Day 07 Belogradchik Fortress, Bulgaria

We made the hour-long bus ride to the Belogradchik Fortress, tucked high in the Balkan Mountains of northwestern Bulgaria. The climb up was very steep — the kind of incline that makes you question your life choices for a minute — but absolutely doable. And once you reach the top, every treacherous step suddenly feels worth it. The views and the silence up there are something special.

The fortress itself is unlike anything I’ve seen before. Instead of being built on the rocks, it’s built into them. Massive sandstone formations rise straight out of the earth, and the fortress walls simply continue the lines of the cliffs — stone blending into stone. It feels ancient, wild, and strangely peaceful all at once.

A few bits of history to give the place some context:

The first fortifications here date back to Roman times (1st–3rd century AD).

Later, the Ottomans expanded it into one of the strongest defensive positions in the region.

It saw major action during the Serbian–Bulgarian War of 1885.

The surrounding Belogradchik Rocks are over 200 million years old, sculpted by time into towers, spires, and cliffs with almost storybook shapes.

Walking through narrow stone passages, climbing uneven steps, and standing on those high lookout points, you feel centuries under your feet. Then you look out… and there’s this endless sweep of red rock pillars, deep forests, and open sky. A breathtaking reward for the climb.

Before leaving, we picked up a bottle of Bulgarian white wine from a local vendor — a small treat to bring back onboard. That evening, we shared it with Melody & Barry over dinner, which made the day feel even more complete.

At dinner, I should note: Viking always offers a Regional Specialties Menu, and it’s usually my first choice. Why not try the flavors of wherever you are in the world? It makes each meal feel like another part of the journey.

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