Velingrad: Hotels and Accommodations

Velingrad

Velingrad is located in the Chepino Valley in the Western Rhodopes at an elevation of 755 meters. Those wishing to book a hotel in Velingrad can then continue their search for accommodation.

Thermal Springs

Velingrad's thermomineral resources are described as the largest in Bulgaria. In the Chepino thermal area, twelve springs lie along a stretch of about 70 meters, including a thermomineral spring with the highest discharge rate in Bulgaria. In the central Lyudzhene district, 40 thermal springs are located along the Lukovitsa Valley within an area approximately two kilometers long.

Central Mineral Beach has three pools, including a 33-meter-long pool supplied with mineral water.

Nature and Trails

Around Velingrad and Yundola, more than 30 marked eco-hiking trails are part of tourist routes; they are offered year-round with guides. Marked hiking trails start from Kurtovo, which also has a ski slope. The route to Elin Vrah reaches a 1,568-meter-high summit with panoramas toward Velingrad, the Rhodopes, the Stara Planina, Pirin, and the eastern Rila Mountains.

Pashovi Skali is a natural landmark reached via a marked trail, with panoramas toward the Rhodopes, Rila, and Pirin. The Felibelijska Meadow protected area was designated in 1981 because of its habitat for mountain peonies. The Seven Brothers tree, with seven trunks growing from a single root, also stands there.

Marked hiking trails toward Harmanite, Brezi, and Sivata Voda begin at Kleptuza. Kleptuza's two artificial lakes form a recreational area with pedal boats. A marked route from Kleptuza leads toward Prosce and Brezi; Prosce and Brezi are described as year-round excursion areas for mountaineers.

History and Culture

The Velingrad Historical Museum preserves and studies more than 19,000 archaeological finds and cultural heritage objects. Its permanent exhibitions include Vela Peeva, local ethnography, painted Easter eggs, and Nikolay Gyaurov.

The Trinity Church in Kamenitsa was built in 1816 on the foundations of an older stone church. At its western entrance is a rare Bulgarian variant of a blue icon of the Mother of God.

Traditional health kurbans are held at the sanctuary on Mount Ostretz on May 6. The Bess sanctuary on Mount Ostretz has been sacred to local people for more than 3,000 years. Cepina Fortress lies 18 kilometers east of Velingrad and was the seat of Despot Slav.

Excursions and Transport

The Rhodope narrow-gauge railway connects Septemvri, Velingrad, Yakoruda, Razlog, Bansko, and Dobrinishte; it is described as a year-round tourist journey through picturesque landscapes. Velingrad is also described as a location with good transport connections to European Corridors 4 and 8.

Other destinations: Batak, Panagyurishte, Pazardzhik, Peshtera.

To the overview of the higher-level travel region: Pazardzhik Province.