Wonderful Bridges
Zabardo, Bulgaria
Two huge marble arches formed by a collapsed cave in the western Rhodopes, at about 1,450 metres. The road from Chepelare is narrow; a short path leads under and over the arches.
The Wonderful Bridges (Chudnite Mostove) are two natural marble rock bridges in the valley of the Erkyupriya River in the western Rhodope Mountains of southern Bulgaria, at the foot of Persenk Peak at about 1,450 m. The river hollowed out the marble; later the cave roof collapsed, possibly in an earthquake, and the water carried away the debris.
The larger bridge, upstream, is about 96 m long and up to 15 m wide. It has three arches, the largest 45 m high. The river flows under the middle arch, and visitors can walk beneath the vaults. About 200 m downstream follows the smaller bridge, roughly 60 m long. A minor road branches off the Asenovgrad–Smolyan road towards Zaburdo; from there you follow marked trails on foot. Two mountain huts stand nearby, and the site is on the list of the 100 National Tourist Sites of Bulgaria. Check the condition of the road and trails before you go.
- Nearest town
- Zabardo, Bulgaria
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 41.8200, 24.5810
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in October. Cold, short days in December–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Bulgaria: Vignette needed for motorways. Buy the e-vignette online before you drive on motorways. Motorway limit for cars: 140 km/h.
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FAQs
Where is Wonderful Bridges?
Wonderful Bridges is in Zabardo, Bulgaria, at GPS 41.8200, 24.5810. It is about 16 km from Shiroka Laka.
Which road trips pass Wonderful Bridges?
Wonderful Bridges is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: The Rhodope Mountains: marble bridges and cave gorges.
What is there to see near Wonderful Bridges?
Places worth a stop nearby: Bachkovo Monastery (26 km), Devil’s Throat Cave (28 km), Yagodina Cave (29 km) and Asen’s Fortress (30 km).
When is the best time to visit Wonderful Bridges?
The most pleasant months are usually May–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)