The municipality of Krichim lies where the Upper Thracian Plain meets the northern foothills of the Rhodope Mountains. The terrain is flat in the north and mountainous in the south. The Vacha River crosses the municipality for about 24 kilometres and is the natural outflow of the Vacha and Krichim Reservoirs. The river, plain and southern uplands give the landscape its distinct character.
Landscape and Nature
The Koznitsa protected area was designated to preserve the largest occurrence of Greek juniper in the Rhodope Mountains. The protected-area mosaic also includes four Natura 2000 sites. Their conservation objectives relate to birds, habitats, wild flora and fauna, and the Vacha corridor.
The eco-trails offer opportunities for nature watching. Plants and animals found along the described routes include downy oak, Oriental hornbeam, Rhodope everlasting and snowdrops, as well as Balkan chamois, brown bear, lesser spotted eagle and peregrine falcon. Greek juniper is also among the species mentioned. Individual sightings are not guaranteed.
Trails and Cultural Heritage Along the Way
The 12-kilometre Krichim–Chereshovo eco-trail starts near the former mineral bath and the Monastery of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary, and is suitable for cycling. A cultural and historical hiking route connects Asen’s Rock, St. Vrach Monastery, the southern boundary of Izgoryaloto Gyune and the Monastery of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary. The routes therefore offer different experiences: one is suitable for cycling, while the other links named historical and religious sites.
The remains of St. Vrach Monastery lie on Mount Klisura above Krichim. During the Ottoman period, the monastery was an important cultural and educational centre. The Asen inscription on a large rock commemorates Ivan Asen II’s conquest of Krichim in 1230. The Monastery of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary, listed as a cultural monument, stands by the Vacha River near Krichim.
The Church of Saints Cosmas and Damian also tells the story of the religious and educational community of the Bulgarian National Revival period. Its construction was initiated in 1861 by Atanas Stoimenov, a respected resident of Krichim. Local cultural traditions are maintained by the Probuda-1912 cultural centre. It has amateur groups for dance, singing, theatre and other activities; the folklore group has performed at local, regional, national and international folklore festivals, gatherings and celebrations.
The Strawberry Festival brings together local produce and culinary activities. Festival events have included a producers’ market, competitions and tastings, as well as contests for the largest strawberry and the young strawberry grower. The festival’s fourth edition took place from 8 to 10 May 2026.
Getting Around the Municipality
Two roads are relevant for getting around: Road III-866 connects Krichim with Devin and Stamboliyski; Road III-8602 connects Krichim with Plovdiv and Perushtitsa. This information describes the connections, not current road conditions.
Culture in the Wider Destination of Plovdiv Province
The regional cultural history of the wider destination of Plovdiv Province adds context to a visit to Krichim. Plovdiv is the geographical and logistical centre of the Thracian tourism region. In the Ancient Plovdiv architectural and historical reserve, walks take you through different historical periods; ancient buildings have been adapted to modern life.
The Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis was built in the 90s of the 1st century AD. It is one of the best-preserved ancient theatres in the world and serves as a venue for opera, music and drama. If you plan to attend a performance, check the current programme. The Bachkovo Monastery of the Dormition of the Mother of God is also part of the cultural history of Plovdiv Province: it is one of the region’s significant religious landmarks and one of Bulgaria’s 100 National Tourist Sites.
Discover more destinations: Krichim, Rodopi Municipality, Perushtitsa, Brezovo, Asenovgrad, Maritsa, Stamboliyski, Kaloyanovo.
Back to the wider travel overview: Plovdiv Province.
