One of the relatively close to visit natural landmarks to the city of the hills is Snezhanka Cave. It is located 5 km from the town of Peshtera, and the turnoff is quite well indicated with signs. It is immediately followed by a road that is not in very good condition, but is still passable by car. At a distance of about 800 m before the cave, there is a separate parking lot where you can leave your vehicle and you need to walk the last section. You’ll walk along a steep narrow eco-trail, with wooden railings, which, happily, is maintained. The picturesque nature is complemented by signs with funny inscriptions such as "Breathe deeply" and "A little more", which aim to encourage those who have already run out of air. The transition can last from about 20 minutes to an hour, depending on your physical fitness. It is not very easy and there is a climb, so make sure you’re wearing comfortable clothes and shoes.
Shortly before the cave there is a gazebo for relaxation, and if you take a few steps to the side you will find yourself on a slope with a bench, which offers a stunning view of the Rhodope Mountains. After the you take pictures, you will reach the entrance, near which there is a tea room and a souvenir stand. It is open every day, with an hourly check-in, and the guided tour is included in the price of 5 BGN per adult and 3 BGN per student. The temperature inside is 8 degrees all year round.
The cave was declared a natural landmark in 1961, when it was officially discovered by tourists. Otherwise, it is believed to have been formed by the Novomahlenska River, and the artifacts found in it indicate that around 600 BC it was inhabited by the ancient Thracians. It is extremely small - only 145 meters long, but it has gathered all the forms of cave formations. It was named after the snow-white deposits that formed millions of years ago and froze in bizarre shapes - the Dolphin, the Karakachanka, the Statue of Liberty, the Dwarves, the Parrot, as well as the eponymous "Snow White" - a stalagmite in the shape of a girl waiting for her prince. It is located in the last hall - the Enchanted.
The biodiversity on the territory of the cave includes interesting representatives of troglobionts - organisms perfectly adapted to underground life. It is also home to 4 species of bats, which can be seen in the illuminated areas accessible to tourists. Bothering them is not desirable.
In terms of its splendor and beauty, it is ranked among the 4 most beautiful Bulgarian caves - Magurata, Lednika and Saeva Dupka. It is visited annually by over 10,000 people.
And here are pictures from our walk:
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