GPS coordinates start for Kazanite waterfall: 42.62767, 24.06540
GPS coordinates final waterfall Kazanite: 42.61271, 24.06341
Distance: 2 h total (to the waterfall and back), 7.4 km total
Degree of difficulty: ★☆☆☆☆
GPS track:
An interesting destination for a walk is the area around the village of Chavdar with the rock formation Kazanite waterfall and Topolnitsa archeological park.
Kazanite Waterfall is a cascade of 5 small waterfalls located between 3 large rocks. They are connected by large holes with a diameter of 5 meters. The water fell on the rocks and so rock cauldrons were formed. The place is named after them: Kazanite or The Cauldrons.
The village of Chavdar is known as one of the smallest municipalities in our country and excellent in the implementation of projects funded by the EU and the national budget.
How to get to Kazanite waterfall?
The village of Chavdar is located an hour from Sofia in the Zlatitsa-Pirdop valley.
We enter the village of Chavdar and although we had an idea of what we would see, we were amazed by the organization, order, and investment in the village.
All curbs and sidewalks were carefully designed, flower beds and gardens carefully landscaped. The central space in the center was full of fountains and bridges. Kindergartens and schools renovated. Even the hunting lodge was new. And young people. Groups of children, bicycles, prams. Something so unusual for the rural landscape in our country.
I did not see anything that had not been renewed or restored.
We passed the turnoff for Topolnitsa Archaeological Park and headed to the waterfall outside the village.
We crossed the bridge over the river Topolnitsa and reached a turnoff, where we left our car. There was a Kazanite sign as a reference.
We turned right onto a wide dirt road. It is marked in several places with signs, so you have nowhere to go to reach the waterfall.
Walking on the colorful carpet of the fallen autumn noise, we came out with a spacious view of the village of Chavdar and the mighty slopes of Stara Planina.
There was a section where concrete rail sleepers were arranged. I guess they were placed so that off-road vehicles could pass more easily from here when it was muddy.
Other markers along the way were a wooden wildlife feeder and a large grazing meadow where several cows grazed meekly.
Shortly before the finish, we saw a turnoff to the left, which was marked as an extremely short section. We wondered whether to go down, but the vertical was quite serious, so we decided to move on the main route further.
We reached a meadow with a well-formed resting place, sheds, tables, benches, and even a grill with left coals. The flag of Chavdar municipality proudly fluttered in the distance. There is a reason!
At the Kazanite waterfall
From the meadow, we turned left and went down into the river valley.
In the beginning, there were two cute wooden bridges, which fit perfectly into the autumn romanticism around.
Next was the third and most solid bridge, which offered the first view of Kazanite.
Here is the place to note that in the spring after the snow, the waterfall is certainly even more impressive, but what we saw was also worthy of our admiration.
The three cauldrons of the waterfall along the Bererei River were bubbling under our feet. The roar of the water jet and its overflow from one level to another were captivating.
We continued along the path parallel to the river. We reached the place that is the end of the extreme section.
After it, the path narrowed sharply. Here we were more careful because we could easily slide on the wet noise on the slope under the path, which was not safe.
We reached a site at the base of the waterfall itself, which offered another magnetic perspective to it.
We listened in the rushing, bouncing, and roaring water, creeping from one rock terrace to another.
A beautiful water cascade!
The vegetation and rocks in the canyon around the waterfall Kazanite prevent it from being seen in all its glory, but even with limited visibility, it can be seen that nature has created an interesting game between the rocks and the water power.
A gentle mushroom watched the intruders in the silent forest in confusion.
Topolnitsa Archaeological Park
We returned on the way back and headed to Topolnitsa Archaeological Park at the end of the village.
And here we were struck by the scale of skillfully invested projects.
The vast area of Vazhelandia with 2 climbing walls and a rope garden was echoed by the children’s cries and laughter of the happy parents.
Curious was the Archaeological Park with its Neolithic dwellings. Among the many greenery were located in the Early Neolithic houses, looking authentic and made in a very successful way. An additional attraction is accommodation in them.
The museum of the park presents exhibits found from the settlement mound along the river Topolnitsa, dating from 6200 BC. and defined as the oldest Neolithic culture in the Sofia plain.
The complex has a beautiful church on St. Petka Hill and an open stage, and we did not forget to respect the restaurant and deservedly finish the walk with a beer.
Conclusion
The village of Chavdar is an attractive destination near Sofia, which is a unique combination of natural, cultural, and historical tourism. Let’s wish more municipalities in Bulgaria look like this in the future!
Video:
Other destinations in Sofia district: here