The municipality of Letnitsa lies on the border between the Danubian Plain and the Pre-Balkan. The terrain is flatter around the town of Letnitsa, while it becomes more mountainous near Gorsko Slivovo, Krushuna and Karpachevo. The Osam flows through the municipality; approximately half of its area lies on the Devetashko Plateau.
Karst Landscape and Biodiversity
Karst features are concentrated in the part of the Devetashko Plateau within the municipality: sinkholes, dry and blind valleys, gorges, chasms and cave galleries. The plateau extends across nine villages in the municipalities of Letnitsa, Lovech and Sevlievo, including Krushuna, Gorsko Slivovo and Karpachevo. It is part of the Natura 2000 network and is designated an Important Bird Area covering 7,892.91 hectares. The municipality’s natural assets also include rare and endangered species, endemic and relict species, and a great variety of medicinal plants. The plateau is home to 82 bird species and 34 mammal species, and its caves have nine recorded bat species; later surveys may update these species inventories.
Waterfalls, Trails and Caves
Near Krushuna lies Maarata, a protected natural landmark covering 5.7 hectares within the 430-decare Maarata Forest Park. The waterfall trail includes 15 bridges along a travertine cascade of pools, ledges, vegetation and tufa rock. The mineral water beside Maarata is described as having a flow rate of 16.5 liters per second, a temperature of 58°C and mineralization of 11.5 percent. Verify these figures locally if you plan to rely on them.
The Krushuna–Karpachevo route is about three kilometers from the center of Krushuna; it takes approximately 120 minutes to complete. It is considered suitable for hiking and picnicking and passes natural and historical sights; along the way, visitors can observe the local flora and fauna. The route also reaches the Roman Fortress rock formation and offers views toward Maarata and Krushuna.
The Roman fortresses of Kaleto and Daran-Baran lie about 500 meters south of Krushuna. Foundations of the fortification wall remain at Daran-Baran; the fortress can be reached via the Krushuna–Karpachevo eco-trail. Several caves and waterfalls lie in the Maarata area, including Boninska, Gornik and Urushka. Urushka is associated with a local waterfall about 20 meters high.
History and Sacred Buildings
The Letnitsa Treasure was discovered in 1963. It comprises silver horse harness fittings with gilding, as well as depictions of animals, people and horsemen. It includes 19 appliqués in standard size and 30 smaller ones; eight depict the Thracian Horseman.
The sacred buildings also offer a glimpse into several eras. Gorsko Slivovo is home to the Church of Saint George the Victorious, built in 1852, and a mosque dating from 1586. In Krushuna, the Church of the Archangel Michael was built in 1886 using masonry from an unfinished mosque; the murals and icons were created by Vasil Genkov, a painter from Tryavna.
Historical traces near Krushuna include remains associated with two monasteries, a medieval church near a Roman fortress site and traces of a hesychast community near the waterfall. The archaeological area has not yet been sufficiently studied.
Season and Getting There
The warm tourist season runs from mid-April to the end of October. Buses run from Krushuna to Sevlievo, Lovech and Letnitsa; check locally for current services before traveling. The 2021–2027 municipal development plan also describes a railway line passing through the municipality and connecting to the Sofia–Varna main line.
The municipality’s rural tourism also includes preserved folk customs, local cuisine, folklore and crafts. For travelers looking to combine nature and history with everyday culture, these offer another perspective on the region alongside its trails, waterfalls and historic buildings.
Discover more destinations: Krushuna, Letnitsa, Gorsko Slivovo, Ugarchin, Teteven, Yablanitsa, Lovech, Apriltsi.
For the broader travel overview: Lovech Province.
