Lakatnik, Bulgaria
August 2006
Not so far from Sofia by train through the Iskar Gorge are the famous Lakatnik rocks.
Though the home of Bulgarian rock climbing, getting to the top is not so difficult as it might seem at first. The summit can be reached in an hour or so following pleaseant woodland paths.
The Sofia locals I work with do not recommend using the trains, which is a shame. It's true that many should have been condemned many years ago, but trains in Bulgaria are still one of the nicest ways of getting around as long as you dont mind the smell too much.
The Eagles Nest (Orlovo Gnezdo). Built in 1938, this climbing shelter precariously perched on the cliff face is only reachable with climbing equipment and good deal of skill.
The lower parts of the path to the top have handrails to protect the unwary vistor from tumbling down to the river below. Later the path is like any hillside track, with its fair share of rock hopping and exposed views.
The whole area is pocked with caves, inclusing some pretty big ones apparently. By the restaurant at the start of the track there is the famous Temnata Dupka Cave, though gated guides can be hired to show visitors around.
Just above the Eagles Nest with spectacular views up and down the valley s a great place to rest and take in the scenery.
The views change at every turn. For us the goal of the trip was to get to the communist monument that hangs over the village of Lakatnik.
Though generally considered ugly, the communist monument at the highest visible point from Lakatnik is nonetheless quite impressive.
The train we took from Sofia was in bad shape but was soon forgotton as we wound our way up through the Iksar gorge frequently stopping at villages along the way.
Lakatnik Rocks across the river from the train station. While the climb up is fun and really not so demanding, there is pleanty to see and do wandering around the streets below thse fabulous cliffsides.
To get to the rocks, there are two options to leave the train station. Either immediately drop down to the river side, cross by bridge and turn right up the footpathless road, or continue walking in the direction the train was heading in.
We chose the road to walk into Lakatnik, but with a few close shaves with the local drivers would recoomend the footpath along the railway lines as a safer option.
Aleksey taking in the breathtaking view above the Eagles Nest climbing shelter.
The large golden cross is clearly visible from the town of Lakatnik along with the communist monument. The views from above the cross though are very much worth the effort of the climb.
The view up the vally from close by the golden cross at Lakatnik Rocks.
The restaurant at the beginning and the end of the path is excellent. The food is great, the prices incredible and the beer nice and cold straight out of the purpose made channel that diverts the mountain stream water to chill the bottles. Perfect!
