Sights along the trail

Start: The Old Elm Tree

Start: The Old Elm Tree

A symbol of Sliven and European Tree of the Year 2014

1st kilometer: Sliven Main Street

1st kilometer: Sliven Main Street

1.8th kilometer: Panayot Hitov Monument

1.8th kilometer: Panayot Hitov Monument

A monument of the famous Bulgarian voivoda (rebel leader) Panayot Hitov, a teacher of many revolutionaries such as Stoyan Papazov, Hadzhi Dimitar, Vasil Levski and others. The monument was built in 1980, in Novo Selo, near the home of Panayot Hitov.

3rd kilometer: Tuida Fortress

3rd kilometer: Tuida Fortress

 „Tuida“ is Late antique and medieval fortress, situated in the Hisarlaka area, in the northeast part of the town Sliven, close to a neighbourhood called Novo selo. Its location uncovers a wonderful view to the south – toward the town, and to the north – toward the Nature Park „Sinite kamani“. The fortress covers an area of 40 decares; its construction equipment is built in the tradition of ancient military construction.

9.5th kilometer: Halkata

9.5th kilometer: Halkata

The rock phenomenon Halkata has been declared a natural landmark, a symbol of Sliven. The arc-shaped rock garland is what makes Halkata attractive. There are many legends of here magical power that influences love – whoever passes through the ring of Halkata remains forever in love. Other legends say that it helps sailors in combats with the sea element.

10.7th kilometer: Roman Path through “Sechenata skala”

10.7th kilometer: Roman Path through “Sechenata skala”

11-12th kilometer: Haidushkata pateka

11-12th kilometer: Haidushkata pateka

Haidushkata pateka is the shortest pathway leading to Karandila.  It’s uneven, steep and stony. Once upon a time Bulgarian haiduks used this trail to quickly and quietly hide themselves  by Ottomans. Here comes the name of the path – Haidushka.  In the honour of Hadzhi Dimitar, born in the town of Sliven and legendary Bulgarian revolutionary who fought against the Ottomans, an unique event – hump 43 l of wine up Haidushkata pateka, as part of Brave Lad Games “Haiduk Gathering” is traditionally held on 6th of May (St. George’s Day – Bravery Day).  

13th kilometer: Karandila Lake

13th kilometer: Karandila Lake

14.7th kilometer: Peschenik Peak

14.7th kilometer: Peschenik Peak

Peschenik is also known as Haiduk Peak. Underneath it is located the cave where legendary Bulgarian voivoda Panayot Hitov kept hidden his guns. In the north of Peschenik is situated the Haiduk coulee, in which Haiduk Meadow, Haiduk Spring, Bachvata Cave and the unique spring Arhangela  are located.  

15.3rd kilometer: Cave Haidushkata Peshtera

15.4th kilometer: Ruins of Kaloyanovi Kuli Fortress

15.4th kilometer: Ruins of Kaloyanovi Kuli Fortress

15.7th kilometer: Haidushkata Bychva Cave

15.7th kilometer: Haidushkata Bychva Cave

16th kilometer: Panayot Hitov’s Cave

16th kilometer: Panayot Hitov’s Cave

17th kilometer: The Water Tree

17th kilometer: The Water Tree

17.2nd kilometer: Spring Haiduhki Izvor

17.8th kilometer: Arhangela Spring

17.8th kilometer: Arhangela Spring

20.6th kilometer: Kushbunar

20.6th kilometer: Kushbunar

23rd kilometer: Malka Chatalka Peak

23rd kilometer: Malka Chatalka Peak

24.3rd kilometer: Golyama Chatalka Peak

24.3rd kilometer: Golyama Chatalka Peak

Golyama Chatalka Peak is 1065 m above the sea level. It is located in the Western part of Nature park “Blue stones”. It is rocky split peak and here comes its name.

25.3rd kilometer: Mala Planina

25.3rd kilometer: Mala Planina

26.7th kilometer: Mochurite

26.7th kilometer: Mochurite

30.4th kilometer: Balgarka Peak

30.4th kilometer: Balgarka Peak

Balgarka is the highest peak in Eastern Stara Planina (Balkan), 1181m above the ea level.

33rd kilometer: Kutelka Peak

33rd kilometer: Kutelka Peak

Kutelka is second highest peak of Sliven Balkan at approximately 1080 m above the sea level.  

37th kilometer: Marinino Gradishte Forthress

37th kilometer: Marinino Gradishte Forthress

Marinino Gradishte is late antic and medieval fortress. It is part of the defense system of fortresses of the First and Second Bulgarian Empire.    

39.7th kilometer: Panayot Hitov Monument

39.7th kilometer: Panayot Hitov Monument

A monument of the famous Bulgarian voivoda (rebel leader) Panayot Hitov, a teacher of many revolutionaries such as Stoyan Papazov, Hadzhi Dimitar, Vasil Levski and others. The monument was built in 1980, in Novo Selo, near the home of Panayot Hitov.

41-42nd kilometer: Sliven Main Street

41-42nd kilometer: Sliven Main Street

Finish: The Old Elm Tree

Finish: The Old Elm Tree

A symbol of Sliven and European Tree of the Year 2014