Etropole is a cheerful, green provincial town in the Northern folds of the Balkan Range, at the foot of Baba peak (1,787 m.). In recent years it has become a popular hiking destination thanks to the many trails leading to some of the most beautiful spots in the mountain around the town. Tourists opt to stay at the local guest houses, but before starting on their way up, they usually go to see 3 of the100 national tourist sites which are in Etropole – the Holy Trinity Monastery of Etropole, the magnificent clock tower and the Museum of History. 
“The paper passport of the 100 national tourist sites of Bulgaria was digitized recently. Now, there is a digital stamping board put up at the monastery of Etropole, making it easier for tourists to collect the stamps from the tourist sites,” says Darya Zarichinova from the regional association Tour Club Remark.
Active leisure seekers now have access to up-to-date information about the hiking trails on the territory of the Etropole section of the Balkan Range on the new website, created by the regional association, jointly with the municipality and the Tourism, Sports, Ecology association. “Thereare 8 maps there which anyone can take a look at on their laptop or any mobile device.
Etropole municipality has assumed the commitment to put up 4 information boards at the starting points of the hiking trails. They will have a map and a QR code. Paper maps will also be made available. 
“The tendency is for more lovers of the mountain and of long mountain hikes to come to the region,” Darya Zarichinova goes on to say. “There are many and different trails here, they are clearly marked - their length and degree of difficulty. One of the most popular paths is called “Echo of bell chimes”, it is only about 2.5 kilometres long, and starts from the village of Ribaritsa and reaches the Holy Trinity Monastery. But there are other, longer trails as well, like the circular path around the Etropole section of the Balkan Range, which more than 50 kilometres long. There is a trail leading to the ancient Thracian fortress Chertigrad, in itself a natural and cultural landmark. Another interesting trail follows in the footsteps of the revolutionary Georgi Benkovski. It is organized every year in May and is very popular, as it also connected with Bulgaria’s history.”
The owners of guest houses and small family hotels in the region of Etropole say it has been a successful summer season for them, with a heightened interest during the autumn weekends as well. The region is also a popular destination for horse trekking, thanks to the equestrian centre which has been offering tourists a horse riding experience for years. 
The municipality has also been promoting sports tourism with regular camps where young people practice football and volleyball at the local sports facilities.
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Translated and posted by Milena Daynova
Photos courtesy of Darya Zarichinova, Veneta Nikolova
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