[size=55:1si7z7lx]BNR 03 October 2010

Autumn in the Balkans



Autumn is one of the best seasons for mountain hikes. The months of September, October and sometimes November are still sunny and fairly warm in Bulgaria and tourists are attracted away from the noise in urban areas and everyday stress into the country’s most wild mountain nooks. The Central Balkan range with its high peaks, century-old woods and meadows mottled with herbs and wild flowers, is the perfect destination for an autumn hiking trip.

Autumn’s lasting cold rains, frosts and piercing winds can discourage even the most keen mountaineers from embarking on a trip. According to weather forecasts, however, this autumn will be favorable to hiking fans. So, now is the perfect moment for you to grab a backpack and head for the Central Balkan range, where the municipalities of Apriltzi, Troyan and Teteven are to be found. This part of the country is one of the most developed tourist attractions for its well-marked tracks, as well as mountain and guest houses.



“I recommend the hiking trails in the region, which are pleasant and vary in difficulty in terms of terrain.“ Darya Zarichinova from the local tourism association Tour Club ReMark said and added:
“The autumn in the Balkan range offers tourists abundance and fertility. There are still blackberries, blueberries and a lot of mushrooms in the mountain. You can also pick up some apples, walnuts, hazelnuts, etc. There are fruit trees available along all paths. You should walk the Vidimska trail that leads up to a very beautiful waterfall. The hiking trip gives you the chance to connect to the mountain. Although a bit longer, the trail is not steep, and reaches the territory of the Central Balkan National Park. You can also go to a mountain house called Pleven, from where you can climb to the Balkan Mountain’s highest peak Botev (2376m), which overlooks both Southern and Northern Bulgaria. The exceptionally beautiful peak of Maragidik is also worth climbing. The track leading to it is difficult to walk, and poses a huge challenge for the lovers of extreme emotions. From Maragidik you can reach Cademliiski waterfall located at the foot of the peak of Triglav, and from there you can cross into Southern Bulgaria.



You can also rent a bike or an ATV to reach the most remote and wild mountain nooks. There are also horse riding centres from where you can rent a horse and embark on an unforgettable trekking by babbling streams, dense coniferous forests, and sheer rocks with colonies of birds hovering above.



“At the end of September the town of Troyan celebrates the Festival of Plums, so you might want to visit this unique fair”, Darya Zarichinova went on to say. “This is a typical autumn festival rich in folklore and culture events. In October the town of Apriltzi hosts a folk songs festival. If you happen to be in Apriltzi, make sure you visit a gift shop in the centre. There you can buy very beautiful ceramics made by young artists who skillfully weave clay into natural materials. If you stay in a guest house, its hosts can offer you to help them gather the crops. They can also invite you to pick some apples, quinces or pears, with which you can prepare home-made pastry and tutty-fruttis. At the moment you can still swim in open swimming pools, which can be heated, if the weather gets too cold. You can also make a picnic along the river, which by far is a very pleasant experience.

What beautiful stunning photos.l do love this time of year more then the summer,because the plants and animals are setting themselves up for a long sleep.Just watching all the little creatures like the hedgehog searching for nesting material is joy,while the leaves gently come away from the trees fluttering slowly to the ground makes it a real relaxing experience to be amongst natures preparation for beddy time.

The many varieties of edible mushrooms that have sprouted out of the ground ready for the Sunday roast is a pleasure to pick.A real bountiful of natural food just there to be harvested direct from natures handouts.Even the atmosphere smells a lot fresher.

snail wrote:

What beautiful stunning photos.l do love this time of year more then the summer,because the plants and animals are setting themselves up for a long sleep.Just watching all the little creatures like the hedgehog searching for nesting material is joy,while the leaves gently come away from the trees fluttering slowly to the ground makes it a real relaxing experience to be amongst natures preparation for beddy time.

The many varieties of edible mushrooms that have sprouted out of the ground ready for the Sunday roast is a pleasure to pick.A real bountiful of natural food just there to be harvested direct from natures handouts.Even the atmosphere smells a lot fresher.

Its nice to hear someone talk like this I think most of us have forgotten whats around us and never stop to look at natures beauty

sarah

Fantastic!!!! thanks for the lovely pictures Admin sometimes we just have to look around and see nature at its best

Oddy