Tag: tourism

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Birdwatching in Shumen Province

Bulgaria’s Hidden Paradise for Nature Lovers

Tucked away in northeastern Shumen Province, the landscapes of rolling plateaus, limestone cliffs, forests, and wetlands create one of Bulgaria’s most underrated birdwatching destinations. While many travelers flock to the Black Sea coast or the famous mountain ranges, birders who venture into Shumen Province discover a quieter, wilder side of the country filled with rare species, dramatic scenery, and peaceful hiking trails.

One of the region’s most fascinating birding locations is the Madara Plateau. Known primarily for the UNESCO-listed Madara Horseman rock relief, the plateau also offers exceptional habitats for birds of prey and woodland species. Towering limestone cliffs provide nesting sites for falcons, owls, and buzzards, while the surrounding forests echo with the songs of warblers, woodpeckers, and orioles. Early morning is the best time to explore the trails, when the rising sun illuminates the cliffs and birds become most active. The plateau’s mixture of rocky terrain and dense woodland makes every walk feel like an expedition into untouched wilderness.

Beyond Madara, the broader Provadiysko-Royaksko Plateau between Shumen and Provadiya is another excellent destination for birdwatchers. The area combines broadleaf forests, open grasslands, and river valleys that attract a remarkable diversity of species throughout the year. During spring migration, birders may spot bee-eaters, hoopoes, shrikes, and various raptors gliding over the countryside. The relative lack of mass tourism means the region remains wonderfully quiet, allowing visitors to observe wildlife without disturbance.

No discussion of birdwatching in northeastern Bulgaria would be complete without mentioning Srebarna Nature Reserve, located within reach of Shumen Province along the Danube corridor. This UNESCO World Heritage wetland is internationally famous among bird enthusiasts and serves as one of the Balkans’ most important bird sanctuaries. The reserve hosts breeding colonies of rare species including the Dalmatian pelican, pygmy cormorant, glossy ibis, and spoonbill. More than 100 bird species breed or migrate through the reserve, transforming the lake into a spectacular living mosaic of movement and sound.

For photographers, Shumen Province offers ideal conditions. The soft golden light at sunrise and sunset creates beautiful opportunities to capture birds in flight or perched against dramatic limestone backdrops. Local birders often recommend visiting during late spring and early autumn, when migration activity peaks and the weather remains pleasant for hiking.

What truly sets birdwatching in Shumen Province apart is the atmosphere. Unlike some of Europe’s heavily visited nature reserves, the region still feels authentic and undiscovered. Villages remain quiet, trails uncrowded, and encounters with wildlife surprisingly intimate. It is possible to spend hours walking through forests or along rocky escarpments hearing nothing but birdsong and the wind moving through the trees.

For travelers seeking a combination of biodiversity, history, and peaceful landscapes, Shumen Province delivers an unforgettable experience. Whether you are an experienced birder with binoculars and a telephoto lens or simply someone who enjoys nature and silence, northeastern Bulgaria offers a rewarding escape into one of Europe’s hidden birdwatching treasures.

References

  1. Shumen Province Tourism and regional geography overview.
    Bulgaria Travel – Shumen Region
  2. Madara Plateau and the Madara Horseman UNESCO World Heritage Site.
    UNESCO – Madara Rider
  3. Information on biodiversity, bird habitats, and ecosystems of northeastern Bulgaria.
    BirdLife International
  4. Srebarna Nature Reserve UNESCO World Heritage documentation and bird species data.
    UNESCO – Srebarna Nature Reserve
  5. Biosphere reserve and ecological statistics for Srebarna Nature Reserve.
    UNESCO MAB Programme – Srébarna
  6. General ornithological information about migratory routes in Bulgaria and the Via Pontica flyway.
    Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds
  7. Background information on species commonly observed in northeastern Bulgaria, including bee-eaters, hoopoes, shrikes, pelicans, and cormorants.
    eBird – Bulgaria Birding Hotspots
  8. UNESCO description of wetlands, breeding colonies, and protected bird species at Srebarna Nature Reserve.
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1300 years Monument in Shumen

Amazing statues

The 1300 Years Monument in Shumen, Bulgaria, is a towering structure that I had the pleasure of visiting. The monument pays tribute to the country’s long and storied history. Standing at a height of 130 meters, the monument is a symbol of Bulgaria’s endurance and strength, and its construction was a significant achievement for the nation.

I found out that the monument was built in 1981 to commemorate the 1300th anniversary of the founding of the Bulgarian state. The idea for the monument was first proposed in 1978, and construction began in 1979. The monument was designed by architect Krum Damianov, and the construction was overseen by engineer Petar Blaskov.

Walking through I could see that the monument is made up of three main parts. The base of the structure is a massive concrete block that weighs over 12,000 tons. Above the base is a cylindrical tower that is made up of 12 levels, each of which represents a different period in Bulgarian history. Finally, there is a spire that reaches up to a height of 130 meters. Which I found very impressive.

How it was made

The construction of the monument was a massive undertaking that required the efforts of thousands of people. Over 600 workers were involved in the construction, and the project took over three years to complete. Despite the challenging nature of the construction, there were no accidents or fatalities during the building process.

The 1300 Year Monument was officially opened on May 30, 1981, in the presence of thousands of people. The monument quickly became a symbol of national pride and was a popular destination for tourists from all over the world.

However, in the years following its construction, the monument fell into disrepair. The harsh Bulgarian climate, coupled with a lack of maintenance, led to the deterioration of the structure. By the late 1990s, the monument was in a state of disrepair, and there were concerns that it may even collapse.

Restoration

In 1999, the Bulgarian government launched a project to restore the monument to its former glory. The restoration project was a massive undertaking that required the efforts of hundreds of workers and engineers. Moreover the course of several years, the structure was reinforced, and the façade was given a new coat of paint.

Today, the 1300 Year Monument stands as a testament to Bulgaria’s rich history and enduring spirit. I would class it as one of the most recognizable landmarks in the country and a popular attraction for tourists.

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