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Wanderlog staff Updated • updatedApr 7, 2023
How long is the drive from Ruse to Sofia?
The direct drive from Ruse to Sofia is 194 mi (312 km), and should have a drive time of 4 hrs 20 mins in normal traffic.
If you’re going on a road trip from Ruse to Sofia, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way — with Veliko Tarnovo, as well as top places to visit like Боровец, or the ever-popular Tsarevets Fortress.
The top city between Ruse and Sofia is Veliko Tarnovo. It's 2 hours from Ruse and 3 hours from Sofia.
1
Veliko Tarnovo Province
Veliko Tarnovo is a province in the middle of the northern part of Bulgaria. Its capital city, Veliko Tarnovo, is of historical significance as it is known as the capital of the Bulgarian Empire. The province is divided into 10 municipalities with a total population, as of December 2009, of 275,395 inhabitants. Wikipedia.
Most popular city on this route
16 minutes off the main route, 38% of way to Sofia
Best stops along Ruse to Sofia drive
The top stops along the way from Ruse to Sofia (with short detours) are Боровец and Tsarevets Fortress.
Tsarevets Fortress is a renowned medieval stronghold and palace situated atop a hill that showcases an audiovisual presentation on Bulgarian history. It is an iconic landmark of Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria's highly-esteemed monument, once serving as the dwelling place for medieval tsars. The fortress encompasses over 400 houses' remains, 18 churches, royal residence, an execution rock and more. With numerous potholes and broken steps at unfenced drops necessitating careful navigation through the fortress.
The fortresses is a place were you can climb, walk and discover remains of it. The landscape can be better when everything is bloomed.
As the signs says, watch out for small lizards on sunny days, and be prepared with bottles of water. The sun does not forgive. Also, light or comfortable shoes are recommended for climbing.
Some tips:
- the entrance is 5 lv for an adult
- there are some vending machines close to the main church
- capture the map from the main entrance for better guidance
- you'll find some interesting paintings inside the cliff church
Alin Alexandru — Google review
Definitely one of the best and well preserved fortresses I visited. Very easily explorable, a good sight to see from close and afar. It's funny that inside one of the towers there are mock weapons to take some selfies with. The view to the city is also quite good. There are places to buy refreshments inside. Just please - to all visitors, squish your bottle before throwing it away. No need to take the space of the whole trashcan with two bottles.
Marin ?SayanMk? Kolev — Google review
A really great attraction and absolutely worth seeing! Bring some snacks so you can hangout and enjoy the views. A man named Viktor hangs out outside of the place striking conversation with people and trying to sell them old Roman coins he has dug up. A scam, but he's harmless
Matthew Ganguzza — Google review
A truly significant place that must be seen by anyone who visits the town. A good tour would take about 2 hours. There's an a panoramic elevator behind the bells tower which I recommend, it costs 2lv per person the view is worth it. Overall a 5 star experience.
?????? ??????? — Google review
Massive fortress to explore. Very well kept but lacking in information and the QR code did not work. Need to read up on it or take a tour to really appreciate the history. There are some boards with reconstructions on them but that is all. Great views!
Amanda Stephenson — Google review
The fortress overall is amazing, took me a lot of time to see everything but it's definitely worth going. You can even go visit it by foot because it's not far from the city center
During the night they even offer a light show which you should not miss
Sissy Dancheva — Google review
Very impressive! What an incredibly preserved and wonderfully restored complex!
When you come upon the area it is awesome to behold in my opinion! There is a large area to explore and wandering around is very affordable at 5 €. If you visit the Fortress on a sunny day come prepared with sunscreen and water maybe even a hat.
Nick Pastore — Google review
Don't miss out on this hidden gem. needs around 1 and a half hour to get around. the cathedral is a must-see with amazing wall paintings. also visit the vigilance tower to get a real-life feeling of castle warfare. Unfortunately, the elevator to the top of the bells was out of order.
Marios K — Google review
Pretty close to the city center (20 to 30 minutes by walk), Tsarevets Fortress is definitely a must seen if you visit Veliko Tarnovo. The price for the entrance is pretty cheap and overall it takes approximately 2 to 3 hours (if you want to make a pause) to visit the whole place.
If you are lucky and the weather is good, it's a pleasure to just sit for a while here and relax, while enjoying the view.
RuMi Reviews — Google review
Amazing place. 1 euro only to go inside. Nice spot to take nice pictures, picnic or spend your day. I visited it in a sunny day. Was amazing to see people and the capel on the top. From
The top you have a good view from the city. If you have time it worth go to visit mini Bulgaria next to this fort. Nothing else to see in the city 3 hours it’s enough
Felipe Zanetti — Google review
Visiting is the only way you can grasp the size of this fortress. Its HUGE and very well preserved. After your visit there is plenty more to see and do in the area.
Mike M — Google review
It's worth the walk, the few hours, and the non-expensive ticket price to visit and explore the vestiges of the medieval fortress.
As visitor, you will be mostly on your own, because there are no guides and no information in English or other international language.
The museum on top is intriguingly painted (but kind of kitchy?).
The view from above if amazing.
During the summer days, use sun protection and hat. Take some water with you, or some leva if you want to buy it from the vending machines.
Ovidiu Voicu — Google review
It's a must visit place in Veliko Tarnovo. There is an entrance fee but for a family it is around 8 euros, as I remember. It has great views of the city and surrounded mountains. At the top, there is a church and it's a bit steep to walk. Keep enough water on a sunny day. A lot of shops near the entrance to buy souvenirs.
tskumar — Google review
Beautiful! Stunning scenery surrounding the Fortress. So much history within. Can be quite a hike but the view is definitely worth it. Shame we didn't stay for the light show in the evening. Even has toilets dotted around which is very handy.
Maria George — Google review
Once in a lifetime as my family often jokes. A must see. Offers the best views. Felt overwhelming with emotions when on top, felt proud being bulgarian again. Only 15lv for family of 4. Superb afternoon out for us
Diana Manasieva — Google review
The compound is pretty large, it is all peaceful, the view is great. You can easily spend two relaxed hours inside the fortress. One of the landmarks of Veliko Tarnovo.
Octav V — Google review
Nice walk
You can see the entire city from up there.
I recommend
Elena Purcarin — Google review
Nice to explore this big site, the remains, the walls,..
Do know that most of it has been destroyed so you'll mainly see the remains. With some imagination though you can see it all come alive as it was back in those days.
The elevator in the central church / tower to go up to the viewpoint is closed on Mondays. I recommend visiting because it s a nice site showing a part of Veliko Tarnovo's and Bulgarians history. However also don't expect too much.
David Seynaeve — Google review
As soon as you reach the city, you see it: the Tsarevets Fortress. It's stunning! The bridge that takes you to the fortress has some great views and it's quite nice. You can also climb up to a few towers to enjoy the panoramic view of the city. On a sunny summer day, you should definitely use some sunscreen as most of your visit will be in direct sunlight. If you're passing through Veliko or you're nearby, I would recommend paying this one a visit.
Mihai B — Google review
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Tsarevets, Tsar Asen Square, 5000 Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria
Borovets is a town on the northern slopes of Bulgaria’s Rila Mountains. It’s the gateway to numerous ski and snowboard runs on Rila National Park’s craggy Musala Ridge. Cycle routes crisscross the alpine landscape. Footpaths lead through rocky outcrops and valleys to the 7 high-altitude Musala Lakes, including glacial Icy Lake. Just north, kayaks and other leisure boats ply the Iskar Reservoir’s calm waters.