Ugarchin: River Landscapes, Protected Areas and Traditions

Landscapes and Protected Areas

Part of Studenets Nature Park lies within the lands of Dragana, Kalenik and Katunets in the municipality. Other protected areas are each associated with specific locations: Shumnatitsa covers 27.4 hectares within the lands of Sopot and Mikre. The area was designated in 1987 to protect a characteristic landscape. Anomir is a 3-hectare protected area in Lesidren. It was designated in 1964 to protect a characteristic landscape and is part of the Natura 2000 protected areas. Petko Bunar, also designated in 1964 to protect a characteristic landscape, covers 5 hectares in Golets.

Other local landmarks also bring the municipality’s nature themes into focus. The Mikre and Mandrata caves in Mikre are included in a Natura 2000 protection scheme under the Habitats Directive. The municipal areas of Sopot, Lesidren and Kirchevo are part of the Natura 2000 protected area “Central Balkan–Buffer” under the Habitats Directive. Other natural attractions include the Nedini Lakes near Lesidren, Kaleto near Kirchevo and the Rudarishka Smelter near Lesidren. The Roman road between Golets and Kirkova Mahala is also known as a natural attraction.

Water and Time Outdoors

For guests who prefer sport fishing or a stay in a tent, the Sopot Reservoir offers opportunities for sport fishing as well as places for camping and bivouacking. The Morun Reservoir in the municipality of Ugarchin is a separate destination, described as a good basis for short-term recreation and tourism. The river landscapes, lakes and reservoirs therefore offer different attractions for a trip, without forming a single specific route. In the wider region, reservoirs and smaller water bodies in the area of the MIG “Troyan, Apritsi and Ugarchin” are used for recreational and sport fishing.

History and Churches

There are also specific points of interest for those interested in cultural history. The ancient settlement of “Perdevoyka,” west of Sopot, is an immovable cultural heritage site. The medieval fortress of Kichera/Gradishte lies near Lesidren. In Sopot, a memorial plaque commemorates 57 residents who fell in the Balkan Wars and the First World War; it is included in the regional register of war memorials and commemorative plaques. The three sites represent different historical themes: an ancient settlement, a medieval fortress and a memorial to the fallen.

Churches are also part of the cultural landscape. The Orthodox Church of Sv. Paraskeva in Ugarchin is permanently open and holds regular services. The “Sveti Georgi” Church in Lesidren is considered fully accessible, operational and well maintained. In Katunets, the Church of Sv. Archangel Michael is classified as local artistic and architectural-artistic cultural heritage. If you are particularly interested in churches and religious culture, these different local landmarks complement the municipality’s nature and history themes.

Festivals and Local Traditions

The spring festival “Svetii” has been celebrated in Ugarchin since 1929. The initiative came from local teachers who wanted to organize a Ugarchin national evening with folk songs and dances on March 22. For the festival, the special wedding soup “svatbarska chorba” is prepared for residents and guests and served after the festival program. As well as music and dance, a special dish is therefore part of the festival tradition described here.

Another annual gathering is the traditional “Truffle Fest” in Ugarchin. It begins with a truffle-hunting competition, making it a different local tradition from the spring festival. The two festivals offer different ways to explore regional festival culture and food when planning your trip; be sure to check the specific dates separately when making your travel plans.

Choose the Right Focus

Before choosing your accommodation, consider what you would like to shape your stay: landscapes and bodies of water, historic sites and churches, or festival traditions. If you want to connect nature with a specific place name, Golets is one point of reference: Petko Bunar is located there, and the Roman road runs between Golets and Kirkova Mahala. You can also include Yablanitza, Troyan, Lukovit, Letnitza, Apriltzi, Lovech and Teteven in your search for other destinations.

For the broader travel overview: Lovech Province.