Bukaka is a reserve in the Shumen Plateau Nature Park, in the centre of the park, at about 450 m. It was declared on 5 February 1980 over 62.49 ha to preserve the native stands of valuable tree species. Today it has the status of a maintained reserve.
Bukaka is a stand of Moesian beech more than a hundred years old. Its northern part also holds sessile oak, hornbeam, Hungarian oak, maple and Turkey oak. The understorey is hazel, hawthorn, dog rose, bramble and manna ash, and in spring the ground is covered with squill, anemone, corydalis and lily of the valley.
Foxes, hares, badgers, roe deer, wild boar, red deer and several kinds of snake live in the reserve.
The reserve is small and protected: walk only on the nature park's marked paths around it, and do not pick plants or light fires. The Shumen plateau rises right above the town and has many paths, so Bukaka combines easily with a walk in the park and to the Founders of the Bulgarian State monument.
Shumen region
1.5 km away
Shumen region
2.2 km away
Shumen region
3.8 km away
Bukaka Reserve is located in Shumen, Bulgaria.
Bukaka 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.
Bukaka 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.
