The eco trail leads from the village of Sarnitsa, Mineralni Bani municipality, to Kupena peak and Orlovi Skali — two sites with Thracian fortresses in the Eastern Rhodopes. The municipality gives about 4.75 km and about 1.5 hours for the Sarnitsa – Kupena – Orlovi Skali route.
It starts at the northern edge of Sarnitsa and ends at Orlovi Skali, with a detour to the Kupena area. The way runs mostly on dirt roads over low hills.
Kupena peak (692 m), also called Varga or Latnitsata, carries the remains of a Thracian, late-antique and medieval fortress. At Orlovi Skali, about 3 km west of the centre of Sarnitsa, is an Iron Age Thracian fortress; the site is a cultural monument and natural landmark. Along the way there is also a rock known as the “human profile”.
A short, easy route. Carry water.
Sarnitsa is about 22 km west-south-west of Haskovo and 8 km south of Mineralni Bani, on a local road off route III-506.
Plovdiv region
4.8 km away
Haskovo region
5.3 km away
Plovdiv region
12.4 km away
Kardzhali region
16.3 km away
Kupena Eco Trail (Sarnitsa) is located in Haskovo, Bulgaria.
Kupena Eco Trail (Sarnitsa) 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.
Kupena Eco Trail (Sarnitsa) 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.
