Bulgaria's Lakatnik - a Top Choice to Enjoy Stunning Natural Sceneries

Novinite is republishing a story by our reader Leon de Leeuw, who visited the area of Lakatnik, a place not far from Bulgaria's capital Sofia which has much to offer to hikers and nature lovers.

About an hour and fifteen minutes north of Sofia, Lakatnik makes an excellent destination for a day trip. The name Lakatnik derives from the Bulgarian word for elbow, referring to the bend in the Iskar river. Whilst exploring the area around Sofia, you have plenty of options to enjoy stunning natural sceneries. Lakatnik is one of your top choices, especially if you're up for a hike to reach some breathtaking views.

Lakatnik is a village in the Iskar Gorge, a long canyon north of Sofia. The canyon connects Sofia and Mezdra and passes right through the Stara Planina mountain chain. Both the road and railway offer incredible views over the mountains and the Iskar river. In terms of geology, this river is the oldest in the Balkans. Moreover, it is the only river that has preserved its original direction, despite enormous geological changes.

Getting from Sofia to Lakatnik by train will set you back only a couple of Euros, depending on the train type you choose. Traveling first class on an intercity train is recommended as it is a lot faster than the slow 'Personal' trains. Likewise, you have significantly more legroom in first class. However, you will most likely be standing at the window to enjoy the view.

When you arrive in Lakatnik by train, the first thing you see is the 'Skaklya'. This is an immense wall of rock formations that reaches up to 250 metres. They have been formed by the Iskar River, that used to be far wider and deeper than it is currently. In addition, the rocks got their fantastic shapes from being exposed to the force...