The Buynovo Gorge, Pamporovo

The Buynovo Gorge is the longest gorge in Bulgaria. It is located between the villages of Yagodina and Teshel. Formed by erosion as the Buynovo River flows through layers of marble rock, the canyon developed into an impressive natural phenomenon. The cliffs on both sides of the canyon rise hundreds of meters. The narrowest gap between the cliffs is called “The Wolfs’ Leap” – local residents say that during winter wolves would leap the chasm to attack the sheepfolds.The limestone sediment has been eroded throughout the entire region; in the vicinity of the village Yagodina alone there are 36 caves, the most famous of which is The Yagodina Cave. The Buynovo Gorge was designated as a nature reserve in 1971, and is one of Bulgaria’s top one hundred tourist destinations. There are many rare and endangered species in the area.