Velingrad

Highest station 1267 m

Velingrad is modern and vibrant with a strong cafe culture, and is internationally popular with its hot mineral waters, the oldest bath being Velyova banya, founded in the sixteenth century, but now with modern buildings. The town consists of three former Pomak (Bulgarian Muslim) villages, originally named Kamenitsa, Ladrhene and Chepino.

Winter driving

The open-air hot mineral baths and most of the modern facilities lie to the North of the town centre and are surrounded by open woodland. Klepruza Lake, with

Cross country

pedalos, rowing boats, and lakeside paths is in the center of the park and is well worth visiting.

We recommend you take the narrow-gauge railway to Velingrad, passing through glorious pine forests and sub-alpine meadows with breathtaking views and the highest railway station in southeast Europe.

Emptiness

If you choose to go by road there is the opportunity to visit Yundola en route to Velingrad. This is a small health resort 1390m above sea level, set amid the forests covering the rounded Rhodope hills. Spring, summer and autumn you can enjoy a lovely walk and in season buy wild forest fruits from the local mountain villagers. In winter it is ideal for cross country skiing and snowboarding or simply walking on the wild side in tranquility.