Iglika Village Nature Trail
The village of Iglika is located just 13 km northeast of Gabrovo and is “perched” on an impressive rock massif, part of the Strazhata Plateau—a beautiful chain of rocks stretching several dozen kilometers in the direction of Dryanovo–Gabrovo–Sevlievo.
The nature trail to the village of Iglika is a loop and begins at a meadow just before the village. Right from the start of the route, you’ll begin to discover wonderful pastoral landscapes overlooking the Balkan Mountains and the Pre-Balkan region. You set off along a well-maintained dirt road that passes directly above the “Chirikovets” quarry. Continue along the marked trail until you reach the ruins of the “Gradot” Fortress, also known as Chomashka Rock (after the old name of the village of Iglika), where the trail opens up onto a wide clearing above the cliffs.
The “Gradot” Fortress is a terraced rocky elevation at an elevation of 615–661 m. Archaeological excavations have uncovered the remains of the fortress wall and two towers. The road from Nicopolis ad Istrum ran directly across this plateau and led to the pass in the Stara Planina Mountains. Currently, the area has been leveled with soil, offering an incredible panoramic view of the surrounding villages in the valley and the beautiful rocky ridges on both sides. This spot is used as a launch site for tandem paragliding flights, with a launch tower mounted at the summit. A rest area has been built east of the tower. From there, the trail winds through the forest down to the village of Iglika. Just before entering the village, you’ll pass a working fountain with a stone trough.
Another marked trail, about 1 km long (one way), begins at the village community center and leads to the fortress (tower-type) on Minin Chukar Peak (704 m). The peak is the highest point in the eastern part of the Strazhata Plateau. It offers an excellent view in all directions. At the summit itself, one can see round or square-shaped ruins—most likely the keep (main tower) of a fortress that once stood there.
