Landmarks of Bulgaria

Pobiti Kamani – an astonishing park near Varna

Just 18 km from Varna lies an interesting natural park called “Pobiti Kamani”. What sets this place apart from ordinary parks is that there are no trees there, but instead hollow stone columns five to ten metres high. The origin of these columns has still not been established by scientists.

The stone forest

The columns have no solid foundation. It looks as though someone drove the stone blocks into the sand by force – hence the park’s name. Many of the stones have unusual shapes and even names of their own. They stand in groups, and each group also has its own name.

The origin of the stones remains a mystery. There are many theories – from natural to esoteric. Scientists, for instance, suggest that the stone columns were formed by the action of the winds on the rocks. There is also a theory that corals took part in forming the columns in ancient times, when the sea washed over this place.

The esoteric theories are even more varied. The stone forest is considered a place of power that may have been created in times past by powerful magicians. There is even a theory that the stone columns mark a portal to parallel worlds.

In the park there is a circle of stones in the centre of which you should make a wish: backed by the energy of this place, it is sure to come true. Besides, many people say that even touching the ancient stones fills you with energy and lets you experience new sensations.

This place was considered sacred back in ancient times, and in 1937 it was granted the status of a nature reserve.

Visiting

Getting to the “Pobiti Kamani” park is easy – from Varna you need to drive towards Sofia and then turn off to the park, following the signs. There is free parking next to the park. You can also reach the park by taxi: the trip from the city centre will cost about 25 leva.

A visit costs 3 leva for adults and 2 leva for children. That said, according to reviews, the reserve is only partly fenced, so if you wish you can get in entirely free of charge.

On the grounds there is a café and a small souvenir shop where you can buy magnets, keyrings and other small mementoes of your visit to this place.

Useful tips

• In summer there is nowhere on the park grounds to hide from the sun, so you should bring a cream with a high sun protection factor and a hat. It is best to visit the reserve in the morning, in the evening or in cloudy weather;
• In summer it is better not to walk on the grass, where there may be ticks;
• You will have to walk on sand, which should be taken into account when choosing footwear for the trip;

In autumn and winter it is worth bringing a windproof jacket – the winds here are quite strong.

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