To the west of Iskar Gorge, between the Balkan Range and the Danube, one can find carpets and wine, caves and monasteries, fortresses and nature reserves. Start by going through Petrohan Pass or taking a diversion via Botevgrad – everything else is a matter of choice.

Vrachanski Balkan Nature Park is interesting with its limestone formations and Ledenika Cave, as well as its four educational trails revealing the biodiversity in this part of the Balkan Range.

Old fortresses are located in the western-most part of the region: Baba Vida Fortress on the Danube River, and Belogradchik and Kula fortresses. Their builders were remarkable masters in blending the forms of the natural landscape with the fortifications' walls, thus creating a sense of both security and beauty.

Several monasteries, each beautiful and interesting in its own way, are huddled in the outskirts of the Balkan Range. The monasteries of Cherepish, Osenovlag, Klisura, Lopushna, Dobri Dol, Rabisha and Chiprovtsi reveal fresh perspectives on the religion and history of Bulgaria. Accommodation is available in the monasteries of Lopushna, Dobri Dol, Klisura and Osenovlag.

Thrill-seekers can test their climbing skills at Vratsata, where the impressive cliffs offer some of the most impressive climbing sites in Europe, or at Lakatnik and Karlukovo, where rock climbing can be combined with potholing in dark caves. Near Mount Vola, in the Vratsa ridges of the Balkan Range, there are two runs for flying delta- and paragliders. Iskar River is a traditional place for white-water rafting in the gorge (above Mezdra), and for kayaking from Karlukovo to the **Danube** or rowing where the river broadens.

More relaxed holidaymakers can walk underground in the caves of Ledenika and Magurata or follow the eco-trails across the Belogradchik rocks. Vurshets is regaining its old glory as one of the best climatic and spa resorts in the country.

The carpets from **Chiprovtsi** are uniquely Bulgarian. Many houses in the town and the surrounding villages keep looms in operation, where one can try to learn weaving or buy a ready-made carpet that is a genuine piece of art. Local handicrafts can be viewed in the **village of Pavolche, Vratsa region**, at the **Centre for Handicrafts**.

A place not to be missed is the **Museum of History in Vratsa**, where exhibited Thracian treasures of both Rogozen and Vulchitrun are breathtaking in their exquisiteness.

The picture would be incomplete without a visit to the home of the Bulgarian wine grape variety called **gamza, from Novo Selo**. Here visitors can see the pre-historic wall paintings in Magurata Cave, which also serves to house sparkling wine from the region. Another option is hiking to the highest peaks of western part of the Balkan Range — **Midjur (2166m)**, **Kom (2016m)**, **Todorini Kukli (1785m)**. In the wintertime, **Berkovitsa** offers outstanding skiing at affordable prices, whilst at the end of July, the **Berkrock music festival** takes place.

The region has three visitor centres: **Vratsa**, **Berkovitsa** and **Belogradchik**, where tourists can obtain further information.