The free tours of Open Vratsa reveal the beauties of Vratsa and the Vratsa Balkan

Two large-scale events draw attention to the region in the last days of August

published on 8/12/24 4:05 AM

Photo: Iliyan Stoichev

From this summer, visitors to Vratsa can explore the mountain town through completely free guided tours modelled on similar tours offered in major European cities. The idea is to help a first-time visitor to the northwestern town acquire a general idea of its history, culture and tourism opportunities, and then visit the individual sites independently. The free tours are organised by the Open Vratsa platform with the support of the municipality and the local Tourist Information Centre.

Bulgaria’s Vratsa – journey through time

"The free tour has been held with our guides for two months every Saturday at 11 am and 2 pm. But with a prior request and more than 5 people, we can also organize the tour during the week," Hristo Hristov, manager of the Open Vratsa Foundation, told Radio Bulgaria, adding:

"The Open Vratsa sightseeing tour is almost a circular route. It starts from the Tourist Information Centre, located literally in the heart of the pedestrian zone. We start with a story about our pedestrian zone that has preserved its ancient spirit. From there we reach the building of the Regional History Museum.

Since last year we have a new modern exhibition hall "Vratsa Treasures" with finds from Antiquity to the Renaissance found in the area, including the Rogozen Treasure. Tourists can visit it after our tour.

We also show them other sights of Vratsa, but also introduce them to the sites outside the city, such as the natural phenomenon "The Bridge of God", the Ledenika cave, the recreational park "Ledenika" and many others."

The town of Vratsa also visited by many foreign tourists, so tours in English are provided for them. Those wishing to join the free tour can make a preliminary request on the Open Vratsa website.

Another way to get to know the town is to take a ride on the amusement train that departs from Hristo Botev Square. Its final stop is the village of Zgorigrad - a starting point for hiking tours of the Vratsa Balkan.

Zgorigrad – the town behind the mountain

The train also passes by the rock phenomenon "Vratsata", which has become a paradise for rock climbers. Especially popular are the cycling routes in the area, we learn from Hristo Hristov. You can also experience the secrets of the Vratsa Balkan Mountain with the assistance of the team from the Nature Conservation Centre "Natura", which organizes hikes in the mountains for the symbolic sum of BGN 3 per person.

Most guests are expected towards the end of August, when Vratsa will host two major events. On August 19-25 the so-called Okolchitza Open will take place:

"A very interesting paragliding event is coming up, which is part of the International Aeronautical Federation (IAF) calendar. There are a lot of people and participants from all over the world. The festival is traditionally held in the last 10 days of August on Mt. Okolchitsa, where the burial place of Hristo Botev, the patron of our town, is located. During this event, if the conditions allow it, the organizers also offer sightseeing tours of the Vratsa Balkan by a paraglider," said Hristo Hristov.

Vratsa is preparing for yet another event. On August 31 and September 1, for the second consecutive year, the town will host the Open Vratsa Festival. The organizers promise lots of music, contemporary art and traditional crafts. Many guests from Bulgaria and abroad are expected, with local hotels almost 100% booked for the period.

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