Introducing Central Balkans
This broad swipe of lovely and surprisingly high mountains – called the Stara Planina (Old Mountain, or Balkans) locally – occupies much of Bulgaria’s belly. The area is dotted with towns in 19th-century revival style (Veliko Târnovo, Koprivshtitsa, Tryavna and Kotel are standouts). Some of the many hiking paths through the broad Central Balkans National Park can also be cross-country skied or cycled. The international E3 hiking trail crosses here. Other windswept hubs (Kazanlâk, Sliven and Shumen) are more off the beaten track. Check www.staraplanina.org for more information.
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Some travellers find themselves changing trains or buses in the Stara Planina’s outer reaches at Stara Zagora, where there’s a nice central garden and little else to see.
Last updated: Feb 17, 2009
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