2,902 m) and Irechek (2,852 m).
Ecopath Beli Iskar is situated right at the entrance of Rila National Park. It was named after the eponymous river, meandering around throughout its full length. In addition to the picturesque scenery, the river has a length of 7.5km and a small height difference of 300m. It is easily accessible and the places for relaxation are abundant. It is suitable for small children. The path starts just where Beli Iskar ends. The route is recluse and can be covered in no more than two and a half hours. There are seven bridges built along the trail that cross the river Beli Iskar. The fourth bridge is the longest one. The highest point on the path is 1380m. Here you can find the typical for the location: strawberries, nifty geranium, yarrow, thyme and bilberry. The information boards help to identify every plant available to see, such as: the Balkan broom, pansy, red avens, ball stitchwort, Icelandic moss, reclining sandwort, deer bell and many others. It is home to the golden eagle and wild cat.
The trail is located just outside the Rila National Park. It was named after the eponymous river, meandering around throughout its full length. No matter which of the two streams you take, there is no way you can miss something along the way. The destination of the ecopath was not chosen randomly- Beli Iskar’s valley has a weather and topography that is very common for the whole Rila Mountain region. A valley with narrow gorges a riverside landscape, interesting rock formations, pine forests and a lack of sudden temperature fluctuation.
There are seven bridges over the Beli Iskar River where you can cross. Stepping on the first bridge we can see right opposite us, the area of Eagle Rocks. Its highest point is Sokolets peak, with an altitude of 2021m. On the right side (to the east) of the Beli Iskar valley, we can see some of the river’s tributaries- all of which give names to small valleys in the region, such as: Pastrumski Dol, Eremski Dol, Lower Suhar and Higher Suhar. Passing by the sixth bridge we are faced with the rocky areas- Samokovshte and Vidnishte. There is the highest point of the trail- 1380m.
If we “mind our feet” along the way, we can see with a naked eye, some of the typical for the area, strawberry nifty geranium, yarrow, thyme and bilberry. With the help of the information boards you can easily find the Balkan broom, pansy, red avens, ball stitchwort, Icelandic moss, reclining sandwort, deer bell and many others.
If you’re in the right season, you can easily see mushrooms like the agaric, parasol, mountain Puffball and others. Be warned though, this is a protected area and picking, trimming, towing and other such actions that can harm the natural environment are strictly forbidden. In case you think you won’t be caught and fined, then at least think of your children- let’s not destroy and leave this place be, so that they too can see it one day.
One of the signs tells us we have come to the home of the Golden Eagle and the chamois. If you’re looking at the rocks you can’t miss seeing them. The eagle is impressive. It has a body length of 90cm and can spread its wings up to 225cm. The chamois, on the other hand, is the symbol of the Rila National Park. Don’t look for white moving dots along the rocks- the chamois has red fur during the summer and dark brown fur during the winter. Unfortunately both species are endangered and this is one of the places they can be seen with a naked eye.
Along the trail you will be able to see lots of birds: sokeritsa, Chaffinch, Coal Tit, missel, Grey Wagtail, raven, grouse - all protected species. With a little bit of luck you can encounter some of the mammals like: the marten, wolf, brown bear, deer and wild boar.
6 yerel halk öneriyor
Beli Iskar
Ecopath Beli Iskar is situated right at the entrance of Rila National Park. It was named after the eponymous river, meandering around throughout its full length. In addition to the picturesque scenery, the river has a length of 7.5km and a small height difference of 300m. It is easily accessible and the places for relaxation are abundant. It is suitable for small children. The path starts just where Beli Iskar ends. The route is recluse and can be covered in no more than two and a half hours. There are seven bridges built along the trail that cross the river Beli Iskar. The fourth bridge is the longest one. The highest point on the path is 1380m. Here you can find the typical for the location: strawberries, nifty geranium, yarrow, thyme and bilberry. The information boards help to identify every plant available to see, such as: the Balkan broom, pansy, red avens, ball stitchwort, Icelandic moss, reclining sandwort, deer bell and many others. It is home to the golden eagle and wild cat.
The trail is located just outside the Rila National Park. It was named after the eponymous river, meandering around throughout its full length. No matter which of the two streams you take, there is no way you can miss something along the way. The destination of the ecopath was not chosen randomly- Beli Iskar’s valley has a weather and topography that is very common for the whole Rila Mountain region. A valley with narrow gorges a riverside landscape, interesting rock formations, pine forests and a lack of sudden temperature fluctuation.
There are seven bridges over the Beli Iskar River where you can cross. Stepping on the first bridge we can see right opposite us, the area of Eagle Rocks. Its highest point is Sokolets peak, with an altitude of 2021m. On the right side (to the east) of the Beli Iskar valley, we can see some of the river’s tributaries- all of which give names to small valleys in the region, such as: Pastrumski Dol, Eremski Dol, Lower Suhar and Higher Suhar. Passing by the sixth bridge we are faced with the rocky areas- Samokovshte and Vidnishte. There is the highest point of the trail- 1380m.
If we “mind our feet” along the way, we can see with a naked eye, some of the typical for the area, strawberry nifty geranium, yarrow, thyme and bilberry. With the help of the information boards you can easily find the Balkan broom, pansy, red avens, ball stitchwort, Icelandic moss, reclining sandwort, deer bell and many others.
If you’re in the right season, you can easily see mushrooms like the agaric, parasol, mountain Puffball and others. Be warned though, this is a protected area and picking, trimming, towing and other such actions that can harm the natural environment are strictly forbidden. In case you think you won’t be caught and fined, then at least think of your children- let’s not destroy and leave this place be, so that they too can see it one day.
One of the signs tells us we have come to the home of the Golden Eagle and the chamois. If you’re looking at the rocks you can’t miss seeing them. The eagle is impressive. It has a body length of 90cm and can spread its wings up to 225cm. The chamois, on the other hand, is the symbol of the Rila National Park. Don’t look for white moving dots along the rocks- the chamois has red fur during the summer and dark brown fur during the winter. Unfortunately both species are endangered and this is one of the places they can be seen with a naked eye.
Along the trail you will be able to see lots of birds: sokeritsa, Chaffinch, Coal Tit, missel, Grey Wagtail, raven, grouse - all protected species. With a little bit of luck you can encounter some of the mammals like: the marten, wolf, brown bear, deer and wild boar.
Getting Around
Borovec
Shopping
The town of Samokov is 7 km from Beli Iskar .There is a Souvenir Shops ,Shopping Mall , a lot of Clothing Stores , Book Stores , Market , Billa , T-market .
7 yerel halk öneriyor
Samokov
The town of Samokov is 7 km from Beli Iskar .There is a Souvenir Shops ,Shopping Mall , a lot of Clothing Stores , Book Stores , Market , Billa , T-market .