The Beauty of the Karst of the Devetaki Plateau
Introduction:
This is an adventure amid the beauty of the Devetaki Plateau and a special look at the karst formations that both shape and preserve its history.
You will have the chance to hear the pulse and meet the winged guardians in the Devetaki Cave, to feel the mysterious powers hidden in the Krushuna Waterfalls, in addition to their incredible beauty. You will discover the dark tunnels of the Fyutova Cave, that keep the secret of a hidden treasure, and you will look at the world from the inside out in the Golyama Garvanitsa Cave.
What you'll discover:
The Bats in the Devetaki Cave
The Krushuna Waterfalls
Futyo and Fyutova Cave
Golyama Garvanitsa Abyss Cave
Each stop along this trail offers interesting stories and wonderful views, happiness of immersing yourself in nature and history.
Why this trail matters:
These caves are not just historical or geographical sites – they are living stories.
It’s not every day you can venture into places where time and history collide - places linked to mythical giants, ancient beliefs, and military secrets from our communist past, places where we can find the evidence of the fragile balance between nature and history – a connection we need to preserve, places that captivate the eyes and mind not only with nature, but also with infinite secrets from Bulgarian history.
Enjoy the beauty of the karst formations, the wonderful nature, and the exciting stories of the Devetaki Plateau.
Heritage Trail Map:
• Devetaki Cave
• Krushuna Waterfall/Maarata Cave
• Fyutova cave
• Golyama Garvanitsa Cave.
Heritage Trail Details:
- Length (km):
- 31 km
- Duration (without a quest / with a quest):
- 4 hours and 30 min. / 5 hours
- Getting there:
- Cycling and walking
- Driving and walking
- Special notes (e.g., clothes, equipment, weather, etc.)
- Sturdy shoes (rocky terrain inside caves and slippery paths in the forest)
- Flashlight or headlamp (low-light areas inside caves)
- Smartphone or printed map (for navigation)
- Notebook or phone (to take notes for clues, if you engage with quests)
- Best Season: Spring to Autumn (April – October), when the caves are easily accessible and safe
- Safety guidelines
- Be cautious of uneven surfaces in the caves
- Watch for loose rocks or slippery surfaces
- Limited mobile coverage inside the caves – download an offline map
- Respect the sites – the caves are natural heritage
- Guided tour (by INHERIT partner) and/or self-organized trip by travelers
- This trail can be taken by travelers on their own
- Guiding is not offered
- Contacts for more details:
- Devetaki Plateau Association
- https://www.devetakiplateau.org/en
Quests / Chances to be creative:
Quest 1: 'Karst Adventures: Finding Imaginary Figures'
Quest Overview
- Theme & Heritage Focus: The beauty and diversity of the karst of the Devetaki Plateau
- Duration: Variable (depends on the trail completion time, plus 5-10 additional minutes per stop)
- Difficulty Level: Moderate (Suitable for anyone capable of walking on rugged terrain with slight gradient)
- Location: All stops along the trail
- Best Season: spring, summer, autumn
Mission
Discovering and photographing imaginary figures at each stop (cave), with the goal of collecting 4 photographs.
Practical Information
- Essential Equipment: comfortable shoes and clothing, flashlight
Quest Description
Let your imagination run wild! Discover and photograph formations in the karst that resemble figures of animals, birds, people or objects at each of the sites. Send them to us by email: devetakiplateau@gmail.com or post them on social media, tagging Devetaki Plateau Association.
Everyone who completes the quest will participate in a raffle and may receive an incentive prize from the Devetaki Plateau Association.
Starting Point
Devetaki Cave
Area Description
The four heritage sites along the trail
Heritage Connection
Karst formations
Success Criteria
One photo taken at each of the 4 trail stops
Participant’s Role
To find and photograph imaginary figures.
