Shumen Travel Guide (Southern Dobruja/Bulgaria/Balkans/Europe)

Introduction to Shumen

Located in Southern Dobruja in Bulgaria, Shumen is a historic city with a rich cultural heritage dating back to ancient times. It is known for its breathtaking landscapes, stunning natural scenery, and fascinating historical landmarks. From exploring the ruins of the ancient fortress to hiking in the nearby mountains, there’s no shortage of things to do in Shumen. This comprehensive travel guide will help you plan your trip to Shumen, and ensure that you make the most of your time in this beautiful city.

List of Places to Visit in Shumen

Shumen is home to several cultural and natural attractions that offer visitors a glimpse into its rich history and heritage. Here are some of the must-visit places in Shumen:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Shumen Fortress: The ancient fortress is one of the most important cultural landmarks in Bulgaria. It was built in the 10th century and is now a magnificent archaeological site.
Museum of History and Art: The museum is home to a vast collection of artifacts, paintings, and sculptures that showcase the history and culture of the region.
The Tombul Mosque: The mosque, built in the early 18th century, is a stunning example of Ottoman architecture. It is also part of the town’s Ottoman history and is an important cultural landmark.
The Monument to 1300 Years of Bulgaria: The monument is a spectacular representation of Bulgaria’s historical landmarks. It was constructed in honor of the country’s 1300th anniversary.

Natural Attractions of Shumen: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Shumen Plateau Nature Park: The park has a varied landscape ranging from hills to canyons. It is an ideal place for outdoor activities like hiking, mountain biking, and rock climbing.
Madara Rider: It is a unique rock formation that is over 1,300 years old and depicts a horseman. The site is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is a popular tourist destination for its breathtaking views and historical significance.
Shumen Lake: Shumen Lake is a man-made lake, which is a famous picnic spot for locals and tourists alike. It’s a serene place to relax and enjoy the scenic views of the lake and surrounding mountains.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Shumen

The Shumen region is perfect for outdoor adventurists. Here are some of the popular hiking and biking trails:

Shumen Plateau Nature Park: The park offers several hiking trails ranging from easy to moderate, suitable for all levels of hikers and bikers.
Hristovski Waterfall Trail: The trail leads to the beautiful Hristovski waterfall through the wooded path, and it is an ideal place for nature lovers and bird watchers.
Madara Horseman Trail: The trail offers fantastic views of the Madara Horseman rock formation and Shumen plateau, making it an ideal spot for hikers and bikers.

Best Things to Do in Shumen: Activities and Tours

Discover the Ottoman History: Take a guided tour of Shumen’s old quarter to explore the Ottoman history and culture of the city.
Visit Shumen Fortress: Explore the ruins of the ancient fortress, which is a significant historical site of Bulgaria.
Attend the Shumen International Guitar Festival: The festival takes place every summer and is an opportunity to experience world-class music and discover local talent.

Week-Long Itinerary for Shumen

Day 1: Arrive in Shumen Day 2: Visit the Shumen Fortress and Madara Horseman rock formation Day 3: Discover the culture and history of the city by visiting the Museum of History and Art and the Tombul Mosque Day 4: Take a hiking tour of the Shumen Plateau Nature Park Day 5: Enjoy the scenic views of the Madara Rider Day 6: Explore the Hristovski Waterfall Trail Day 7: Spend a leisurely day at Shumen Lake before departing Shumen.

Food and Drink Scene of Shumen

Must-Try Dishes

Tarator: It’s a cold soup made with yogurt, cucumbers, garlic, and walnuts. It’s a refreshing dish, especially on hot summer days.
Kavarma: It’s a slow-cooked meat and vegetable stew usually served in a clay pot.
Bulgarian Salad: Traditional Bulgarian Salad is a simple and healthy dish made with four ingredients - cucumber, tomato, onions, and feta cheese.

Local Beverages

Rakia: Rakia is a traditional Bulgarian alcohol distilled from grapes or other fruits. It’s a popular choice at local bars and restaurants.
Bulgarian Wines: Bulgaria is famous for wine production, and Shumen is no exception. The region produces some of the best local wines, such as Enira and Medite Wines.

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

Shumen has a variety of accommodation options to cater to all travelers. Here are some of the best places to stay:

Grand Hotel Shumen: Located in the heart of the City, the hotel offers luxury accommodation, with facilities like a fitness center, spa, and indoor pool.
Hostel Old School: The hostel is perfect for backpackers and budget travelers, located in Shumen’s Old Town and has a shared kitchen, lounge, and garden.

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

Rose Oil Products: Bulgaria is famous for its rose oils and lotions derived from the Damascena Rose. Shumen has several stores selling these products.
Traditional Bulgarian Embroidery: Shumen has several stores selling traditional Bulgarian embroidery, which makes perfect gifts and souvenirs.

Local Culture and Customs of Shumen

Bulgarians are proud of their culture and show respect towards their customs and traditions. Visitors should be mindful of local customs and be open to experiencing the different traditions during their stay in Shumen.

Best Time to Visit Shumen

The best time to visit Shumen is from April to October when the weather is mild, and the flora is in full bloom.

Do’s and Don’ts of Shumen

Do:

Respect local customs and traditions
Try the local cuisine
Explore the city’s old quarter

Don’t:

Wear inappropriate clothing at religious sites
Attempt to remove any cultural artifacts
Litter in public areas

Safety and Health

Safety in Shumen

Shumen is a relatively safe city, with low crime rates. However, it’s always better to be cautious and aware of your surroundings, especially when traveling alone on quiet streets or at night.

Health in Shumen

The health facilities in Shumen are of a high standard, with well-equipped hospitals and clinics. However, it’s a good idea to have travel insurance before visiting Bulgaria.

Getting to Shumen: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Shumen

The Varna International Airport is the closest airport to Shumen, with frequent flights from all major European cities.

Bus Stations Near Shumen

Shumen Central Bus Station has several buses departing for major Bulgarian cities like Sofia and Varna.

Other Options

Shumen has a train station connecting it to other major Bulgarian cities like Varna and Plovdiv.

How to Get Around in Shumen

Shumen has several public transportation options like buses, taxis, and private cars. Buses are the most economical form of transportation, with frequent routes.

Where to Go Next from Shumen: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Here are some of the nearby destinations and excursions outside of Shumen:

Varna: Explore the City’s museums and art galleries, and relax on the beach at the Varna Beach Resort.
Veliko Tarnovo: Discover the historic town of Veliko Tarnovo, known for its magnificent medieval fortress and stunning Old Town.
Madara: Experience the beautiful countryside and visit the Madara Rider UNESCO World Heritage site.

Conclusion

Shumen is a must-visit destination for history buffs and nature lovers alike. From its ancient ruins to its breathtaking natural scenery, there’s something for everyone in this charming Bulgarian city. This comprehensive travel guide will help you plan your trip to Shumen with ease, ensuring that you make the most of your time in this beautiful city.

Shumen Image Gallery

The Monument, as seen from the city.

The ruins of the Fortress, including the restored corner tower.

The Madara Rider

Motorway A2

E772

National road 4