Rusenski Lom Nature Park
Rusenski Lom Nature Park is located 20 km south of Ruse and is named after Rusenski Lom River – the last right-side tributary of the Danube River. The nearest airport is in Bucharest, capital od Romania, 70 km far from Ruse. Varna airport is 200 km away from Ruse and Sofia airport is 320 km away. The Rusenski Lom Nature Park takes up a territory of 3408 hectares and has been a protected area since 1970. The beautiful river terraces, the high vertical rocks, the caves, the rock formations, the great biological diversity, and the historical monuments make the Rusenski Lom Nature Park into a magnificent place of interest. Amazing panoramas reveal from each height of Rusenski Lom NP. Among the most remarkable is the bird’s eye view from the height before the village of Cherven. Besides various possibilities of scientific research in the Rusenski Lom Nature Park, visitors are also provided with numerous options for active, ecotourism and cultural tours. Nature lovers are excited to take walks along the unique Roussenski Lom Nature Park, rich in varied flora and fauna, containing some protected and rare species. Here visitors can see the cave-dwelling black stork, the Egyptian vulture, the Golden eagle, the snake-eyed lizard and other animals, while of rich plants there are endangered and endemic species of wild orchards and other plants along the exciting meanders of the White Lom River, which has cut its course during ages in the gentle lime-stone cliffs.
The nearby Eagle Peak Cave is one of the longest and most interesting caves in Bulgaria, located 28 km away from the Nissovo village. The Eagle Peak cave is natural phenomenon, rich in various forms of cave jewelry, numerous halls and corridors and several bat species, which make the archaeological and cultural monument of national significance. Those who are fond of wine are invited to indulge in the nearby Raynov and sons Winery, which produces small quantities of boutique delicious wines. The Nissovo village lies within the Rusenski Lom Nature Park along the Beli Lom River, just before it joins the Mali Lom River. The Rusenski Lom Nature park follows the valleys of the three rivers of Lom /Beli – White, Cerni – Black and Mali – Small Lom Rivers/ which join to form the Rusenski Lom /the Lom of Ruse/, making a tributary of the Danube. Digging deep through the plateau, the three rivers have formed narrow canyons which follow erratic courses. One can visit caves hollowed into the cliff-side and observe many species of birds such as eagle owls, black-winged vultures and black storks.
The combination of rocks, forests, rivers, and caves with meadows is reason for the great biological diversity on the territory of the Rusenski Lom Nature park. The flora of Rusenski Lom Park includes 902 species, while the fauna consists of 10 amphibians (5 of which are protected), 19 reptiles, 22 types of fish, crayfish, snails and river mussels, and 66 mammals. The birds are among the most important inhabitants of the park: 190 species, 110 of which nest there. Visitors of the Rusenski Lom Nature Park can get comprehensive information in the modern and well equipped visitor center. The conditions in the Rusenski Lom Nature Park are particularly favorable to rock-nesting birds, such as the Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), the Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus), the Long-Legged Buzzard (Buteo rufinus), the Ruddy Shelduck (Tadorna ferruginea), the Saker Falcon (Falco cherrug), etc.
The Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo – a UNESCO-protected landmark, are situated on the territory of Rusenski Lom Nature Park. A special route acquaints tourists with the history of the Ivanovo Rock-Hewn Churches and the nature park. The starting point of the 9 km-long route is Ivanovo Village. It begins at the village railway station and continues through Ivanovo Village either along the gully near Garvalov Yalak or on the road from Ruse to the Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo up Rusenski Lom River. It reaches the car park at the churches where tourists will always find a guide appointed by the Ruse Regional Museum of History.
Another route is historically oriented and offers visitors a walk in and around the impressive Cherven Fortress. The starting point of this route is Cherven Village. Tourists must cross the car park at Cherven fortress and climb the stairs leading to the entrance of the stronghold. The foundations of 13 churches, a boyar’s palace, and one of the two original medieval battle towers in Bulgaria are all preserved in the Cherven Fortress. There is a staircase to the river at the western side of the fortress. Tourists can also see an authentic water-supplying piece of equipment which was used in the fortress. A guide appointed by the Ruse museum is available in the Cherven fortress. In the nearby colorful villages there are various options for accommodation in excellent and diversified tourist facilities, that provide pleasant stay for very affordable prices.
