Kamchia is a reserve of 849.75 ha on the lower Kamchia river, about 25 km south of Varna, in Avren and Dolni Chiflik municipalities. It was declared on 29 June 1951 to protect the longoz, the periodically flooded riverside forest.
The reserve joined UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere programme in 1977 and was removed from it in 2020.
The starting point is the Kamchia resort, 28 km south of Varna, reached by bus from Varna bus station. Walking is allowed only on marked trails and under the reserve's rules. Boat trips run from the river mouth to the reserve boundary. Sources do not name a car park.
Spring, when the river floods the forest and the snowflakes flower.
Varna region
3.9 km away
Varna region
14.4 km away
Burgas region
20.6 km away
Varna region
22.0 km away
Planning a day trip from Varna? Discover the best itineraries: Balchik Palace, Cape Kaliakra, Aladzha Monastery, the Madara Rider, Pliska, and Pobiti Kamani.
Planning a coastal drive in Bulgaria? The full route from Durankulak to Rezovo: Tyulenovo, Cape Kaliakra, Nessebar, Sozopol and the Veleka mouth.
Kamchia Reserve is located in Varna, Bulgaria.
Kamchia Reserve is most easily reached by car. Use the coordinates above to navigate, or open the location in OpenStreetMap or your preferred maps app for turn-by-turn directions. Public transport options vary by region — for remote destinations a rental car gives the most flexibility.
Kamchia Reserve is best walked from May through October, when the trail is clear of snow and weather is generally stable. Summer middays can be hot at lower altitudes — start early. Winter walking requires proper gear and route knowledge.
Suitability depends on the specific route. Bulgarian trails range from paved family-friendly paths to multi-day high-mountain crossings. Check the length, elevation gain, and surface before setting off. Sturdy footwear, water, and a basic map (offline or paper) are essential even on short walks.
