“If you’re wondering about the best things to do in Troyan for your next Balkan escape, you’ve just found the perfect guide. Here is my curated guide to Troyan – where the air is fresh, the food is legendary, and the views are absolutely soul-soothing
The villages around Troyan are basically the capital of “slow living” in Bulgaria—think shaded forest paths, cozy guest houses, spa escapes, and just enough adventure to keep things spicy. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve been here, yet the Balkan always finds a way to surprise me. This spring, I teamed up with some fellow travel bloggers and the folks from Balkania Association and Troyan Municipality to rediscover the region’s magic.
To truly feel that mountain hospitality, you’ll want to stay overnight. You can check out the best accommodation options in the Troyan area here.
Check out the video from my latest Balkan adventure!
Top things to experience in Troyan:
Sopot Dam Vibes 🛶 – Go kayaking or pedal boating in a mountain setting that feels like the seaside.
The “Titanic” Village ⚓ – Visit Gumoshnik to hear the tragic story of the local men who were on the Titanic.
Pottery Magic 🏺 – Get your hands dirty and try making your own traditional Troyan ceramics in Oreshak.
Spiritual Peace ⛪ – Step into the Troyan Monastery, the third-largest in Bulgaria, for some soul-soothing silence.
Balkan Flavors 🥃 – Taste the legendary Troyan Plum Brandy (Rakia) and the unique “Byal Muzh” (White Man) cheese dish.
Escape the Heat: 7 Things to Do in Troyan and the Balkan Mountains
1. Sopot Dam – Kayaking and Beach Vibes in the Mountains
No, it’s not near the town of Sopot in the Rose Valley. You’ll find this hidden gem near Golyama Zhelyazna village—a quiet spot far from the usual tourist crowds. In the heat of summer, it’s the perfect place to swap hiking boots for a swimsuit. You can rent a kayak or a pedal boat from the Osmos water sports club. Even though it was drizzling when we visited, we couldn’t resist a quick trip across the turquoise waters.
The far shore is dotted with cute holiday bungalows, but if you’re on a budget, you can stay at the Osmos base for about 25 BGN a night. The dam is 7 km long and is a total paradise for fishermen looking for pike-perch or carp. Bonus: because it’s high in the mountains and there are no marshy spots, there are zero mosquitoes!
2. Gumoshnik Village – A Journey Back in Time
There are plenty of pretty villages around Troyan, but Gumoshnik has a vibe of its own. Just 20 km from town, it’s home to an old church, a 19th-century “cell” school, and the “Clay House”—which is an absolute architectural jewel!
It was here that I first tried “Wedding Wheat” (svatbarsko zhito), a local delicacy prepared by Angelina Georgieva, who gave us a tour. The village has a touching history, too—many locals perished during the sinking of the Titanic.
3. Turlata Forest Park – The Best Panoramic View of Troyan
If you’re staying in Troyan and don’t want to drive far, head to Turlata. It’s a 10-minute walk from the center and was created entirely by local foresters on a volunteer basis. They cleared the overgrown hillside to create a beautiful dendrarium with rare tree species.
It’s basically a giant balcony overlooking the town. There are wooden benches (perfect for couples) and a playground made of natural materials with a mini zip-line for the kids. It’s one of the most relaxing things to do in Troyan on a lazy afternoon.
4. Oreshak Crafts Exhibition – Try Traditional Bulgarian Pottery
Oreshak is home to one of the largest craft galleries in Bulgaria. We’re talking eight halls full of woodcarvings, pottery, and textiles from all over the country. But the best part? You can actually hop on a potter’s wheel and try to make something yourself under the guidance of a master.
I gave it a go with Nadezhda Hristova, the head of the Masters’ Guild. My “clay masterpiece” didn’t exactly go as planned, but hey, the process was therapeutic!
5. Troyan Monastery – Bulgaria’s Spiritual and Historic Gem
You can’t visit the region and skip the Troyan Monastery. Founded in the 16th century, it’s the third-largest in Bulgaria and houses the miraculous Three-Handed Virgin Mary icon.
History buffs will love the fact that the revolutionary hero Vasil Levski had his secret hideout here. There’s even a hotel part where you can stay in modernized “cells” for a very unique experience.
6. Azareia Eco-Village – Stay in a Feng Shui Mountain Retreat
While most guest houses in the area go for the traditional “Balkan” look with rugs and wood carvings, Azareia is different. This eco-village is built entirely on Feng Shui principles and is located near Gorno Trape and Balkanets.
There are six cone-shaped wooden houses with names like Peace, Harmony, and Light. They are arranged in a circle to create an energy balance. I woke up feeling genuinely refreshed and full of “mountain power.”
Balkan Cuisine – Tasting Troyan Plum Brandy and Local Flavor
Balkan hospitality is incomplete without food. In Golyama Zhelyazna, they make “Byal Muzh” (White Man)—a local recipe involving milk, flour, and sugar. It’s basically the Bulgarian version of Swiss Raclette but with its own mountain twist. And of course, everything is washed down with Troyan Plum Brandy (Rakia).
If you’re in the city center, I highly recommend “Gostilnitsa na Dvora” (The Yard Guest House)—it’s vintage, chic, and their mushroom soup is out of this world. For a more traditional vibe with live music, check out “Hanat” near Balkanets village.
More things to do in Troyan:
Shipkovo and Chiflik are the go-to spots for mineral water pools and spa treatments. They have great hotels with outdoor thermal pools that are open even in winter.
If you’re into hiking, Ambaritsa Hut is a must, but it’s a 3-4 hour hike since no cars can reach it (you can go on horseback, though!).
Don’t miss the Sostra Roman Fortress, a restored military camp just 16 km from Troyan.
For nature lovers, the Natural History Museum in Cherni Osam is fantastic. It features 25 taxidermy mammals from the Balkan range—though, fair warning, their glass-eyed stares can be a bit… spooky! 
And finally, you can’t leave without tasting the local plum rakia. In these parts, it’s not just a drink; it’s a cult. Find out why:
How to Get to Troyan: Travel Tips
Troyan is tucked away in the heart of the Balkan Mountains, making it a scenic drive from almost anywhere in Bulgaria.
- By Car: This is the most flexible option. From Sofia, it’s about a 2-hour drive (160 km) via the A2 (Hemus Motorway) and then heading south towards Troyan. If you’re coming from Plovdiv, the drive takes about 1.5 to 2 hours via the scenic Troyan-Karnare Pass (note: this pass is often closed in winter due to heavy snow).
- By Bus: There are regular bus lines from the Central Bus Station in Sofia. The journey takes around 2.5 to 3 hours. Buses also run frequently from Pleven and Lovech.
- By Train: For the slow-travel lovers, you can take a train to Levski or Lovech and then switch to a local train or bus to Troyan. It’s not the fastest route, but the mountain views are worth it!
Looking for more Bulgarian gems? After exploring the Balkan Mountains, you might want to head south and discover why Svilengrad is a must-visit destination for history lovers.
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Ready to explore? Find the best deals for your stay in the Troyan Balkan here!