Route:Vidin – Dunavtsi – Sratsimir – Dimovo – Ostrokaptsi – Kladorub – / cave Magura after village RaBisha – 7,4km from Kladorub village / – Belogradchik – Izvor – Borovitsa – Falkovets – Sredogriv – Dolni Lom, Prevala – Gorna Luka – Mitrovtsi – /Chiprovtsi –
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124 кm. |
6 h. |
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Description:
The level of traffic intensity is relatively high in the Vidin-Dimovo section of the E-79, then to Montana traffic is weak to medium.
It starts from the town of Vidin on the international road E-79 towards the town of Dimovo. The road is busy but with good asphalt and wide enough, relatively flat with 1-2 significant climbs in the beginning after the town of Dunavtsi.
Before the railway crossing in the town of Dimovo turn right to the direction of Magura Cave. The quality of the road surface deteriorates, but heavy traffic is avoided.
In Kladorub you can turn right to Magura Cave, which is one of the most famous Bulgarian caves with authentic paintings dating back to tens thousand years BC and Rabisha lake – the only tectonic lake in Bulgaria. 400 m. from the entrance of the cave is situated the newly built Magura complex with excellent cuisine and incredible views of the western Balkans. Http://complexmagura.com/ Contact phone: 0878 485 495 E-mail: complex_magura@abv.bg/. Here you can charge the batteries of your bicycle before proceeding. The complex offers various opportunities for water sports in Rabisha Lake, wine tasting from the region of Vidin, jeep safari other entertainments.
In Magura Cave there is an opportunity to taste wine from the Magura winery in the Bats gallery in the cave itself. To book a wine tasting you should call at least three days prior to your visit at: 02 857 00 15, head office and 093 29 62 30, winery. Http://www.magurawinery.bg. In the village of Rabisha it is worth visiting the old school, which is one of the oldest in Bulgaria. It was built in 1835 in the courtyard of the church „St. Prophet Ilia“. There is exhibited letter written with blood to the rebels in Rakovica in 1850, giving the beginning of the uprising in Northwestern Bulgaria.
The road from Kladorub to Belogradchik is predominantly mountainous with many turns and sometimes quite narrow. The quality of the asphalt is average to satisfactory. Upon entering Belogradchik you must visit the Belogradchik Rocks and Fortress. If you have more free time visit also the astronomical observatory, the Natural History and History Museum. The Belogradchik Rocks stretch over 30 square kilometers, sculptured by nature more than 200 million years ago. Their discovery is an incredible adventure. There are some wellmarked paths. Bike Club “Skala” http://clubskala.org/ organizes regular mountain biking competitions and has experienced guides. There is always a possibility to rent a mountain bike!
After Belogradchik the road passes through the village of Izvos, where you can stay in the newly built complex „Clay Houses“.
If you like horseriding, folk customs, dancing and typical rural dishes, you will be interested to visit the authentic complex The Three Houses in the village of Stakevtsi, which is 13.3 km away from Izvos. The asphalt flooring is excellent, the road is picturesque.
Trip to Stakevtsi village – 13.3km
You have the opportunity 4 km after the village of Izvos to turn right and take to the village of Varbovo and Chuprene, then reach Dolni Lom without passing through the village of Borovitsa. In Chuprene it is worth seeing the clock tower and the church. At the beginning of June, a traditional tourlac festival „Kada kum prase i ti vrechu“ is organized at the village square, which brings together the authentic folklore performers from northwest Bulgaria and nearby Serbia.
If you don’t take the alternative route through Chuprene continue to the village of Borovitsa.
In the center of the village you can turn left and along a dirt road after 1.5 km you will find yourself in front of the Red Church – a monastery with an incredible view towards one of the most impressive rocks in the region – Borov Kamak.
Borovitsa village – The Red Church / view towards Borov Kamak /- 1,5 km
After enjoying the view and returning back to the village only 2 km in the direction of Falkovets there is Borovitsa winery where you can taste or buy a bottle of some of the most exciting wines in Bulgaria, worldwide recognised.
After another 2.4 km is situated the village of Falkovets but before turning right to Dolni Lom and Montana you can stop relaxing at Madonna Inn, which features a lovely courtyard, authentic style and camping place.
Venetza cave is one of the jewels among the caves in Bulgaria. It is located 7.2 km from Madonna Inn. It is a small but extremely beautiful cave. Groups of 10 to 15 people are allowed to enter simultaneously.
Falkovets – Venetsa cave – 7,2km
From Falkovets village, the road to Montana continues through Sredogriv, but when you leave the village of Falkovets about 200 m after the bridge over the river you can turn left to ride another 100 m and visit the extremely interesting natural phenomenon – the red canyon.
Back on the way to Sredogriv village you have the opportunity to relax on a gazebo near the river. In Dolni Lom village it is worth visiting the church and drinking water from the tap beside it. In the same village there is a tourist information center.
From Dolni Lom you turn left to Montana and you follow a hilly road with average quality of the pavement, relatively narrow, with lots of turns and climbs.
We highly recommend visiting Chiprovtsi with the historical museum and church, as well as the Chiprovtsi Monastery. In Chiprovtsi there is a charging station for your bicycle, good possibilities for accommodation and meals, as well as for purchase of carpets or observation of the ancient craftsmanship that people of this town are world famous for, namely the weaving of Chiprovtsi carpets.
After Chiprovtsi you have to go back to the main road, pass through the village of Belimel and shortly thereafter you have again the opportunity to visit another Bulgarian temple – Lopushanski monastery, which is only 4,8 km away from the exit for Georgi Damianovo. The monastery has a hotel part and a very beautiful church.
Once again, you should go back to the main road and continue to Montana, as you enter the city the first thing you’ll see is the Ogosta dam, which has a city beach with swimming pool and water slide, hotels and restaurants. As soon as you start to descend from the dam down to Montana, turn left and you will end up in front of the ancient fortress Castra ad Montanesium. In the city you can visit also the historical museum and lapidarium. Accommodation and dining options are rich.
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