Iskar Gorge, Natural canyon formation in western Stara Planina, Bulgaria
Iskar Gorge is a natural canyon carved by the river through the Balkan Mountains, featuring tall limestone walls on either side of the water. The valley stretches across a long distance and includes settlements, farmland, and a railway line that winds through the rock formations.
The river carved its path through the mountains over millions of years, maintaining its course through major geological shifts. A railway was built through the valley in the late 1800s, connecting Sofia to northern Bulgaria and creating new settlements along the route.
The river has shaped how people live in this area, with settlements adapting to the narrow valley over centuries. Local communities use the water and cliffs as natural boundaries for their villages.
The best way to visit is by train from Sofia, which stops at several points along the valley where you can start walks to viewpoints or riverside trails. The paths vary in difficulty, so bring sturdy shoes and plenty of water for any hike you choose.
An old monastery sits perched on the cliffs within the gorge and dates back to medieval times when this region was under Bulgarian rule. The building has been difficult to reach over the years, giving it an isolated and mysterious quality that sets it apart from other religious sites.
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