Kalofer and the eco-trail
Kalofer is the birthplace of the great Bulgarian poet and revolutionary Hristo Botev. A landmark is the “Hristo Botev” Memorial Complex with the monument and the poet's birth house. Near the centre of the town is Daskal Botev's school.
Legend says that Kalofer was founded in the middle of the 16th century, when a group of men led by Kalifer Voivoda constantly attacked Turkish caravans. The Sultan's inability to deal with Kalifer Voivoda and his men forced him to allow these men to settle on these lands, on condition that they stop attacking the caravans. The voivoda accepted the proposal and settled in the land of today's Kalofer. The legend also says that when they settled here, these men had no women, so they “stole” brides from the nearby town of Sopot.
In the following centuries Kalofer grew as a cultural and trade centre, with a livelihood for the local people, which is why it was called “Altan” Kalofer /Golden Kalofer/. As a cultural centre, some of Bulgaria's greatest people studied in Kalofer — Vasil Levski and Kalofer's most famous son — the poet and revolutionary Hristo Botev.
Two kilometres outside Kalofer there is an eco-trail made last year by the “Central Balkan” foundation. The natural waterfalls and cascades of the “Byala Reka” river can be seen from the built bridges and stairs. There are wooden boards with herbs local to the area. There are gazebos and green meadows where you can spend a wonderful day. Unfortunately the road from Kalofer to the eco-trail /about 2 km/ is not asphalted and has many holes. But the beauty you will see there is unique.
On the way to Kalofer you pass by pools where trout are raised. You can buy live trout to take home or have lunch in the restaurant located there. Although it is from the producer, the price of the trout is the same as in the shops, but at least it is certainly fresh.