The Danube in Bulgaria

The first independent state on the lower course of the Danube was established in 681 along the southern bank of the river: this state was the first Bulgarian kingdom. Sailing downstream, the first city in Bulgaria which the traveller reaches is Vidin, a historic settlement whose origins go as far back as the Celts. Vidin"s most impressive sight is the Medieval castle of Baba Vida, which dates from the thirteenth century and looms impressively above a bend in the Danube. Other points of interest are the Dervish monastery of Salachadin with seventeenth-century frescoes. South of Vidin in the vicinity of Belogradchik is a fascinating natural paradise with bizarre rock formations, in the midst of which romantic Kaleto castle is located.

One of Bulgaria"s most notable historic towns is Veliko Turnovo, capital city of the second Bulgarian state, which was formed after 1186. It was during this period that the Bulgarian kingdom had its heyday. Monasteries in particular were centres of art and learning. The remains of no fewer than ten monasteries are located around Veliko Turnovo, for example Preobrashenije monastery.

The city of Ruse is situated at the confluence of Danube and Roussenski Lom, the last of the tributaries to flow into the Danube from its right bank. On the banks of the Roussenski Lom is a nature preserve of the same name.
The birthplace of writer Elias Canetti, Ruse, was an important Danube port even in ancient times, when it was known as Sexaginta Prista, which means "sixty ships".

Svishtov is the southernmost town on the Danube. Silistra on Bulgaria"s border with Romania is given its characteristic stamp by an enormous fortress. Silistra too marks one end of Srebarna water fowl preserve.