Krichim: Nature Trails, the Vacha and Cultural Heritage

The municipality of Krichim connects the Upper Thracian Plain with the northern foothills of the Rhodope Mountains. The terrain is flat in the north and mountainous in the south. River landscapes, protected areas and religious heritage add to this varied scenery.

Landscape and Nature

The Vacha River flows through the municipality for around 24 kilometres and is the natural outflow of the Vacha and Krichim reservoirs. Four Natura 2000 sites protect birds, habitats, wild flora and fauna, as well as the Vacha River corridor. The Koznitsa protected area was designated to preserve the largest population of Greek juniper in the Rhodope Mountains.

The eco-trails offer opportunities to observe plants and animals. These include Greek juniper, downy oak, oriental hornbeam, Rhodope everlasting and snowdrops, as well as Balkan chamois, brown bears, short-toed snake eagles and peregrine falcons. However, sightings of wild animals are not guaranteed.

Trails and Activities

The Krichim–Chereshovo eco-trail is twelve kilometres long, starts near the former mineral baths and the Monastery of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary, and is suitable for cycling. A cultural heritage hiking route links Asen’s Rock, the Monastery of St. Vrach, the southern edge of Izgoryaloto Gyune and the Monastery of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary. One route is therefore described as a cycling route of a specific length, while the other leads to several historical and religious sites.

Fishing is also among the region’s activities: trout fishing is considered an important fishing activity on local rivers and reservoirs. Before planning a specific fishing trip, check local information on stocking and fishing opportunities, as details about species and stocking are intended as guidance and not as current catch information.

History and Culture

The remains of the Monastery of St. Vrach lie on Mount Klisura above Krichim and are part of the municipality’s religious heritage. 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 lies on the Vacha near Krichim and is listed as a cultural monument.

The initiative to build the Church of Saints Cosmas and Damian came from Krichim dignitary Atanas Stoimenov in 1861. The church is associated with the religious and educational community of the Bulgarian National Revival. Local historical and cultural traditions are upheld at the Probuda-1912 community cultural centre, which is home to amateur groups for dance, singing, theatre and other activities. The folk group has performed at local, regional, national and international folklore festivals, gatherings and celebrations.

The Strawberry Festival features a producers’ market, culinary competitions, tastings, a largest-strawberry competition and a young strawberry growers’ competition. Its fourth edition took place from 8 to 10 May 2026. The programme may change from one edition to the next.

Getting There and the Wider Region

Road III-866 connects Krichim with Devin and Stamboliyski; road III-8602 links the town with Plovdiv and Perushtitsa. It is advisable to check current road conditions before travelling.

In the wider destination of Plovdiv Province, the Plovdiv region encompasses parts of the Rhodope and Sredna Gora mountains, sub-Balkan valleys and the Balkan Mountains, in addition to the Upper Thracian Plain. Plovdiv is the geographical and logistical centre of the Thracian tourist region.

Discover more destinations: Krichim, Karlovo, Rodopi, Perushtitsa, Asenovgrad, Rodopi Municipality, Kaloyanovo, Stamboliyski.

Return to the regional travel overview: Plovdiv Province.