Sredna Gora Mountain

In ancient Slavic language “Sredna Gora” means “the middle mountain”. The name completely suits the moderately high Bulgarian mountain, lying in the geographic mean of the country: south of and parallel to the Balkan mountain range (Stara Planina) and north of the biggest Bulgarian lowland, the Upper Thracian Plane. Sredna Gora Mountain extends from the River Iskar Gorge in the Pancharevo area (to the west) to the Tundzha River basin near the town of Yambol (to the east). Its length is about 285km and its maximum width reaches 50km.

There are many perpendicularly rising elevations or grounds, such as Koznitsa and Strazhata that connect Sredna Gora to the Balkan mountain range, as well as to the highest Bulgarian mountain, Rila. Several significant rivers pass through Sredna Gora and divide it into three major parts: Western, Middle, and Eastern. The highest peak in the mountain is Goliam Bogdan (1604m) and is situated in Middle Sredna Gora. Due to its relatively small height, Sredna Gora is an easily accessible mountain appropriate for summer activities such as hiking and mountaineering. In addition, it may turn out to be an attraction for photographers as well due to its breath-taking views: round ridges covered with green pastures, and gentle slopes dominated by deep forests. Speleologists can also enjoy the opportunities for exploration that Sredna Gora Mountain offers. It is home to several interesting caves, such as the Bat Cave (or Golashka Cave) where bats reproduce during the summer and take their “nap” in the winter.