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Top 5 activities around Velingrad to combine with your hotel stay
Velingrad, known as the spa capital of the Balkans, is an ideal destination for those who want to combine relaxation in a luxury hotel with an active holiday in nature. The region offers an abundance of mineral springs, which the hotels in the city use for their spa programs, but also numerous opportunities for outdoor adventures. If you are staying in a hotel in Velingrad and want to diversify your stay, here are five activities that will make your vacation unforgettable.
1. Walk to Lake Kleptuza and the park around it
Lake Kleptuza is the largest karst spring in Bulgaria and the emblem of Velingrad. It is located in the Chepino district, about 2 km from the city center, which makes it easily accessible for a short walk. Around the lake there is a picturesque park with pine forests, benches for relaxation and restaurants where you can try local dishes. The water of Kleptuza is crystal clear, and in the summer you can rent a pedalo to explore the lake up close. The park is home to 285 species of plants and is a protected area, making it an ideal place for nature lovers. After the walk, you can return to your hotel and enjoy a warm mineral pool while you rest from your active day.
2. Traveling on the narrow-gauge Septemvri-Dobrinishte train
One of the most scenic experiences in the region is a trip on the narrow-gauge railway from Septemvri to Dobrinishte, which stops at the Velingrad train station in the Ladzhene district. This UNESCO-protected train is the only operating narrow-gauge railway in Bulgaria and offers unique views of the Rhodopes, Pirin and Rila Mountains. The route passes through the highest railway station in the Balkans – Avramovo (1267 m above sea level), and the journey is slow and peaceful, with picturesque bends and figure-eights. You can take a short trip to the nearby Tsepina station and return, which will take you about an hour. Then, indulge in spa treatments at your hotel to end the day in relaxation.
3. Visit to Lepenitsa Cave
Lepenitsa Cave is located about 11 km south of Velingrad, in the Western Rhodopes, under the Syutkya Peak (2186 m). It is 1525 m long and has three floors, the first of which is accessible to tourists. Inside you will see impressive stalactites, stalagmites and underground lakes, and the temperature is around 10°C, so bring a jacket. The cave is reached by a dirt road (about 4 km walk from the last parking lot), which adds an element of adventure. The cave was inhabited by the Thracians around 600 BC, which also makes it a historical site. After this walk, the mineral pools and saunas at your hotel will be the perfect way to warm up and relax.
4. Tourist route to the Tsepina fortress
Tsepina Fortress, located near the village of Dorkovo, about 20 km from Velingrad, is a historical landmark worth visiting. Built on a conical peak, it offers panoramic views of the Rhodope Mountains. There is a museum with medieval artifacts next to the fortress, and the path to the ruins is pleasant and takes about 10 minutes on foot. You can combine the visit with a walk to the nearby Yellow Rock, from where you can enjoy an even more impressive view of the Tsepina Valley. This activity is suitable for history and nature lovers, and after returning to the hotel you can enjoy a massage or a gourmet dinner.
5. Fishing or picnic at Batak Dam
Batak Dam, located about 24 km from Velingrad, in the Tsigov Chark area, is an ideal place for fishing or a family picnic. The dam is popular with fishermen due to the abundance of fish such as pike, perch and carp, and in the area you can rent a boat for a more authentic experience. If you are not a fan of fishing, Tsigov Chark offers cool places to relax in the summer, with opportunities for hiking to Golyama Syutkya Peak. After a day outdoors, returning to your hotel in Velingrad will be even more pleasant with a warm steam bath or jacuzzi to relax your muscles.
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How to plan your day?
Each of these activities can be planned as a half-day outing, leaving you plenty of time to enjoy the amenities of your hotel. For example, in the morning you can visit Kleptuza or ride the narrow-gauge railway, and in the afternoon indulge in spa treatments. For more active days, such as visiting Lepenitsa Cave or Tsepina Fortress, plan a lighter afternoon with dinner at the hotel. Batak Dam is a great choice for a full day outdoors, especially if you want to combine fishing with a picnic.
Why choose Velingrad for an active vacation?
Velingrad is unique with its combination of natural landmarks and luxury hotels that offer high-level spa and wellness services. The mineral springs in the region are known for their healing properties, and the hotels use them for pools, saunas and therapies, making your stay even more beneficial for your health. In addition, the Rhodope Mountains around Velingrad offer gentle walking routes suitable for all ages, without steep climbs like in Rila or Pirin.
Kashmir Wellness & SPA unites earth, air, water, fire, and soul, bringing the warmth of the past and the energy of the future.
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