The Bulgarian Northwest possesses mind-blowing views, awe-inspiring landscapes, tasty organic local food and lively traditions. It is an area unspoiled by tourist crowds and feels very authentic. Most foreign visitors usually head towards the rocks of Belogradchik. They were nominated in the New 7 Wonders of Nature campaign in 2007 and made it to the top of the list in its category.
Besides the famous Belogradchik Rocks, the destination has much more to offer to every inquisitive traveller. As there aren't large hotel complexes and massive investments in tourism, the travel industry there is moving forward with the enthusiasm and entrepreneurship of small, family-owned businesses. Traventuria's team strongly believes that such businesses are the beating heart of sustainable tourism. They are precisely the ones that provide the personal touch and offer services that exceed customers' expectations. In this and the following posts, we will meet you "face-to-face" with some of these local businesses and entrepreneurs that give the unforgettable feel of the Bulgarian Northwest.
Google the words "Chiprovtsi" (a small town in Northwestern Bulgaria) and under the section "things to do" you will get suggestions to visit the Chiprovtsi Monastery, the local historical museum exhibiting different types of Chiprovtsi-style carpets and the beautiful Chiprovtsi Waterfall. This is one of the few times (the Google search is performed on 29.06.2023) when something crucial and interesting is not showing in the results of the biggest search engine. Read on to find out what.
Chiprovtsi Monastery
The monastery is very easily accessible There is one main road leading to the town of Chiprovtsi. 7 km before reaching the town, a detour (after a right turn) of mere 450 meters will take you to the parking lot in front of the main monastery gate. The monastery complex consists of a recently renovated building with monastic cells, a church named after St. Ivan Rilski - the holy guardian of the Bulgarian people and a three-story tower. As of May 2023, the tower is under construction. Entering the church, as with all functioning Christian temples in Bulgaria, is free of charge. There are no wall paintings, but the wooden iconostasis is very elegantly carved and has masterly drawn icons. There is one icon of St. Ivan Rilski, just in front of the iconostasis (visible in the picture). If you start at the saint's face, you may see how its expression changes. This interesting visual effect is accomplished by a strikingly unusual painting technique. Kindly note that on the spot there are no options for a guided tour in English or any other language.
Chiprovtsi Historical Museum
The exhibits are arranged chronologically in a few halls. The main focus is on the mining activities carried out in the region (there is no functioning mine at the moment) and the Chiprovski carpets. There are audioguides in English and other widely used languages, which are included in the price of the entry ticket. There is a souvenir shop from where you can buy a gift for your relatives and loved ones. Allow about 30 mins for this museum. The town of Chiprovtsi is renowned for its long-living traditions in carpet weaving. The Bulgarian word for carpet is kilim. The kilim-making in Chiprovtsi was inscribed on the Intangible Cultural Heritage list of UNESCO in 2014.
Chiprovsko Pivo Craft Brewery
Chiprovsko Pivo Brewery opened its doors in 2020 and has since worked with other businesses and members of the local community to help promote Chiprovtsi and the region — as well as the drinking of quality brews. It is family-owned, but the whole business initiative was started by Tsvetomir Stefanov (when he was 16 years old). He is the youngest brewery owner in Bulgaria and we can assure you - he is also a talented storyteller. The tour of his brewery takes about 30 minutes and it is a nice mixture of Tsvetomir's family effort to make the brewery and the whole process of making the ale beer - "From the grain to the bottle". Tsvetomir can also organize lunch with local delicacies at Pavlova Guest House or take you to a local lady who still weaves Chiprovski carpets at her house. There you can try the craft yourself and learn a lot about how laborious is to make these carpets.
You can easily spend half a day in the town of Chiprovitsi sightseeing and tasting local dishes and beer. Chiprovtsi is best reached by car (there are no trains and the buses are very irregular). Travel further and combine your visit to the area with experiences at the natural wonders of the Belogradchik Rocks and the Magura Cave.
Tour operator Traventuria can organize and make your tour to Northwestern Bulgaria a very special and unforgettable experience. Please enquire by email for a tailored (according to your interest) private trip itinerary.
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The Bulgarian Northwest possesses mind-blowing views, awe-inspiring landscapes, tasty organic local food and lively traditions. It is an area unspoiled by tourist crowds and feels very authentic. Most foreign visitors usually head towards the rocks of Belogradchik. They were nominated in the New 7 Wonders of Nature campaign in 2007 and made it to the top of the list in its category.
Besides the famous Belogradchik Rocks, the destination has much more to offer to every inquisitive traveller. As there aren't large hotel complexes and massive investments in tourism, the travel industry there is moving forward with the enthusiasm and entrepreneurship of small, family-owned businesses. Traventuria's team strongly believes that such businesses are the beating heart of sustainable tourism. They are precisely the ones that provide the personal touch and offer services that exceed customers' expectations. In this and the following posts, we will meet you "face-to-face" with some of these local businesses and entrepreneurs that give the unforgettable feel of the Bulgarian Northwest. 
Google the words "Chiprovtsi" (a small town in Northwestern Bulgaria) and under the section "things to do" you will get suggestions to visit the Chiprovtsi Monastery, the local historical museum exhibiting different types of Chiprovtsi-style carpets and the beautiful Chiprovtsi Waterfall. This is one of the few times (the Google search is performed on 29.06.2023) when something crucial and interesting is not showing in the results of the biggest search engine. Read on to find out what.
The monastery is very easily accessible There is one main road leading to the town of Chiprovtsi. 7 km before reaching the town, a detour (after a right turn) of mere 450 meters will take you to the parking lot in front of the main monastery gate. The monastery complex consists of a recently renovated building with monastic cells, a church named after St. Ivan Rilski - the holy guardian of the Bulgarian people and a three-story tower. As of May 2023, the tower is under construction. Entering the church, as with all functioning Christian temples in Bulgaria, is free of charge. There are no wall paintings, but the wooden iconostasis is very elegantly carved and has masterly drawn icons. There is one icon of St. Ivan Rilski, just in front of the iconostasis (visible in the picture). If you start at the saint's face, you may see how its expression changes. This interesting visual effect is accomplished by a strikingly unusual painting technique. Kindly note that on the spot there are no options for a guided tour in English or any other language.
The exhibits are arranged chronologically in a few halls. The main focus is on the mining activities carried out in the region (there is no functioning mine at the moment) and the Chiprovski carpets. There are audioguides in English and other widely used languages, which are included in the price of the entry ticket. There is a souvenir shop from where you can buy a gift for your relatives and loved ones. Allow about 30 mins for this museum. The town of Chiprovtsi is renowned for its long-living traditions in carpet weaving. The Bulgarian word for carpet is kilim. The kilim-making in Chiprovtsi was inscribed on the Intangible Cultural Heritage list of UNESCO in 2014.
You can easily spend half a day in the town of Chiprovitsi sightseeing and tasting local dishes and beer. Chiprovtsi is best reached by car (there are no trains and the buses are very irregular). Travel further and combine your visit to the area with experiences at the natural wonders of the Belogradchik Rocks and the Magura Cave.
Tour operator Traventuria can organize and make your tour to Northwestern Bulgaria a very special and unforgettable experience. Please enquire by email for a tailored (according to your interest) private trip itinerary. 
