Use a mapped hiking route or local guide because open pasture tracks are confusing and hidden shafts can be dangerous.
Stays Places · Zimevitsa and Iskrets
Ponora karst area
Карстова местност Понора
Sinkholes, dry valleys, springs and caves create one of the most characteristic karst landscapes west of the Iskar Gorge.
01
Visiting advice
Photos & short video
Bulgarian food
Local food →Local food
Vratsa-style banitsa · lamb dishes · mountain honey · local wine
Biso / Wikimedia CommonsBreakfast · pastry
Banitsa
Crisp filo layers wrapped around eggs, yogurt and white cheese—a warm Bulgarian breakfast staple.
What's in it Filo pastry, eggs, yogurt, sirene cheese and butter or oil.
Viktorija N. Ivanov / Wikimedia CommonsSalad · vegetarian
Shopska salad
The classic first order: tomatoes, cucumber and peppers under a generous snowy layer of white brined cheese.
What's in it Tomatoes, cucumber, roasted or fresh pepper, onion, parsley and sirene cheese.
Sumit Surai / Wikimedia CommonsCold soup · vegetarian
Tarator
A cooling yogurt and cucumber soup served cold—simple, fresh and especially popular in summer.
What's in it Yogurt, cucumber, garlic, dill, walnuts, water and a little oil.
Jeroen Kransen / Wikimedia CommonsSlow-cooked main
Kavarma
Rich meat and vegetables slowly cooked with paprika and savory, often arriving sizzling in a clay pot.
What's in it Pork or chicken, onion, peppers, tomatoes, mushrooms and spices.
Biso / Wikimedia CommonsGrill · street favorite
Kebapche
Seasoned minced meat shaped into long rolls and grilled over high heat for a smoky crust.
What's in it Minced pork or mixed meat, cumin, black pepper and salt.
Biso / Wikimedia CommonsHome cooking · seasonal
Sarmi
Small vine or cabbage leaves wrapped around a savory rice filling, with or without minced meat.
What's in it Vine or cabbage leaves, rice, onion, herbs and optionally minced meat.NEARBY
Public transport
Зимевица и Искрец
© OpenStreetMap contributors · Open Database License · availability depends on local mapping
Map
Directions
02
Directions
Buses and trains
First reach Svoge or Sofia by train or intercity bus. Confirm the local bus in advance; when it does not match your return time, pre-book a licensed taxi for the last kilometres.
03
Nearby places
I-Vaylo · CC BY-SA 3.0VratsaVratsata Pass
Проход Вратцата
Monumental limestone walls frame the road into Vrachanski Balkan just above the city.
Read the guide
Martin Marinov · CC BY-SA 3.0Vrachanski BalkanLedenika Cave
Пещера Леденика
A show cave of sculpted chambers high in the Balkan above Vratsa, cool even in summer.
Read the guide
Iliana Teneva · CC BY-SA 4.0VratsaSkaklya waterfall
Водопад Скакля
A seasonal high waterfall drops from the cliffs above Vratsa and is most dramatic after rain or snowmelt.
Read the guide