Geography and location of Yakoruda
Near the favorite holiday cities of all Bulgarians, which are respectively Bansko and Razlog is another iconic city that is worth a visit – Yakoruda. The magnificent town located in southwestern Bulgaria can certainly leave you quite surprised.
To be as precise as possible, Yakoruda is located in Blagoevgrad district and is located on the upper reaches of the Mesta River, east of Razlog. What really distinguishes the town from all others is the fact that it is completely surrounded by the majestic Rila Mountains and Rhodopes.
If you are probably hearing this mountainous area for the first time, do not look away from the next few lines, as we will introduce you to the most popular landmarks here. In the interest of truth, the average altitude, which is 1603 meters, will be the beginning of the many interesting facts that the village has.
History of Yakoruda
Before we move on to the essential part, it is right to introduce you to the history of this town, which actually dates back many years. Information about the existence of a developed community in the area around Yakoruda dates back to the Thracians, and direct evidence of this are the ruins of the Thracian sanctuary at Babechka Chuka peak.
Of course, this is not the end, as researchers have discovered that this is where one of the main roads of the Roman Empire was located. If you find it difficult to believe these claims, we recommend that you visit the fortress remains, proving the existence of such a Roman road.
They, in turn, are known by the names:
- Kalya (located below the city)
- Gradishteto (located near Cherna Mesta)
The strong influence of the Ottoman Empire also did not fail to affect here, according to most historical records. Although Yakoruda was the largest settlement in Razlog in the middle of the 17th century, in 1660 the pressure of the Ottomans caused its complete burning and extermination of a large part of the inhabitants.
After the severe Ottoman pogroms, however, it did not take long to notice a proper development in the settlement, especially around the period during the Renaissance. Another interesting fact that should not be missed is that during the April Uprising in 1876 a local revolutionary committee was formed here.
With the advent of 1891, the people of Yakoruda can proudly say that they are already in the so-called “market center”. The homes number over 500, although half are Bulgarian and Pomak. However, with the advent of the twentieth century, Yakoruda boasts a total of 4490 inhabitants.
They in turn are divided into the following:
- 2,500 Bulgarian Christians
- 1900 Bulgarian Muslims
- 90 gypsies
The cherished year – 1912, was the moment when the settlement was liberated. The 27th Chepino Regiment of the Second Thracian Infantry Division, which took part in the First Balkan War, has direct credit for this. After all, the most exciting thing for the people of Yakoruda happened in 1964, when by law their habitat was declared a city.
Nature and demography
The deep dating history as well as the proud population (numbering up to 10,000 people) are not the only impressive things you will learn about this city. However, the area around it has a unique nature, which is definitely worth visiting in all seasons of the year.
Thanks to this, tourism is highly developed and attracts many visitors throughout the year, who are fans of fresh air and outdoor activities. In terms of hospitality, tourists can visit the various tourist huts, spa hotels, departmental facilities and much more.
The captivating charm you will find here will create lasting memories in the minds of your family, so it is definitely worth taking a vacation and heading here to enjoy pure nature.
Some of the most popular attractions around Yakoruda are:
- Yakoruda waterfalls (3.5 km)
- Dancing Bears Complex (8 km)
- Rila Fun Park (7.5 km)
- Yakoruda Lakes (11.7 km)
- Church of St. George – Dzherdzhevenska Church (1.5 km)
- Suha Vapa Peak (12 km)
- Granchar hut and many others (13 km)
However, the Yakoruda waterfall is the most distinctive of all. This charming waterfall with a length of 15-16 meters will make you literally breathless. It is located by the Chestna River, which is close to the town of Yakoruda. Maybe you are already wondering how to get there?
For starters, it is important to warn that you will need a car, as you need to get from Yakoruda to the resort “Treshtenik”. – The distance is not more than 8 km, so it will not take you long.
Once you arrive you will find an eco trailthat starts just behind a wooden gazebo. The gazebo is open to the public, so you can relax on it before the “big walk” begins. When you enter the trail you will first reach the first of the smaller waterfalls on the river.
Then you need to continue along the riverbed, and for this purpose, you will leave the path. This way you will reach a few more small waterfalls, until you finally reach the huge waterfall known as the “Chestne Usoe”.
How to get from Lucky Bansko Hotel?
The road from Lucky Bansko Hotel to Yakoruda is not long at all. The approximate distance is actually 30.6 km, so your personal car will do a good job. The whole trip takes about 30 minutes – you will still drive on mountain roads, so do not expect to be there for 10-15 minutes.
Your route will be crossed by the following villages:
- Bath
- Kraishte
- Dagonovo
- Yurukovo
If you want to add a little variety to the trip, you can always take a detour and head to the popular town of Belitsa. Here you can enjoy a variety of natural attractions and also try traditional dishes in their restaurants.
We strongly recommend that you never miss the opportunity to visit the Yakoruda area. We know that the holiday in Lucky Bansko is great, but you can make it even more amazing by visiting the curious destination. We guarantee that you will fall in love with both nature and the people here.