In the municipality of Ugarchin, wooded and bare hills, along with narrow and expansive meadows and plains, shape a landscape typical of the Pre-Balkans. Meandering rivers flow through green meadows and, in places, run between steep rocks. Attractions are also spread across several locations: protected areas, churches, historic sites and festivals offer different starting points for a stay.

Landscape and protected areas

Part of Studenets Nature Park lies within the lands of the villages of Dragana, Kalenik and Katunets in the municipality of Ugarchin. Other protected areas give the landscape specific names and sizes: Shumnatitsa covers 27.4 hectares in Sopot and Mikre. It was designated in 1987 to protect a characteristic landscape. Anomir in Lesidren covers 3 hectares, was designated in 1964 to protect a characteristic landscape, and is part of the Natura 2000 protected areas. Petko Bunar in Golets covers 5 hectares and was also designated in 1964 to protect a characteristic landscape.

Caves and village areas are also part of the protected landscape: Mikre and Mandrata caves in Mikre are covered by a Natura 2000 protection regime under the Habitats Directive. Sopot, Lesidren and Kirchevo are part of the “Central Balkan–Buffer” Natura 2000 protected area under the same directive. The Nedini Lakes near Lesidren, the Kaleto landscape near Kirchevo and the Roman road between Golets and Kirkova Mahala are natural attractions. The different place names make it easier to choose nature destinations according to your interests rather than treating them as a single location.

Water, recreation and cultural history

Morun Reservoir is considered a good basis for short-term recreation and tourism in the municipality. At Sopot Reservoir, there are opportunities for sport fishing, as well as places for tent camping and bivouacking. These offer different ways to enjoy the water and outdoor recreation: Morun is associated with short-term recreation, while sport fishing and overnight stays in tents or bivouacs are available at Sopot Reservoir. Check the latest local conditions for fishing, tent camping and bivouacking before your trip.

Cultural and historical attractions are also located in different parts of the municipality. The ancient settlement of “Perdevoyka” west of Sopot is an immovable cultural heritage site. The medieval Kichera/Gradishte fortress lies near Lesidren. In Sopot, a memorial plaque commemorates 57 residents who died in the Balkan Wars and the First World War; it is included in the regional register of war memorials and plaques. Alongside the landscape and nature attractions, these places give a trip its own historical focus.

Churches and festivals in Ugarchin

The Orthodox Church of Sv. Paraskeva in Ugarchin is open year-round and holds regular services. As service times may change, check the current schedule before your visit. The Church of Sveti Georgi in Lesidren is considered fully accessible, operational and well maintained. The Church of Sv. Archangel Michael in Katunets is classified as a local artistic and architectural-artistic cultural heritage site.

The spring festival “Svetii” has been celebrated in Ugarchin since 1929. The initiative came from local teachers who wanted to organize a Ugarchin national evening of folk songs and dances on 22 March. For the festival, the special wedding soup “svatbarska chorba” is prepared and served to residents and visitors after the program. It is therefore part of the festival day, not a dish generally available throughout the year. If you are travelling for a festival, check the dates of the relevant edition before your trip.

Another culinary event is Ugarchin’s traditional “Truffle Fest”, an annual gathering for truffle hunters. The 2025 edition began with a truffle-hunting competition. The two festivals offer different cultural experiences: “Svetii” combines folk songs and dances with a special festival dish, while the “Truffle Fest” brings truffle hunters together.

Choose accommodation to suit your destinations

When looking for a holiday apartment in Ugarchin, it is worth considering the places you actually want to visit. The nature and cultural attractions described are spread across several villages and localities, so the names Dragana, Kalenik, Katunets, Mikre, Sopot, Lesidren and Golets can help you plan your trip. First decide whether you are interested in landscapes and protected areas, water activities, churches or festivals, then compare the location of specific accommodation with your priorities. This keeps your choice aligned with your own plans, without grouping different places together as a single stop.

Discover more destinations: Golets, Troyan, Teteven, Letnitza, Lovech, Apriltzi, Lukovit, Yablanitza.

For the broader travel overview: Lovech Province.