Rose Valley

There are few places on earth quite as fragrant and captivating as the Rose Valley. Stretching for over 10 kilometers between the dramatic Balkan Mountains and the Sredna Gora region, Kazanlak’s Rose Valley is a heavenly corner of nature famous for its rose-growing industry. Each year during the picking season, the entire region gets shrouded in the delightful odor of thousands of harvested roses. Locals welcome visitors to the picking process with heartfelt hospitality. It may seem like an easy job at first—but pick up a basket, and you will see that rose picking requires a great amount of dexterity.

The practice is famous for invigorating festivals every year. If you are visiting at this time, you will get to learn more about its history from the harvesters. Other highlights of the valley are visits to the Rose oil factories. There, almost half of the world’s rose oil production takes place. In the factory, guides walk visitors through the intricate process of extracting rose oil and introduce its many benefits. You can also buy a variety of rose-infused products at the shops.

As vital as it is, rose is not the only thing that makes Rose Valley famous on a global scale. The valley is part of a region often referred to as The Valley of the Thracian Kings. It is a rich trove of thousands of tombs and burials. So pick a bewitching Rosa Damascena and take a tour among the tomb-studded hills. Revel in the exquisite landscape of Rose Valley at your own pace.