Skaklya Waterfall, Nature reserve near Vratsa, Bulgaria
Skaklya Waterfall is the tallest waterfall in Bulgaria, located within the Vrachanski Karst nature reserve near Vratsa. It drops from a steep rocky edge and flows most strongly in spring or after heavy rain, while in dry periods the flow can slow to a trickle or stop entirely.
The word "skaklya" means "jump" in Bulgarian, a name shared by several tall waterfalls across the country. Over time, the land around Vratsa was formally protected as a nature reserve to safeguard its limestone landscape and the plants and animals that live there.
The trail to the waterfall starts at the edge of Vratsa, is clearly marked, and takes around an hour to walk one way. Sturdy shoes are a good idea since some sections are narrow and rocky, and the stones can be slippery when wet.
Although Skaklya near Vratsa is considered the tallest waterfall in Bulgaria, it does not flow all year round. On dry summer days the rock face can be completely bare, which makes a spring visit, when snowmelt feeds the fall, a very different experience from a late-summer one.
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