Lovech, Devetaki Cave & Krushuna Waterfalls Day Trip

Summary

Old bridges and blue waterfalls near Sofia with local stories

You’ll wander Lovech’s winding streets and cross its famous covered bridge before climbing up to Hisarya Fortress for city views. Taste traditional Bulgarian food in Varosha Quarter with locals nearby, then stand inside Devetaki Cave where ancient echoes linger. Finish at Krushuna Waterfalls—blue cascades hidden by forest—before heading back to Sofia with new stories tucked away.

What’s the experience like?

Honestly, the day didn’t start as planned — I left my phone charger at the hotel in Sofia and spent the first ten minutes of our drive to Lovech worrying about it. Our guide, Stoyan, just laughed and said, “You won’t need it where we’re going.” He was right. The old quarter in Lovech pulled me in fast — cobbled streets under my sneakers, houses with wooden eaves that looked like they’d seen a hundred winters. We stopped at this covered bridge (Stoyan called it Kolio Ficheto’s masterpiece), and I kept catching the smell of fresh bread drifting out of some unseen bakery. There was this moment on the bridge when an old woman nodded to me — not a big thing, but it felt like she was letting us into her city for a minute.

The Vassil Levski Museum was next. I’ll admit I didn’t know much about him before, but Stoyan told stories about Levski dodging capture and fighting for Bulgaria — he made it sound almost like a movie. Then we wandered up to Hisarya Fortress. The stones were still damp from last night’s rain, and you could see out over the whole city. It’s strange how quiet it gets up there; just wind and distant church bells. Lunch happened in Varosha Quarter — I tried banitsa (still thinking about that flaky crust) and something with grilled peppers that left my fingers smelling smoky all afternoon.

Afterwards, we drove out to Devetashka Cave. It’s only twenty minutes from Lovech but feels like another world — cool air rushing out as you walk in, birds darting between those huge holes in the ceiling. Stoyan pointed at some faded markings on the wall and said people lived here thousands of years ago. I touched the rock just to feel that time. Not sure why, but it made me shiver a bit (in a good way). Then back in the van for another short hop to Krushuna Waterfalls — blue water spilling everywhere, moss so green it almost glowed even though the sun barely broke through.

I slipped once on a wet stone by the falls (nobody saw except Stoyan, who pretended not to notice). The sound of water there is constant — loud enough that you have to lean close if you want anyone to hear your voice. On the walk back through the forest path, my shoes were muddy and my phone still dead but honestly, I didn’t care anymore. The whole day felt sort of stitched together by these little moments: bread smells on an old bridge, cold cave air on my face, laughter over lunch with strangers who started feeling less like strangers after a while.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Lovech, Devetaki Cave, and Waterfalls

• Pick up from Sofia hotel
• Drive to Lovech (2 hours)
• Explore Lovech old quarter
• Visit Covered Bridge
• Visit Vassil Levski Museum
• Visit Hisarya Fortress
• Walk in Varosha Quarter
• Lunch in Bulgarian restaurant
• Drive to Devetashka Cave (20 min)
• Walk around Devetashka Cave
• Drive to Krushuna Waterfalls (20 min)
• Walk along Krushuna Waterfalls

Top questions

How long is the drive from Sofia to Lovech?

It takes approximately 2 hours by car from Sofia to Lovech.

Is lunch included on this day trip?

Yes, lunch is included at a typical Bulgarian restaurant in Varosha Quarter.

Are hotel pickups available for this tour?

Yes, pickup is provided from centrally located hotels or accommodations in Sofia.

How much walking is involved during the tour?

You’ll walk through Lovech’s old quarter, visit sites like Hisarya Fortress and explore Krushuna Waterfalls; moderate fitness is recommended.

Is this tour suitable for children?

Children can join but must be accompanied by an adult; infant seats are available if needed.

How far are Devetashka Cave and Krushuna Waterfalls from Lovech?

Devetashka Cave is about 20 minutes’ drive from Lovech; Krushuna Waterfalls are another 20 minutes from the cave.

What safety measures are taken regarding COVID-19?

The tour runs only for small groups (up to 7), guides wear masks and vehicles have disinfectant spray.

Is public transportation available nearby?

Yes, there are public transportation options close to meeting points in Sofia.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from central Sofia, all transport by modern vehicle with your guide sharing local stories along the way, entry fees where needed, plus lunch at a traditional Bulgarian restaurant before returning in the evening.