Waterfalls in Bulgaria. Part III

Sitovski Waterfall in the Rhodopes
August 1, 2026
Author: Victor Demidov
Discover beautiful waterfalls in Bulgaria – from Rila, through the Rhodopes to Stara Planina. A photographic story by Viktor Demidov about the power of water and nature.

Water has its own soul

If you missed the first part of the story about the waterfalls in Bulgaria You can see it here

The second part with more impressive water features is not available here.

Chestneskoye Ussye Waterfall

Cheshtensko Usoe, also known as Yakoruda Waterfall, is a beautiful waterfall approximately 15–16 meters high, located on the Chesna River near the town of Yakoruda in the Rila Mountains.

It can be reached by car on the road towards the „Treshtenik“ resort, about 7-8 kilometers from Yakoruda.
The site was declared a natural landmark and protected area in 1985.

Downstream there are several smaller waterfalls between 5 and 10 meters high.

Chestnensko usoje Waterfall near Yakoruda

Maglish Waterfall 

The Maglizh Waterfall is located north of the town of Maglizh, at an altitude of about 610 meters, in the Balkan Mountains.

There are two waterfalls—the Big Muglizhki Waterfall, which is about 15 meters high, and the Small Muglizhki Waterfall, which is about 10 meters high.

The Great Water Jump is located about 5 kilometers north upstream on the Maglizhka (Selchenska) River, which has formed the picturesque Maglizhka Gorge.
The route begins at the "Barite" ("Baralaka") area.

The walk to the waterfalls takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes, but it's worth it. If you're in the area, make time to also visit the Maglizh Fortress and Monastery, which are part of this beautiful route.

Muglizh Waterfall in the Balkan Mountains

Just Autumn

All of the waterfalls were photographed in the fall.
We often think that this season isn't a good time to visit waterfalls because there's less water. It turns out the opposite is true.

Imagine the fiery hues of the fallen leaves, the green, moss-covered rocks, and the silvery streams of water—a true fairy tale created by nature.

Autumn magic by the waterfalls

Sitovski waterfall

The Sitovo Waterfall is located in the Rhodopes, about 30 kilometers from Plovdiv, at the junction between the beautiful Rhodope villages of Sitovo and Lilkovo.

The site is reached via a dirt road that is relatively flat. Below the bridge at the fork leading to Lilkovo, the river has formed a picturesque cascade of small waterfalls.
The maximum drop is about 2 meters, but the beauty of the place lies in its overall atmosphere—a quiet river, lush greenery, and a typical Rhodope landscape.

It is in full beauty on the cover photo.

Sopot Waterfall at the foot of the Balkan Mountains

Sopot Waterfall 

The Sopot Waterfall is an easily accessible natural site near the town of Sopot, located on the Manastirska River.
The route begins at the Holy Ascension Monastery („St. Spas“), which is associated with Vasil Levski—it was there that he took the monastic name Ignatius.

From the monastery, the path follows the river through a pleasant walk in the foothills of the Balkan Mountains. Along the way, there are several more small cascades, and the large waterfall is most impressive when it's in full flow.

That is exactly how Viktor Demidov captured it—in all its beauty.

Waterfall on the Ordina River in Rila

Urdina River, Rila Mountains 

On the Urdina River, in the heart of the Rila Mountains, about 80 kilometers from Sofia, there is a beautiful waterfall hidden amid unspoiled nature.

The area is still relatively quiet and far from mass tourism. The entire river creates small waterfalls, and one of the most impressive waterfalls was photographed by Viktor Demidov.

Haydushka Waterfall near Berkovitsa

Haiduk Waterfall

The Haidushki Waterfall is located along the „Haidushki Waterfalls“ eco-trail—marked in green—in the Western Stara Planina Mountains, near Berkovitsa.
The distance from Sofia to Montana is about 80 kilometers, and from Montana to Berkovitsa is another 23 kilometers.

The trail begins at the edge of Berkovitsa. After the stadium, there is a sign for Kom Hut – turn left towards it, and continue straight ahead to the right for the eco-trail to the waterfalls. The route is marked with green and white blazes and directional signs.

If you're driving, you can park your car at the start of the trail and continue on foot through the beautiful natural surroundings of the Western Stara Planina Mountains.

Upper Fotinovo Waterfall in the Rhodopes
Dolni Fotinovo Waterfall in the Rhodope Mountains

Photini Waterfalls 

Upper and Lower Waterfalls

The Fotin Waterfalls are located in the Rhodope Mountains, near the village of Fotinovo, about 20 kilometers from Batak.
The trail begins in the center of the village—at the small square in front of the town hall. The village itself is nestled among the gentle, rounded peaks of the Rhodopes and feels like a true mountain retreat.

The waterfalls are reached via a marked black trail. The route passes through mixed forest – deciduous and coniferous. It's advisable to be prepared with suitable footwear and trekking poles, as there are steep descents in places and the terrain is more challenging.

The Fotinska River forms beautiful cascades, among which are the two waterfalls—the upper and the lower.
The walk is well worth it, and the best proof of that is Viktor Demidov's impressive photographs.

More waterfalls in the videos on TEA YT Channel

We shared with you picturesque paintings of Bulgaria's waterfalls, captured through the lens of Viktor Demidov.
You can find even more stunning and beautiful water scenes, as well as valuable information about various waterfalls, 

Mangro Waterfall – Belasitsa

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