贝洛格拉奇克堡垒

The fortress itself didn't have a lot to it or even very much information, but the rocks that make up part of the fortress are well worth the visit. Not only are they geologically interesting, the view once you climb to the very top is unbelievably beautiful.

A fortress constructed among very unusual rock formations. Spectacular views. Bring your boots, as the last part of the climb is quite steep and slippery.

I was really looking forward to this part of our journey; however on this day, it was socked in with heavy fog so we couldn't see many of the rock formations or the valley below. Nevertheless, the fortress itself (and the accompanying history) was quite interesting. Rarely have I visited a site such as this that was in almost continuous use from the time of the Romans until the First World War. One suggestion: check the weather forecast before you go.

I loved this place. The views from the top of the fortress are spectacular. There did not seem to be too much fortress left but that did not matter. I would say that you need to be reasonably fit to get to the very top but there are several stages and if you can't get all the way up it is still worth experiencing the views from the lower levels. There is a stylised picture showing the names of the different rock formations such as the school girl, at the bottom of the climb and in the adjacent car park souvenirs and postcards could be purchased. Well worth the trip!

Obviously, since my previous visit of the place and review here, things have changed for the better for the tourist site at the fortress. FACILITIES. The parking and area are much more welcoming, with many opportunities for souvenirs, a wine shop (with the famous Magura cave wine) and what seems to be - a future tourist centre. The building fits into the ensemble of the rocks and fortress as it's covered in stones from top to bottom. On it's roof there are seats overlooking to the fortress, and I've heard there must be some movie broadcasts - but no idea what kind of. or when.There's a WC a little bit further down the road on the way to the town, 1 minute walk from the cash desk. Parking costs 2 leva for cars. FORTRESS - lovely as expected. Not that the fortress is too splendid, but the walls are standing tall and actually the combination rocks+stone walls is the actual fascinating thing.There are a few good viewpoints up there. Have in mind that for people with movement difficulties it might be a little challenge. I think though that at least climbing the first set of stairs which would lead you to the inner part (the citadel) is achievable. There's a bench in the middle of the distance. Where there are stairs, there are also rails from one or the two sides.The highest place is the flat part of the rocks, reached by 2 sets of stairs, which might be a bit more challenging for people with movement difficulties, but stairs are not too many, so you might be able to reach the top. ROCKS. Did you know that some of the rocks have names? Haidut Velko (you'll read about him on a sign inside the fortress), The Schoolgirl, The Madonna (you can read about the legend of the Madonna within the fortress), The Horseman.. You can see and take a picture of Haidut Velko, when you climb the stairs located right above the two wells. Just climb the two sets of stairs and look to the west/north-west (opposite direction from the town)WALKING PATHS. There are many marked tourist paths in the area. The longest lead maybe 10-15 km away from the fortress both to the west and to the east, and go along the rocks. As reported by a user on the Bulgaria forum, the blue trail at the moment is not in a good condition. I walked along the whole yellow trail, which is also the shortest. It starts from the fortress (behind it, right at the small Bulgarian army monument, in the direction of the observatory), encircles the rocks of the fortress, crosses a river and the main road, passes through a nice restaurant "Mislen kamak" with a fantastic view, and ends at the city centre right behind the hotel. The whole walk (really slowly, stopping for pictures) takes approx. 2.5 hours (I tracked it with a GPS tracking application). I suggest you take a look at the maps, there are a few types of maps sold at the souvenir shops. I personally have another map - "Stara planina part 3" which also includes a map of the region around Belogradchik, so if you don't want to leave the planning of walking trips for the day you arrive in Belogradchik, you can buy this map from almost any bookstore in Sofia.

The fortress itself is nothing special, but climb the stairs to the top and watch out as your jaw might hit the floor. Absolutely incredible views of the Belogradchik rocks. Visit on a nice day, especially towards sunset and you're in for a treat.

There are a few hot spots of natural beauty in the world that are worthy of a 15 hours airplane flight just to see them: Grand Canyon and Big Sur in the USA, Machu Picchu in Peru, the Iguacu Falls in Argentina and Brazil, The Angel Falls in Venezuela, Ngorongoro in Tanzania... and probably about 50 other places everybody knows.What hardly anybody knows is that the Rocks of Belogradchik are of equal magnitude!The town of Belogradchik hasn't got a single decent hotel, a single restaurant where you should not being afraid of eating poor food, but STILL - seeing the rocks is worth coming from the other side of the world.Try visiting on a beautiful day in the fall, where the leafs are turning red. It's truly magical!

We visited Belogradchik Fortress on a lovely sunny day. On our drive from our river boat we were struck by the poverty in Bulgaria and than were amazed by the fortress. It's not an easy hike to the top but worth the effort even in the heat of the day. A picture takers paradise.

Beautifully preserved Fortress. The fortress is great in itself, but the views from the upper levels are absolutely incredible. Certainly worth the visit (and many more). Only drawbacks.. having to pay to use a disgusting bathroom and minimal safety railings.

It was hot walk up the hill to the fortress, but certainly worth it. Whilst the more recent part of the fortress is nothing special, take the stairs and ladders up to the older part of the fortress and the rocks above. The views are fantastic and worth the effort.

There are several places in this area of BG that should be visited. This is one of them. Simple as that. If you have 1-2 h (or more if you want to walk around on the eco-routes) you should come and take a look.

It is a little out of the way but well worth the drive to get there!A surprising number of people in our tour group of 150 people, many over 65, and all shapes and sizes managed to easily climb to the top.... even one lady with 2 new knees!! Plus is was over 32 degrees the day we did it! Do suggest wearing flat sensible shoes for climbing not flip flops!The views from the top of the fortress are wonderful... and such a suprise as you drive along very flat countryside for miles then.. up it appears!The ground is uneven in parts, the steps too but the metal steps are well maintained and have a hand rail so that makes it very easy to go up and down. I'd recommend going early to avoid the tours!! we were the only group there at the time... but our guide told us it could get very busy later on and that would spoil it.The 'grand canyon' like rock formations are dramatic to see and stand out strongly against the green vegetation. You can see for miles on a clear day.It is only a 5 minute drive back into the town so getting drink/something to eat is very easy once you've finished viewing the fortress.

As if it isn't cool enough to be in Bulgaria, here in the middle of nowhere is one of those natural wonders that makes you marvel at this wonderful planet we inhabit. Three levels of fortresses from three different eras in various states of repair, including one from the Romans on the very top that you just sort of have to trust existed, are stacked like a layer cake onto and into these crazy rock formations that reminded us of an island from the book Babar and Zephir. If you like a good climb and are wearing sturdy shoes, go all the way up to the top for an amazing view. Be warned that there aren't a lot of railings and the steps are sometimes very steep stairs and more often built into the rocks and a bit wonky. Be sure to bring your camera: the view form the top is awesome! And definitely take time to follow little paths and explore the nooks and crannies. Lots of fun and a huge hit with my teenage daughter who loved climbing and not being told where she could and couldn't go.

Amazing rocks and in true Bulgarian style very little health and safety. You can climb high if you are agile enough but it looks precarious especially when we went as many tourists. Children need supervising. Set in a good location with plenty of parking. Nearby town very picturesque.

Pretty long bus ride from town and the river but worth walking this ancient fortress that guarded the roman road to the east and Istanbul