Rusenski Lom Nature Park is named after the river Lom which goes across the whole area to the South-West of the city. The Park is the biggest preserved natural area in the vicinity and is really close to the city - just 20 kilometers away.
With over 3,000 hectares of green, rocky landscape, it offers captivating views and many walking tracks to explore. The park is perfect for weekend hikes. Many locals go there fishing and camping, or for a picnic. You will find sharp rocky peaks, caves, as well as amazing river terraces. The vast green area is the habitat for more than 200 unique animal species- birds, predators, and fish. It is the ideal place for animal observation in their natural surrounding.
Five main tracks are spread along the forests and fields of the park. Some will lead you to panoramic views or highpoints on the hills, while others will take you to the main attractions of the park. For the extreme sports fans and those of you who prefer physical activities, kayaking on the river is also available.
Wondering how to make the most your holiday outside Ruse? Don't hesitate a minute longer and head to Rusenski Lom Nature Park. It hosts many sights of interest of which we're going to tell you about.
The Rock Churches near the village of Ivanovo is an amazing religious complex, part of the Rusenski Lom Nature Park area. The monastery system is amongst the well-preserved rock monasteries in Bulgaria. If you haven't witnessed such kind of spiritual dwellings before, you will be surprised to see how solid they are, many centuries after their creation.
The church complex was initiated early in the XIII century and carved directly into the rock structure. Today, nearly 20 churches, cells, and chapels are preserved, but back in time their number was much higher- more than 300. Because of their cultural and religious importance for humanity, the Rock Churches are under UNESCO protection.
Inside the churches, you will see murals and religious wall paintings surviving the time and adverse weather conditions. They were created in the traditional technique called fresco. The murals depict saints and their lives, and show the master skills of Bulgarian painters at the time. The complex was a significant Orthodox Christian center and Bulgarian rulers made donations honoring their relationship with the Kingdom.
The Rock Churches stand within a 20-minute road trip by car, followed by ten minutes of climbing on foot that will lead you to the church system located 40 meters above the ground. To learn more interesting stories and legends, you can also sign in for a guided tour.
Another must-see around Ruse is the Medieval Fortress of Cherven. Close to the Rock Churches, it provides impressive views of the canyon. Cherven was an old Medieval city bearing the ancient heritage of the previous Roman fortress from VI century. Later on in XII century, the fortress was expanded and became an important trade, religious, and cultural center in the north.
It represented a fully developed residential area consisting of an inner and outer city. Today the remains of the buildings speak about the life in the Second Bulgarian Kingdom. Within its boundaries were placed public buildings, many churches, and military premises. It had a network of well-designed streets and in its center there was the Citadel surrounded by the fortress walls.
Cherven had significant influence as a midpoint on the art of crafting jewels, ceramics, and armory. It kept its leading position until 1388 when the Ottomans conquered it and then it gradually lost its importance. The old city of Cherven has still a lot to tell and reveal about the life and Medieval architecture of our country.
Basarbovo Monastery is yet another complex within 10 kilometers' distance. It is the last fully functioning rock monastery in Bulgaria and regularly hosts formal Christian ceremonies such as marriages and christenings. It is named after its most famous inhabitant St. Dimitar Basarbovski - a Bulgarian monk and ascetic who spent his whole life in humility in the monastery.
There are many legends about the healing powers of St. Dimitar Basarbovki's relics. A legend tells a story of their discovery while others reveal their ability to cure.
Approaching the monastery, you will pass the well-maintained, green yard and draw well. At the base are two rooms and the main dining room. On the upper level, carved in the rock, are the two caves-chambers. You can reach them by walking along a narrow pathway. The first chamber belonged to the Saint himself. The other one has been transformed into a burial chamber and keeps the relics of the monastery founder.
The main church is adorned with beautiful, fully restored frescoes and curved wooden iconostasis. The Basarbovo religious complex is in excellent condition, a perfect example of a rock monastery, and one of the most visited attractions.
Lipnik Forest Park is a huge natural park hosting urban areas, playgrounds, and restaurants. It is situated within 10 kilometers away, right next to a lake, and is ideal for having walks, relaxing in the open, and throwing a barbeque party. It is the largest forest park in Bulgaria consisting of smaller forest areas, an artificial lake, and walking alleys. It is probably the calmest spot near Ruse and many families spend the weekend there.
If you prefer, you can ride a bike or get on a water wheel. Along the main alleys, there is a pavilion for taking a rest. The area is silent and clean with serene views over the lake. Good for both short walks and hiking, the forest tracks are leafy and green. It is the best place to reunite with nature.
Felling hungry? There are several cozy restaurants with outdoor gardens serving traditional grill and Bulgarian dishes accompanied by local beer, Bulgarian wine, and soft drinks.
