Lovech
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Lovech · Northern Bulgaria
The town of the Covered Bridge
Wrapped around a bend of the Osam River beneath the green slopes of the Stara Planina, Lovech is one of Bulgaria’s oldest towns — and one of its most quietly rewarding. For many travellers it is only a name glimpsed on the road to the Krushuna Waterfalls or the Devetashka Cave, but the town itself deserves an unhurried half-day of its own.
Its emblem is the Covered Bridge, built by the master craftsman Kolyu Ficheto in the 1870s and the only one of its kind in the Balkans — a roofed wooden span lined with small craft workshops that still sells woodwork, leather and jewellery much as it did a century ago. In the evening it glows like a lantern strung between the old town and the new.
Across the water rises Varosha, the old quarter — more than 160 restored National Revival houses climbing the hillside in tiers toward the Roman-era Hisarya Fortress, which crowns the ridge with sweeping views over the river valley. Cobbled lanes and small house-museums make this a place that welcomes guests rather than tourists — best explored slowly, on foot.
19th-century covered bridgeVarosha old quarterHisarya FortressStara Planina foothills
Covered Bridge and the Riverside
The Covered Bridge remains the natural heart of Lovech — not simply a monument, but a living passage between the town’s historic and modern sides. Inside, small souvenir and craft shops continue the bridge’s long tradition of local trade, offering handmade woodwork, textiles, leather goods and jewellery beneath its timber roof. Just beyond the bridge, the banks of the Osam River reveal some of Lovech’s most memorable scenery: rows of traditional houses perched directly above the water, their colorful facades reflected in the slow-moving river below. Riverside paths and small terraces make this one of the most pleasant parts of the town for an evening walk or a quiet coffee overlooking the water. Especially at dusk, when the bridge lights begin to glow and the reflections spread across the river, the entire area takes on an atmosphere that feels both intimate and timeless.
Varosha – The Old Town
The historic Varosha Quarter preserves the spirit of the Bulgarian National Revival period. Cobblestone streets wind between traditional houses, museums, and small churches, transporting visitors back in time. This atmospheric district is one of the best-preserved old quarters in Bulgaria and showcases the architectural and cultural heritage of the region.
Hisarya Fortress
Rising above the city, the medieval Lovech Fortress offers panoramic views over the surrounding hills and the Osam Valley. The fortress played an important role throughout Bulgarian history and remains one of the city’s most important landmarks. Visitors can explore the ruins, towers, and archaeological remains while learning about Lovech’s strategic significance through the centuries.
Monument of Vasil Levski
Lovech is closely connected to the legacy of Vasil Levski, Bulgaria’s national hero and revolutionary leader. An impressive monument dedicated to Levski overlooks the city, commemorating his role in Bulgaria’s struggle for independence. The city is often referred to as one of the key centers of his revolutionary activities.
Cathedral of Saints Cyril and Methodius
The Cathedral of Saints Cyril and Methodius is one of the city’s most important religious landmarks, known for its elegant architecture, tall bell tower, and richly decorated interior. Located near the center of Lovech, it reflects the city’s spiritual and cultural heritage and remains an important symbol of local Orthodox tradition.
Mobility for Cyclists
Reaching Lovech by train with your bike
If you are riding the EuroVelo 6 along the Danube, this inland detour can be reached comfortably by train with your bike, making it an easy addition to your cycling journey with practical travel connections and useful transport information available below.
The connection
Lovech sits on a short branch line, so direct trains are limited — most journeys involve a change at the nearby junction of Levski, with only a few connections across the day.
Lovech Railway Station
Lovech’s small station lies a short ride from the old town, so you can roll straight off the platform toward the Covered Bridge — a modest stop with limited facilities.
This section of the website was developed as part of a pilot activity within the Active2Public Transport project, supported by the Interreg Danube Region Programme co-funded by the European Union