News and Articles related to Municipality Razlog
Current date: 2010-02-09 10:53

Tourist attractions in Razlog region

In Bulgaria’s southwestern corner huddled amid the snowcapped peaks of three mountains – Rila, Pirin and the Rhodopes – spreads the Razlog hollow. This unique location has turned the small villages scattered around the town of Razlog into a magnet for tourists. 
Unlike the busy skiing resorts of Semkovo, Bansko and Dobrinishte, the villages in the Razlog regions offer peace and quiet, crystal-clear air and a local community living in harmony with nature. Dobarsko, Bachevo, Godlevo, Eleshnitsa and Banya have recently won a few fans among nature-lovers. With the support with the local authorities in Razlog who have carried out projects for the region’s sustainable development, the people in those villages have joined the tourist business. For the purpose they have revamped their old village houses into lovely family hotels and have gone through specialized courses to get trained as hotel managers, animators and mountain guides.

Against the background of the construction boom causing new hotels, gold courses and spa centers to emerge every day, the five villages offer the serenity of a wild nature oasis. Two nature parks – Rila and Pirin – are located in the territory of the municipality, so we have opted for sustainable, nature-friendly tourism, explains Elena Trichkova from Razlog Municipality. Recently the local authorities have accentuated environmental and rural tourism, as well as entertainment and local folklore programs.
In the village of Bachevo for example, tourists can watch various restorations of the traditional local rites and rituals. One of them is the so-called Feeding the Horses. This ritual is held every year in February, on St. Todor’s Day. Women bake special ritual loaves to feed the horses for the sake of health and fertility.
"There is a cult for the horse," explains Elena Trichkova. "For this reason feeding-the-horse ritual is well preserved. Local women put on traditional costumes and prepare different local meals. Guests are welcome to take active part in the ritual. They can feed the horse, and then have a ride. There are excellent conditions for horse riding in both Mount Rila and Mount Pirin."

An unforgettable adventure amid lovely nature – that’s the idea of local tourist services. Mountain biking is another attraction there. With financial support from EU the municipality of Razlog has built several eco-trails taking hikers to the most magnificent places that Pirin and Rila can offer. Recently paintball has been added on the list of attractions. In the Razlog villages guests can drive ATVs and motor sleighs in the winter, and pick up herbs in the summer.

The most famous village in the region is Dobarsko. Tourists often visit the three-knave basilica Sts. Theodore Tyron and Theodore Stratilatus, built in 1614, and enjoy the singing of the Dobarsko grannies.
"Every village in the region has got its specifics, Elena Trichkova explains. For Bachevo it is the horse, and for Godlevo – making organic dairy products. Up in the mountain village people breed sheep herds and make organic feta and yellow cheese. Tourists can join the process of feeding and milking the livestock, and even make their own cheese. The village of Banya is famous for its 45 mineral springs and the wonderful opportunities for spa tourism. Local women dress in traditional costumes and meet for village contests deciding who is fastest in washing rugs and blankets at the mineral fountain. Our goal is to preserve this spirit of community of the Bulgarian village and to promote it to Bulgarian and foreign tourists, concludes Elena Trichkova from the Municipality in the town of Razlog, Southwestern Bulgaria."