Lakatnishki Skali, Limestone cliffs in Iskar Gorge, Bulgaria.
Lakatnishki Skali is a limestone formation in Iskar Gorge with vertical cliffs rising above 250 meters above the river and creating multiple layers within the karst system. The rock face offers more than 20 climbing routes of varying difficulty and over 100 caves that can be reached through marked hiking trails.
The cliffs became the center of modern climbing in Bulgaria starting in 1925, when climbers first systematically used climbing equipment at the site. This pioneering work made the location a turning point for the development of mountaineering in the country.
The red lodge Orlovo Gnezdo, built in 1938 by the Bulgarian Alpine Club, represents the mountaineering culture that has grown around these cliffs. It shows how important the site became for climbers who wanted to explore and challenge themselves on the rock.
The best time to visit is during warmer months when trails are dry and safe underfoot. Bring sturdy footwear since many paths are steep and the ground can be uneven or loose.
The name comes from the sharp elbow-like bend the Iskar River makes around these cliffs. This sudden river curve is a defining feature that visitors notice when walking through the gorge.
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