When do the leaves change in Bulgaria?
Bulgaria's beech forests turn copper across the Rila and Rhodope mountains, with the forested valley around Rila Monastery and the Balkan range's Central Balkan National Park offering the best mid-to-late October viewing.
Forecast coming soon
Weather data for Bulgaria lands with the next model run. Meanwhile, explore the map.
Known for
Things to do in fall in Bulgaria
3 iconic stops — scenic drives, farms, haunts, and the views locals plan their October around.
Rila Monastery
ForestTypically October 7–October 25
Bulgaria's largest Orthodox monastery, rebuilt in the 19th century around a surviving 14th-century tower, sits at 1,147m in a valley of the Rila Monastery Nature Park. Coniferous and beech forest wraps the surrounding hills, the broadleaf stands turning yellow, red, and brown through October.
Don’t miss: 14th-century Hrelyo's Tower · 1,147m mountain valley setting · Surrounding beech and conifer forest reserve
Central Balkan National Park (Botev Peak)
National parkBulgaria's largest natural beech forest, part of the transnational UNESCO World Heritage beech forests listing, climbs the Balkan Mountains to Botev Peak at 2,376m, the range's highest point. Nine strict reserves protect old-growth stands above the town of Karlovo, quiet and largely empty of crowds by fall.
Don’t miss: Bulgaria's highest peak at 2,376m · UNESCO-listed beech forest reserves · Nine strict nature reserves
Trigrad Gorge
TrailTypically October 1–October 31
A marble canyon in the western Rhodope Mountains with walls up to 300 meters, its river vanishing underground into the Devil's Throat Cave past a 42-meter subterranean waterfall. Beech forest colors the gorge rim through October, and the narrow access road is one of Bulgaria's more dramatic drives.
Don’t miss: Marble canyon walls to 300m · Devil's Throat Cave and underground waterfall · 42m underground cascade
Frequently asked
- What are the best things to do in fall in Bulgaria?
- The iconic stops: Rila Monastery, Central Balkan National Park (Botev Peak), Trigrad Gorge. Every one is mapped on this page with its peak-color timing.
- What are the best things to do in autumn in Bulgaria?
- Autumn — autumn (September–November) — is peak season here. Pair the color with Rila Monastery, Central Balkan National Park (Botev Peak), Trigrad Gorge; each is on the map above with the window to catch it.