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Guide to the Rose Valley of Bulgaria
Guide to the Rose Valley of Bulgaria
Bulgaria is one of the largest producers of rose oil in the world and a country that has been closely associated with this beautiful flower for centuries.
The Rose Valley is the area where the largest rose plantations and the main plants for the production of rose oil are located. Every year in June there is a lunar Rose Festival - one of the best moments for nature and culture lovers who are going to visit Bulgaria.
Significance of roses in Bulgarian culture
For centuries, the Rose Valley has been a very important area for growing roses. Rose oil, produced from a special variety of Rosa Damascena, was used for women's cosmetics and perfumes. Today, the rose is one of the symbols of Bulgaria and attracts visitors from all over the world, especially from Japan, where the rose also has cultural significance.
When is the best time to visit the Valley of the Roses
By far the best time to watch the rose picking process and see the rose fields is from the end of May to the end of June. Usually, the Rose Festival is held over four weekends in June, and rose-picking rituals created for tourists are held in a different village every weekend. At these morning activities, you can join the process of picking roses. At this time, you can also visit the distillery for the production of rose essential oils and see the process that takes place after the flowers are picked.
The Best Rose Valley Tours You'll Need
Rose Valley is not only dedicated to flowers. It was here that one of the largest Thracian kingdoms was located, with many tombs worth visiting and several wineries that can add sophistication to your trip to the Valley.
How to get on your own
The main stops in the Rose Valley are Kazanlik and Karlovo, while Strelcha, Pavel Banya and Gurkovo are other rose-growing towns, but with fewer other attractions for visitors. All of these cities are easily (and cheaply) accessible by train from Sofia and Plovdiv (check the schedule on the Bulgarian State Railways website) or by bus. If you want to visit the Valley as a day trip, it is best to start early in the morning as the journey takes three hours. The best option is to schedule an overnight stay in Kazanlik or Karlovo to have more time for sightseeing.
The best souvenirs to bring home
A bottle of Bulgarian rose water is one of the best souvenirs to bring home from the Valley. It is an ideal facial cleanser containing only natural ingredients. Rose oil, if you like its scent, can be used as a perfume or added to other beauty products.
The Rose Valley is the area where the largest rose plantations and the main plants for the production of rose oil are located. Every year in June there is a lunar Rose Festival - one of the best moments for nature and culture lovers who are going to visit Bulgaria.
Significance of roses in Bulgarian culture
For centuries, the Rose Valley has been a very important area for growing roses. Rose oil, produced from a special variety of Rosa Damascena, was used for women's cosmetics and perfumes. Today, the rose is one of the symbols of Bulgaria and attracts visitors from all over the world, especially from Japan, where the rose also has cultural significance.
When is the best time to visit the Valley of the Roses
By far the best time to watch the rose picking process and see the rose fields is from the end of May to the end of June. Usually, the Rose Festival is held over four weekends in June, and rose-picking rituals created for tourists are held in a different village every weekend. At these morning activities, you can join the process of picking roses. At this time, you can also visit the distillery for the production of rose essential oils and see the process that takes place after the flowers are picked.
The Best Rose Valley Tours You'll Need
Rose Valley is not only dedicated to flowers. It was here that one of the largest Thracian kingdoms was located, with many tombs worth visiting and several wineries that can add sophistication to your trip to the Valley.
How to get on your own
The main stops in the Rose Valley are Kazanlik and Karlovo, while Strelcha, Pavel Banya and Gurkovo are other rose-growing towns, but with fewer other attractions for visitors. All of these cities are easily (and cheaply) accessible by train from Sofia and Plovdiv (check the schedule on the Bulgarian State Railways website) or by bus. If you want to visit the Valley as a day trip, it is best to start early in the morning as the journey takes three hours. The best option is to schedule an overnight stay in Kazanlik or Karlovo to have more time for sightseeing.
The best souvenirs to bring home
A bottle of Bulgarian rose water is one of the best souvenirs to bring home from the Valley. It is an ideal facial cleanser containing only natural ingredients. Rose oil, if you like its scent, can be used as a perfume or added to other beauty products.