Shipka Pass

The International Cycling Tour of Bulgaria will kick off on Sunday, August 25, prompting the "Road Infrastructure" agency (RIA) to advise drivers to exercise increased caution on the roads. During the 71st edition of the race, which runs until Thursday, August 29, traffic will be temporarily restricted on various sections of the national road network.

March 3 holds a special place in the hearts of all true Bulgarians!

It marks the day when Bulgaria was liberated from Ottoman rule, a time to reflect on the past and look towards the future, united by our shared history, love for our homeland, and aspirations for progress and prosperity.

On the eve of March 3rd - Bulgaria's national holiday, this year thousands of Bulgarians will visit Shipka to honor the memory of the heroes of the Liberation. The presence of state officials is also expected. The organization of the celebration is extremely strict to maintain public order.

A homeless man died because of the sub-zero temperatures in Kazanlak. This was confirmed by Emergency Services.

The heavy snowfall created problems in the passes in the Middle Stara Planina and the Rhodope mountains.

Restrictions on the movement of trucks have been imposed through the Troyan - Karnare, Rozhen, Prevala and Pechinsko passes in Smolyan region.

From today until the end of the month, the travel of all motor vehicles through the Pass of the Republic will be stopped.

This was reported by the Bulgarian Road Agency. The traffic will be diverted through the Shipka, Rishki and Kotlenski passes.

The cars will pass through the Shipka pass, and the trucks will be redirected on the road Shumen-Karnobat and Omurtag-Kotel.

Code orange weather alert is in effect for 5 districts of Bulgaria for 10th of January, reported the Bulgarian National Television. Road traffic situation is complicated due to heavy snowfall in West and South Bulgaria.

Roads are being cleared and sanded. Traffic is temporarily restricted at the time of snow ploughing.

Approximately 700 snow removal vehicles were out clearing the roads last night. All national roads are passable in winter conditions. Around 8:30 am, restrictions on the movement of heavy goods vehicles over 12 tonnes with trailers and semi-trailers across the Preval pass were lifted, said the press office of the Road Infrastructure Agency, reports Focus News Agency. 

The first snow fell at Shipka Pass on 25th of October. All night, several machines of a road maintenance company worked to clear the pass. Ice has formed in some places because of the low temperatures and the strong wind. There is no traffic restrictions in in the pass.

Bulgaria celebrates the national holiday - 140 years since the liberation from Ottoman Rule. On March 3 (February 19th in old style), in 1878, the San Stefano Peace Treaty between Russia and the Ottoman Empire was signed, which provides for the rebuilding of Bulgaria. Independence was proclaimed thirty years later - on September 22 (October 5 in a new style) 1908.