Anton is a starting point for mountaineers wishing to climb towards the Stara Planina ridge. Other natural and cultural sites are also located within the municipality. When planning your trip, it is worth distinguishing between hikes starting in Anton and excursions elsewhere in the municipality; this will help you choose a suitable base for your accommodation search. A waterfall beside the Sub-Balkan Road, a marked hike to a mountain hut and protected beech forests offer different points of reference.
Waterfall and beech forest
Butterfly Waterfall lies between Anton and Klisura, right beside the Sub-Balkan Road. It is about 20 metres high, and parking is available on both sides of the road. As parking conditions may change, check the situation before your visit. The waterfall is therefore a nature spot close to the road that can be planned as a separate stop alongside the hikes.
About eight kilometres from Anton is the Boatin Nature Reserve, in the western part of Central Balkan National Park. It protects extensive beech forests; some trees are estimated to be 170 to 200 years old. Boatin therefore represents protected woodland, while the waterfall is a single natural attraction beside the road. Access restrictions may apply in the reserve. Check the relevant conditions before visiting.
Hikes towards the Balkan Mountains ridge
Anton provides access to Central Balkan National Park via the Vartopa area. Mountaineers use the town as a starting point for climbs towards the Stara Planina ridge. Within Anton Municipality, a marked trail also leads from the municipal centre to the “Planinski izvori” hut on the Balkan Mountains ridge in the Gyoldzhuka area. The hike takes three and a half hours; the duration may vary depending on trail conditions. Check the trail conditions before setting out. The specific time estimate helps you plan this hut hike for the day and distinguish it from the more generally described climbs towards the ridge.
The regional natural area
Anton Municipality is part of the Central Balkan UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, which encompasses a wider natural and cultural area. The municipality also includes part of Central Balkan National Park; the Vartopa protected area lies entirely within the municipality. The biosphere reserve provides the broader regional context, while the national park and Vartopa are protected areas with a specific connection to the municipality.
Culture in Anton Municipality
The “Sveti Prorok Iliya” Church in Anton is a cultural monument of artistic value. Its iconostasis doors and several individual icons are particularly noteworthy. Above Anton, the “St George” Chapel was consecrated in 2007 on the site of a small monastery. Anton hosts the traditional Sveti Iliya church festival and a hike along the mountain ridge each year. If you wish to attend one of these events, check the dates before your trip.
A memorial fountain beside international road E871, at the exit from Anton towards Karlovo, commemorates Todor Patakov, a deceased Bulgarian border guard from Anton. Spring water flows in the central square of Anton. Together with the church and chapel, these places add a cultural dimension to a visit alongside the hiking and nature destinations.
Getting there and planning your stay
The Sofia–Karlovo–Burgas railway line and the Sofia–Burgas Sub-Balkan Road run through Anton Municipality. Rail and road connections are therefore useful when planning travel within the wider municipality. Check current train timetables and road conditions before setting off. For your accommodation search, the next consideration is whether you plan to visit Anton itself or go hiking elsewhere in the municipality. Choose your accommodation location according to these activities and check the specific travel arrangements.
For the main travel overview: Anton.
