Proposed route versions for the territory of Bulgaria

Version 1

A main route connecting the priority ecotourism sites, following first-class and second-class roads, where possible. In Bulgaria, the route starts from the Danube Bridge II in the city of Vidin, crosses the sites of Magura, Belogradchik Rocks, Western Balkan Mountains, Vratsa Balkan Nature Park, Karlukovo karst, protected areas in the river valleys of Iskar, Vit, Karaboaz, Nikopol Plateau, Persina Nature Park, and Svishtov Forest. The route goes south along the Yantra River and protected natural sites in its valley, reaches the city of Veliko Tarnovo and Tvardishka Mountains, then closes a circle and heads north again. The route crosses Rusenski Lom and after the city of Ruse, follows the Danube River to the city of Silistra, including many of the most significant Danube wetlands. In Dobrudzha, the route exits the Danube River range and heads southeast through the Suhata River, the Batova River valley to reach the Black Sea coast at the Golden Sands Nature Park. In the last section, the route follows the Black Sea coast, including all coastal areas of conservation importance to the north of Varna. It leaves the territory of Bulgaria at Durankulak border checkpoint.

Version 2

This version is similar to the previous one with the following differences:

The main route is shorter and follows first-class roads (green line).

There are several circular detours (yellow line) – Belogradchik, Kozloduy, Oryahovo and the Iskar River, Veliko Tarnovo, Rusenski Lom, Garvan Marsh, Suha River, Kaliakra.

 

Version 3

Route that follows the Danube River as a transport corridor and makes detours to selected Danubian wetlands and other protected areas.

 

Version 4 – Optimized after consultation with stakeholders

After analyzing the alternatives and receiving the opinion and comments of stakeholders during the round tables held, the team revised their suggestion and proposed a fourth version of the route that combines the benefits of the previous ones.

The main route (red line), similar to Version 1, connects priority sites for ecotourism in the entire CBC area, following first-class and second-class roads, where possible. In Bulgaria, the route starts from the Danube Bridge II at Vidin, crosses the sites of Magura, Belogradchik Rocks – Venets, Western Balkan Mountains, Vratsa Balkan Nature Park, Karlukovo Karst, Vit River, Nikopol Plateau, Persina Nature Park and Vardim Island. The route makes a detour from the Danube River to reach Rusenski Lom Nature Park, and after Ruse follows the Danube River to the city of Silistra, including many of the most significant Danubian wetlands. In Dobrudzha, the route exits the Danube River range and heads southeast through the Suhata River, the Batova River valley to reach the Black Sea coast at the Golden Sands Nature Park. In the last section, the route follows the Black Sea coast, including all coastal areas of conservation importance to the north of Varna. It leaves the territory of Bulgaria at Durankulak border checkpoint.

As additional branches (yellow line), several sections have been defined, so as to include more sites in the area:

  • A section along the Danube River between Vidin and Gulyantsi, which includes the sites of Archar, Orsoya breeding-ponds, Tsibar, Zlatiyata, Kozloduy and Karaboaz. The section allows for a transport connection at Oryahovo and closure of the sub-route circle.
  • Short detours to explore the approaches to Vratsa Balkan Nature Park and access to the Bozhi most site.
  • Circular detour at the city of Pleven to visit the Studenets area and the related observation sites.
  • Detour at the city of Veliko Turnovo to visit the areas of Yantra and Tarnovo Highlands.

The route is complemented by an alternative river route with vessels covering the entire border section of the Danube River, which can be utilized in full or in part. In many places, these three elements of the proposed route version may be connected.