Karlovo Travel Guide

Explore the must-see attractions, hiking and biking routes, food and drink scene, where to stay, and cultural customs of Karlovo with this detailed travel guide.


Introduction to Karlovo

Karlovo is a picturesque town situated in the heart of the Balkan Mountains in Bulgaria. It is known for its natural beauty, cultural significance, and traditional crafts. Founded in the 14th century, Karlovo has always been a center of Bulgarian culture.

The town is surrounded by lush green hills, which lend it a beautiful charm. Visitors are charmed by the relaxing atmosphere, attractive architecture, elegant cobblestone streets, and vibrant culture.

List of Places to Visit in Karlovo

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Vasil Levski Museum - This museum is dedicated to the Bulgarian national hero, Vasil Levski, who played a key role in Bulgaria’s fight for independence from Ottoman rule. It houses a collection of exhibits detailing his life, work, and death. It also features a recreation of his prison cell and courtroom.
  • Karlovo Museum of History - This museum highlights the rich cultural heritage of Karlovo. Visitors can learn about the town’s history, traditional handicrafts, and famous residents.
  • Kalofer Monastery - Located in the beautiful Balkan Mountains, Kalofer Monastery is one of the oldest and most famous monasteries in Bulgaria. It was founded in the 14th century and is still an active monastery. It has a lovely garden and a museum that displays a collection of Bulgarian icons and religious artifacts.

Natural Attractions of Karlovo: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Central Balkan National Park - The Central Balkan National Park covers an area of 71,000 hectares and is home to rare species of plants and animals. Visitors can hike the many trails, take in breathtaking views of the mountains, and explore the numerous caves in the park.
  • Beklemeto Ski Zone - Beklemeto Ski Zone is a popular winter destination for skiing and snowboarding. The ski zone has six ski slopes, a ski school, and a ski rental shop. It also has a beautiful scenic view of the mountain range.
  • Teteven - Located about 40 kilometers from Karlovo, Teteven is a charming town with untouched natural beauty. It is well known for the Krushuna waterfall, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Bulgaria.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Karlovo

Karlovo is a paradise for hiking and biking enthusiasts with a range of paths for all skill levels. The most popular routes are:

  • The Eco-Trail “Botevgrad -Etropole” - This route begins in Botevgrad and ends in Etropole. It covers a distance of about 18 kilometers and takes about six hours to complete. It takes you through scenic valleys and beautiful forests.
  • The Trail of the Roman Roads - This route follows the ancient Roman roads that connected the town of Augusta Trayana to the capital of the Roman province of Thrace. It is a challenging route with a length of about 20 kilometers and takes six hours to complete.
  • The Balkan Mountains - The Balkan Mountains provide a stunning backdrop for a range of hiking routes. The routes range from easy to challenging and provide stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

Best Things to Do in Karlovo: Activities and Tours

  • Traditional Bulgarian Crafts - Karlovo is famous for its traditional Bulgarian crafts. Visitors can explore the local markets to purchase hand-woven textiles, ceramic pottery, and intricately carved woodwork.
  • Horse Riding - Horse-riding is a fantastic way to explore the beautiful landscape of the Balkan Mountains. Visitors can book a horse-riding tour and enjoy the stunning scenery, flora, and fauna of the region.
  • Wine Tasting - Karlovo has a rich wine-making tradition that dates back centuries. Visitors can do some wine tasting at the local vineyards to sample some of the region’s finest wines.
  • Paragliding - For an adrenaline rush, visitors can go paragliding over the stunning Balkan Mountains.
  • Experience the Local Festivals - Karlovo hosts several cultural festivals throughout the year. Visitors can experience the traditional music, dance, and food of the region during these festivals.

Week-Long Itinerary for Karlovo

Day 1: Explore the Old Town
Day 2: Visit Vasil Levski Museum and Kalofer Monastery
Day 3: Take a hiking trip to the Central Balkan National Park
Day 4: Go paragliding or horseback riding
Day 5: Visit the Beklemeto Ski Zone
Day 6: Explore the traditional Bulgarian crafts markets
Day 7: Wine tasting tour

Food and Drink Scene of Karlovo

Must-Try Dishes

  • Banitsa - Banitsa is a traditional Bulgarian pastry that is made of layers of phyllo pastry and filled with feta cheese and eggs. It is a popular breakfast food and sold at local pastry shops.
  • Kavarma - It is a traditional Bulgarian stew made with meat (usually pork or lamb), onions, and various vegetables.
  • Shopska salad - Shopska salad is a traditional Bulgarian salad made with cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and grated white cheese.

Local Beverages

  • Rakia - Rakia is a traditional Bulgarian fruit brandy. It is made from various fruits such as plums, grapes, and apricots.
  • Bulgarian wine - Karlovo is a wine-producing region, and visitors can taste some of the region’s finest wines at the local vineyards.

Where to Stay in Karlovo: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Spa Hotel Stryama - This hotel is located in the heart of Karlovo, and it offers excellent spa facilities, including a sauna, steam bath, and indoor pool.
  • Guest House Nadia - This guesthouse is located in the Old Town, just a short walk from the museums and historic sites. It has cozy rooms and a lovely garden.
  • Hostel Djudjeva Kashta - This hostel is a great budget option for travelers. It is located in the city center, and it offers dormitory rooms and private rooms with shared bathrooms.

What to Buy in Karlovo: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Karlovo is known for its traditional Bulgarian crafts, and visitors can buy an array of products to take home. Some popular handicrafts and souvenirs are:

  • Hand-woven textiles such as carpets, rugs, and tablecloths
  • Ceramic pottery pieces such as bowls, cups, and plates
  • Hand-carved wooden crafts such as chessboards and figurines
  • Traditional Bulgarian clothing such as embroidered shirts and dresses

Local Culture and Customs of Karlovo

Bulgarian culture is a mix of ancient traditional practices and modern-day influences. Some unique customs of the region are:

  • Nestinari Fire Dancers - This traditional Bulgarian ritual involves dancing over burning embers. The ritual symbolizes the battle between light and darkness, and it is usually performed during the summer solstice.
  • The rose festival - The rose festival is celebrated in the nearby town of Kazanlak every year in early June. It is a celebration of the region’s rose oil industry that produces one of the world’s best rose oils.
  • Baba Marta - Baba Marta is a Bulgarian tradition celebrated on March 1, where people exchange martenitsi, which are red and white woolen bracelets symbolizing good health and happiness.

Best Time to Visit Karlovo

The best time to visit Karlovo is from May to September when the weather is pleasant, and visitors can enjoy outdoor activities. The high season is from June to August when the town can get busy with tourists.

Do’s and Don’ts of Karlovo

Do:

  • Respect the local culture and customs.
  • Try the traditional Bulgarian dishes and cuisines.
  • Explore the natural beauty of the Balkan Mountains by hiking or biking.
  • Visit the Central Balkan National Park.

Don’t:

  • Wear inappropriate clothing when visiting religious sites.
  • Litter the natural surroundings.
  • Ignore the local customs and traditions.
  • Take pictures of people without their permission.

Safety and Health

Safety in Karlovo

Karlovo is a relatively safe town. Visitors should still take caution and keep their valuables in a safe place. Be careful when hiking or biking in the mountains, and always go with a knowledgeable guide.

Health in Karlovo

There are no major health risks in Karlovo. Visitors should take standard precautions such as staying hydrated, washing their hands regularly, and wearing sunscreen when outdoors.

Getting to Karlovo: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Karlovo

The nearest airport to Karlovo is Sofia Airport, which is about 150 kilometers away. From here, visitors can take a bus or taxi to Karlovo.

Bus Stations Near Karlovo

Karlovo has a bus station that connects it with other Bulgarian cities. Buses operate on a regular schedule, and tickets should be purchased in advance.

Other Options

Visitors can also travel to Karlovo by car or taxi from nearby towns and cities. Traveling by train is also an option, but the train station is not in Karlovo town center.

How to Get Around in Karlovo

The best way to get around Karlovo is on foot. The town is small and compact, so most attractions are within walking distance. Taxis and buses are also available for longer distances.

Where to Go Next from Karlovo: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Koprivshtitsa - Located about 60 kilometers from Karlovo, Koprivshtitsa is a beautiful town with preserved historic buildings and museums. It is a good place to learn about Bulgarian culture and traditions.
  • Plovdiv - Plovdiv is a vibrant Bulgarian city located about 90 kilometers from Karlovo. It is known for its ancient Roman ruins and fascinating museums.
  • Sofia - Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, is about 150 kilometers from Karlovo. It is a bustling city with a rich cultural heritage, landmarks, and museums.

Conclusion

Karlovo is a delightful destination for travelers who love history, culture, and nature. Visitors can explore the many museums, landmarks, and outdoor activities the town has to offer. The town’s traditional crafts and rich cultural heritage make Karlovo an unforgettable experience.

Karlovo Karlovo The monument to Vasil Levski in the centre of Karlovo The monument to Vasil Levski in the centre of Karlovo Old bank building at the July 20th square Old bank building at the July 20th square Communist-era mosaic on the wall of the Municipality building Communist-era mosaic on the wall of the Municipality building Monument to Levski's mother, Gina Kuncheva Monument to Levski's mother, Gina Kuncheva Suchurum Waterfall Suchurum Waterfall