Walk from the edge of town, watch climbers and continue only on a route suited to your ability.
Stays
I-Vaylo · CC BY-SA 3.0Vratsata Pass
Проход Вратцата
Monumental limestone walls frame the road into Vrachanski Balkan just above the city.
Visiting advice
Photos & short video
Local food
Vratsa-style banitsa · lamb dishes · mountain honey · local wine
Biso / Wikimedia CommonsBanitsa
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 CommonsShopska 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 CommonsTarator
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 CommonsKavarma
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 CommonsKebapche
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 CommonsSarmi
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.Public transport
Враца
© OpenStreetMap contributors · Open Database License · availability depends on local mapping
Directions
Directions
Buses and trains
Trains and buses reach Vratsa; Vratsata begins within walking/taxi distance of the centre.
Nearby places
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
Biso · CC BY 3.0LyutibrodCherepish Monastery
Черепишки манастир
A serene monastery wedged between forested cliffs and the Iskar River in a dramatic gorge.
Read the guide