Rose Valley Bulgaria

Bulgaria's fragrant heartland

The Rose Valley (Rozova dolina) is one of Bulgaria's most celebrated regions, a stretch of plains and rolling hills in the center of the country, lying between the Balkan Mountains (Stara Planina) to the north and the Sredna Gora range to the south. For centuries it has been the home of the Damask rose (Rosa damascena), whose petals yield the precious rose oil — one of the most expensive essential oils in the world and an enduring symbol of Bulgarian identity. The towns of Kazanlak and Karlovo are regarded as the traditional centers of the region.

What to see and experience

The valley's great spectacle is the rose fields in bloom, when the hills are blanketed in pink and the air fills with fragrance. Visitors can watch the hand-picking of the petals in the early morning, when their oil content is at its peak. The region has distilleries and rose-themed museums that explain the distillation process and sell authentic products — rose oil, rose water, jams and cosmetics. The high point of the year is the Rose Festival in Kazanlak, with processions, music and the crowning of the "Rose Queen". The valley is also an important archaeological area, often called the "Valley of the Thracian Kings", with tombs and burial mounds near Kazanlak.

Practical tips

The best time to visit is late May and early June, when the roses are in full bloom and the festivals take place; picking happens in the morning, so an early start is worthwhile. The valley is easily reached by car along the main roads linking Kazanlak and Karlovo, both of which have railway stations and good road connections. Nearby, the Thracian tombs and the monasteries of the Balkan range make worthwhile additions to a route. Exact festival dates and distillery schedules vary from year to year — check ahead before you travel.