Image: Belogradchik Fortress
Highlights
– What to see and do in the quiet small town of Belogradchik, Bulgaria.
Time of Visit: September 2025
Duration of Visit: Two Days
Description
Belogradchik is a small town in northwestern Bulgaria about three hours drive from the capital city, Sofia. It is best known for its natural rock formations and the historic fortress built among them. The town is surrounded by massive sandstone and limestone cliffs, pillars, and rock figures that have been shaped by centuries of erosion. The town itself is quiet and scenic. It offers visitors a glimpse into rural Bulgarian life while being a gateway to one of the country’s most remarkable landscapes.
The Belogradchik Rocks and the surrounding region also offer opportunities for hiking, photography, and exploration. Not very well known, this area of Bulgaria has a suitable climate for growing grapes. It is common to see grape vines at people’s yards. There are also a couple of small wineries within a few minutes drive from Belogradchik.
Activities
Explore Belogradchik Fortress
The Belogradchik Fortress, also known as Kaleto, is an impressive stronghold built into and around the natural rock formations. Originally established by the Romans and later expanded by the Byzantines, Bulgarians, and Ottomans, the fortress blends man-made walls with towering stone cliffs, making it both visually striking and strategically impenetrable. It serves as a captivating reminder of Bulgaria’s layered history.
The Belograchik fortress is the town’s main attraction. It is common to see tour buses bringing tourists from riverboat cruises on the Danube River. Fortunately, this happens mostly in the morning and the fortress becomes quiet in the afternoon.
The fortress is about a 20 minute uphill walk from the town center. We spent about a couple of hours walking its grounds, climbing stairs and admiring the panoramic views of the surrounding rock formations and countryside.
Go Hiking
There are a number of hiking trails that originate from the town itself. They are labeled as “Ecotrails” which take hikers to different points of interest.
We did the 4 mi (6 km) Belogradchik Fortress – Belogradchick Rocks Loop. Most of the trail is through the forest and the views were obscured by the canopy. There were only a few open spots along this trail to reveal the rock formations.
The best view along this trail besides the fortress was at the Belogradchik sign in the park near the town center.
Visit Wineries
Surprisingly, this area of Bulgaria (as well as in other parts of the country) is great for growing grapes. Magura and Soul of the Balkans are wineries that are a short driving distance from town. Magura has stores around town and just outside the fortress. Soul of the Balkans is a smaller outfit but their wines are not short on flavor. They even sell locally made cheese from surrounding villages. If you like wine, you would be amiss if you do not try one while in the area.
How To Get There
We rented a car from Sofia and made the three hour drive to Belogradchik. The drive is mainly through a two lane undivided road that winds its way through the mountain. There are not a lot of hairpin turns but the travel is slow, especially if you get behind a slow moving vehicle as the opportunity to pass is infrequent.
Google Maps does a good job of routing. Speed limits often change and we noticed a couple of police cars with radar guns.
Where To Stay
We stayed in Hotel17 which is near the center of town. The hotel is family owned and modern. Our room was neither cramped or roomy, just enough to move around without bumping into anything or having to do a side step to get through something. The only thing different is that the bathroom is a wet bathroom, meaning there is no shower curtain or shower partition wall.
How To Get Around
Unless you are visiting the wineries, all you need are your feet to get around town. The town center is not big and very walkable. We did not see any bus stops while walking. We actually just parked our car at the hotel the entire time.
Expected Expenses
The admission to the fortress was 15 BGN (Bulgarian Lev) per person. You get a small discount if you are a senior (65 for men, 62 for women).
Bulgaria will adopt the Euro in 2026.
Summary
For travelers touring Bulgaria, Belogradchik is a stop worth making because it showcases a side of the country that contrasts with its cities and coastal regions. While Sofia and Plovdiv highlight Bulgaria’s urban culture and history, Belogradchik immerses visitors in breathtaking nature combined with medieval heritage. The surreal rock formations create an almost otherworldly setting, making it one of the most photogenic places in the Balkans.
In addition, Belogradchik offers an authentic and less crowded experience compared to Bulgaria’s more famous attractions. It gives travelers a chance to explore off the beaten path while still enjoying a site of international significance. For those interested in blending outdoor adventure with history, this destination provides a perfect mix, ensuring it leaves a lasting impression on any Bulgaria itinerary.