Why students love it
Kaylaka is Pleven’s backyard: a green limestone gorge along the Tuchenitsa river, about 3 km south of the centre. Cliffs on both sides, lakes, shaded paths, ruins, picnic areas — and enough space that it never feels crowded even on a sunny Sunday.
It’s where students go to run, walk off a study day, have a barbecue with friends, or just sit somewhere that isn’t a library or a rented room. In summer there’s water and shade; in autumn the colours are worth the walk alone; in winter it’s quiet and dramatic.
Good to know
- Free to enter, open all year.
- Bring your own food and water — options inside are limited.
- Trails range from flat riverside strolls to steeper climbs up the rocks; normal trainers are fine for the main paths.
- Great for group trips: the picnic and BBQ areas are a classic “meet the other international students” spot.
Getting there
About 40 minutes on foot from the centre, or a few minutes by public transport:
- Get off at the “Mosta” stop — buses 20 and 23, or trolleybuses 7, 7A, 14, 44
- The “Mosta 1” stop is also near the park — trolleybus 33
In Google Maps, enable the public transport layer for live arrival times — see the tip in Bulgarian Basics.
Seasons
The boats and attractions run in summer, roughly from June until September or early October depending on the weather. Outside that season the park is still open and beautiful — just quieter, and you’ll want a jacket.