Hubavets

Hut "Hubavets" is about a two hour hike above Karlovo at the confluence of the Little and Big Rivers (Malkata and Golyamata) 950 meters above sea level.   This is the first of three huts leading to the main spine of the Central Balkan Mountains.  You will surely be impressed when the wilderness opens up to this massive, three-story building situated in a small glade.  There are 60 places in rooms of 2, 4, or more beds, a cafe, dining hall, and kitchen.  The building has electricity and is heated by wood stoves.
From Hut "Hubavetz" follow the Small River and the "Pladeshki Yarove" saddle for the six hour hike to Hut "Ambaritza."
To Hut "Balkan Roses" is a one hour hike, to Hut "Vasil Levski" is a 3 hour hike, both following the trail along the Big River. 
For an interesting side journey, look for the creek which joins the Big River from the east about halfway between Huts "Balkanski Rozi" and "Hubavetz."  Follow this creek to a less well-known waterfall that does not yield in size or beauty to the more famous waterfall at Hut "Vasil Levski."

Balkan Rose

This hut is located at 1100 m above sea level in the "Stara Reka" nature reservation between Huts "Hubavetz" and "Vassil Levski."  The hut started its life as a Red Cross sanctuary for children suffering from Tuberculosis. The curative effect here, i.e. the rejuvenescent effect was improbable.  Now the two buildings sleep up to 30 hikers in the standard arrangement of 2, 4, or several beds in a room. The building has electricity thanks in part to a small hydrological generator which uses the power of the river that wraps around three sides of the site.  Outdoor bathrooms, a dining room and kitchen, and wood burning stoves round out the amenities. The new building is steam-heated.

"Balkan Roses" is a three hour journey from Karlovo.  Heading up river, the trail leads to Hut "Vasil Levski" in about an hour and the peak of Mount "Botev" in another 5 hours.  "Botev" is the highest mountain in the Central Balkans and an important location for endemic species found only in the area.
From Hut "Balkan Roses" you may follow one of the most challenging trails in the park, the 3 hour climb to one of the most beautiful peaks - "Big Kupen."  From there you may reach Hut "Vasil Levski" in 2 hours.
There is a difficult, but picturesque path to "Kochmar" - the highest plateau in the mountains. From here there is a difficult, but picturesque way to the "Kochmar" - a highest plateau of the Balkan.

Vasil Levski

Hut "Vassil Levski" is the most treasured, most popular, and most beautiful hut in the Stara Planina as well as the first hut in these mountains.  It is situated at 1450 meters in a beautiful clearing just below the confluence of the two tributaries which really begin the "Stara Reka" (The Old River).  The large, two-story building sleeps 70 people and has a small cafe, a dining room, kitchen, wood heating, even hot water showers.  The park like front yard is a perfect place to watch the clouds drift by or the eagles fly over one of three peaks that can be seen from the Hut.  Be sure to check out the Leski Waterfall a short ten minute walk away from the hut.

The Hut is located at the junction of several interesting trails. To Botev peak - 4 hours to Hut "Dobrila" -4 hours; to Hut "Tuja" via peak Botev - 7 hours.  The return to Karlovo is about 6 hours. 
The "Paradise Waterfall" and Hut "Paradise" are about 5 hours to the east with the town of Kalofer an additional five hours beyond.

Hut Ravnets

Located 1260 meters above sea level, "Ravnetz" provides the shortest (and steepest) route to the peak of Mount Botev.  The hut is 2 hours from Karlovo and approximately 5 hours from "Botev".  The building is the smallest local hut with 32 beds.  Because the trail follows the shoulder of the "Ravnetz Mountain" you will be offered splendid views of the Rose Valley to the South, The deep, wooded valley of the "Stara Reka" reservation to the east, and the many peaks of the Central Balkans in almost every other direction.  Hut "Hubavetz" can be reached in 2.5 hours and Hut Levski in 3 hours.
This hut has the most picturesque views.  In the clearest weather it is possible to see Rila, Pirin, Vitosha, The Rhodopes, and the entire Karlovo and Plovdiv valleys.

Hut Svejen

For a slight change of scenery, visit this hut located in the "Sredna Gora" or "Middle Forest".  Start from the beautiful little village of Svejen and follow the hour long trail through beech forest up to the Hut.  The next day, continue along the spine of these low mountians toward the town of Kalofer, 4 hours away.  This is a popular trail for mushroom and flower lovers that avoids some of the steep terrain found leading to the other huts.  The hut is a massive three-story building with full electricity, a large dining room, and beautiful views of the Middle Forest.  The capacity is 30 people with bathrooms and showers on each floor.  Other tourist objectives include Hut "Bratan" - 3 hours and Hut "Kavakliika" - 4 hours.

Tourist Hostel

The hostel is located in the city of Karlovo at No 33 Vodopad Street.  The large, two story building has 45 beds in rooms of 2, 5, and 7.  The hostel was recently renovated as part of the "Beautiful Bulgaria" and includes hot showers, a cafe and common room.  The hostel is conveniently located between the center of town and the start of the national park trails, along the main pedestrian street.  Other services can be arranged by advanced agreement. 

Telephone:  (0335)  9 34 36; 089 6688 523  (0335)  9 53 73
GSM: (0335) 0896 381 869