Shumen Plateau Nature Park

About

Shumen Plateau Nature Park is one of northeastern Bulgaria’s most captivating natural areas, a protected landscape where forests, cliffs and ancient history blend into a single panoramic experience. Covering more than 3,900 hectares, the plateau rises above the city like a green crown, offering cool air, quiet trails and sweeping views that change beautifully with each season. Its limestone terrain creates dramatic rock formations, caves and ridges that have attracted travellers since antiquity. Inside the park, one of the most interesting places is the “Kyoshkovete” area, a favourite local retreat with springs, picnic spots and deep shade from centuries‑old oaks. The plateau is also home to several caves, including the mysterious “Biserna,” known for its delicate formations. Wildlife is abundant: deer, foxes and many bird species thrive here, making the park a rewarding stop for nature lovers. History is woven throughout the landscape. The paths lead to the Shumen Fortress, early Christian basilicas and rock‑cut monasteries that reveal the plateau’s long spiritual significance. Scenic viewpoints such as “Divdyadovo” offer wide panoramas over Shumen and the surrounding plains, especially striking at sunset.

Shumen Bulgaria

Location

The Shumen Plateau Nature Park is the green heart right above Shumen, where the city ends and the forest begins. You will find it at ul. "Ilyo Voyvoda" 37, 9700 Shumen Center, Shumen, Bulgaria, but the park itself spreads over almost 4000 hectares on the Shumen Heights, just 2 to 3 kilometers west of the city center. It was declared a nature park in 1980 and it is super easy to reach - you can walk up from Kyoshkovete park or take a short taxi ride. The highest point is over 500 meters, so you get a perfect panorama over the whole town. Right there on the plateau you have the Shumen Fortress, the ancient and medieval castle overlooking the city, with its restored walls and towers. Just a short walk from the fortress is the massive Founders of the Bulgarian State Monument, also known as the Monument to 1300 Years of Bulgaria, with its huge concrete statues and mosaics. Down in the town, only a few minutes away, you can continue to the Regional History Museum on Slavyanski Blvd, the Tombul Mosque on Rakovski Street from 1744 which is the largest mosque in Bulgaria, and the old Revival street with the memorial houses - Panayot Volov House Museum, Dobri Voynikov House Museum, Lajos Kossuth House Museum and Pancho Vladigerov House. It's really nature and history in one place.