The route leaves Gara Bov along the Vazov Eco Trail past Skaklya waterfall and continues to Proboynitsa hut in the Koznitsa mountains of western Stara Planina. It is waymarked in yellow and is about 17.9 km long.
The first part is the Vazov Eco Trail itself, between Gara Bov and Zasele. The foot of Skaklya is about 30–45 minutes away, and the platform above the waterfall about another 40–45 minutes. The eco trail ends at the Zli Kamak area above the Iskar gorge. From there the yellow waymarks continue to Proboynitsa hut on the Proboynitsa river, about 3 km from the village of Gubislav. According to the Ponoria hiking club, the whole route has 1,345 m of ascent and 773 m of descent, between 417 and 1,260 m above sea level.
Skaklya is about 85 m high. The eco trail was built by local people in the 1970s and renewed in 2007 with footbridges, railings, benches and information boards. The area is linked with Ivan Vazov, who described it in his travelogue “A Walk along the Iskar”. Proboynitsa hut is on the E3 European path (Kom – Emine) and was renovated in 2021–2023.
The eco trail to the waterfall is short, with about 350 m of climbing, and makes a good half-day walk. The whole route to the hut is a long day — carry water and food.
Gara Bov is on the Sofia – Mezdra railway, about 50 km from Sofia; there is parking at the station. The top of the waterfall can also be reached from the village of Zasele — about 10 minutes on foot.
Sofia region
3.3 km away
Sofia region
4.0 km away
Sofia region
4.4 km away
Vazov Eco Trail (Gara Bov – Proboynitsa Hut) is located in Sofia Province, Bulgaria.
Vazov Eco Trail (Gara Bov – Proboynitsa Hut) 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.
Vazov Eco Trail (Gara Bov – Proboynitsa Hut) 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.
