Beli Iskar: Hotels and Accommodation
Accommodation in Beli Iskar
Above Beli Iskar lies the Beli Iskar Eco-trail in Rila National Park. It follows the Beli Iskar River and crosses it via eight bridges. You can find accommodation in Beli Iskar when planning your stay in this destination.
Nature
The Beli Iskar Eco-trail begins above the settlement at an altitude of 1,215 metres and leads to a panoramic terrace at 1,528 metres. The route is 7 kilometres long and takes approximately 3 hours. There is a car park at the entrance. Information boards describe sights along the trail; there are also elevated walkways for people with disabilities, as well as rest areas, some of which are equipped with barbecue facilities.
The panoramic terrace at 1,528 metres offers views of the surrounding area and of tributaries of the Beli Iskar River. Hiking trails from Beli Iskar lead to many peaks, mountain huts and settlements in the Rila Mountains. About 9 kilometres above the village begins the Central Rila Reserve, which is considered Bulgaria's largest reserve and one of the largest in Europe.
A cycling route also starts in Beli Iskar: it begins at the bridge over the Beli Iskar River at the entrance to the village from the direction of Samokov. The route is classified as having a low technical difficulty level. One section follows broad, level paths that almost resemble avenues.
Culture
The Church of the Dormition of the Mother of God in Beli Iskar is dated to 1847. It is associated with a meeting between the poet Peyo Yavorov and Lora in 1912. The patronal feast of the Church of the Dormition and the village festival are celebrated on 15 August.
The historic fountains and water sources preserved in Beli Iskar include Voynishkoto Cheshme, Kadun Kladenets and Belyov Kladenets. The area's first tourist centre was established in 2003 in Beli Iskar's central square. The Beli Iskar Tourist Association offers opportunities to discover local traditions and crafts and is connected to mountain and horse-riding routes.
Cuisine
Beli Iskar hosts the recurring Feast of Rila Zelnik, a culinary and folklore event featuring performances by local cultural groups. Guests can order local zelnik, a pastry filled with spinach or sorrel, in advance.
On Christmas Eve, meatless leek zelnik is part of Beli Iskar's tradition.
Other destinations: Borovetz, Govedartsi, Madzhare, Mariza
To the main travel overview: Samokov.
