The Iskar Gorge – Lakatnik Rocks and Skaklya waterfall

The Iskar is the only river that cuts right through the Balkan Mountains. Between Novi Iskar and Mezdra it has carved a deep gorge of sheer cliffs, caves and waterfalls, with tiny railway stations tucked into its bends. The Sofia–Mezdra railway runs the whole length of the gorge, which makes this one of the few places in Bulgaria where you can go for a mountain hike without a car – just get off at the station and start walking.

The Lakatnik Rocks

The Lakatnik Rocks rise on the left bank of the Iskar, more than 250 m above the river. Wind and water have carved them into towers, needles and pyramids, and the sandstone and limestone hold more than 100 caves. The longest, Temnata Dupka, runs for several kilometres. The rocks are one of Bulgaria’s best-known climbing spots, and at weekends you’ll see ropes on the walls. A marked trail climbs from Lakatnik station to viewpoints above the cliffs.

Skaklya waterfall at Bov

Above the village of Bov, Skaklya waterfall drops in a cascade: a first step of nearly 85 m, a second of 20 m and several smaller ones, about 120 m in all. The path from Bov station climbs through the village and forest in about an hour and a half. In winter the falls freeze and become one of the country’s favourite ice-climbing spots. Nearby is the smaller but picturesque Gabrovnitsa waterfall.

More along the gorge

• Cherepish Monastery – beside Cherepish station on the bank of the Iskar, a favourite writing retreat of the author Ivan Vazov.
• Seven Thrones Monastery – near the village of Eliseyna, in a wooded valley.
• The Ritlite – four parallel stone walls near Lyutibrod that look almost man-made.

One-day itinerary by train

1. Morning train from Sofia Central Station towards Mezdra. Lakatnik is about an hour away.
2. Lakatnik – climb to the rocks and the monument above them (1–2 h).
3. Train to Bov (a few minutes). Hike to Skaklya waterfall and back (about 3 h).
4. Afternoon train back to Sofia.

With a car, you can add Cherepish Monastery and the Ritlite on the same day.

Getting there

By train – the Sofia–Mezdra line (continuing to Vratsa or Gorna Oryahovitsa) stops at the stations in the gorge. Check the BDZ timetable, as not every train stops at the small stations.

By car – via Novi Iskar and Svoge. The road is scenic but narrow and winding.

When to visit

Spring is best – the waterfalls are full and the forest is green. Autumn is colourful. Summer is hot on the south-facing slopes. In winter Skaklya freezes – only go with proper equipment.

Practical tips

• Wear hiking shoes. Trails are steep and slippery in places.
• Small villages have few shops, so bring water and food.
• Keep away from the base of the cliffs when climbers are above – rocks can fall.

Nearby

• The Vratsa Rocks and Ledenika Cave – about an hour away. See the Vratsa Rocks.
• Vitosha – on the other side of Sofia. See Vitosha.