Tourist route along Bourgas Lakes

published on 10/3/13 11:45 AM

Photo: www.burgaslakes.org

There is a special kind of tourists that can be called nomads. However, those like good accommodations with hot water, comfortable beds and tasty meals. These tourists constantly keep their eye on the calendar and wouldn’t miss a single event, worth visiting. The Festival of Salt, held in the Black Sea port town of Bourgas in August, appeared to be such an event. Its idea was the different applications of salt, the so-called white gold, to be popularized. A tourist route has been developed under a special project, revealing the virgin beauties of nature in the area. A so-called salt train is envisaged to operate along this route as of next year, showing to tourists the salt lakes and the habitats of rare bird species. Traveler Petra Taleva gives us more details on this untraditional tourist route:

The Poda complex

“The Life for Bourgas Lakes tourist route includes three sites – the Atanasovsko Lake, Vaya and the Mandra – Poda complex. It is a challenge to hold such an event at the lake and not at the seaside, especially in summer. It is a scientific fact that the waters of the Balck Sea have a 17.3 percent concentration of salt. However, experts say that is not too much, due to the rivers that flow into the sea. On the other hand, it is nice for swimming. The Atanasovsko Lake has much more salt in it. Salt has been produced there ever since the beginning of the 20th century, as 40,000 tons are extracted from its waters each year. Its northern part has been proclaimed a natural reserve, while the southern one is a buffer zone. The lake is a very curious phenomenon too – despite its excessive salinity there are at least 233 higher plant species, sea wormwood and broadleaf cattail among those. Seven of the lake’s plant species are included in Bulgaria’s Red Book. As far as fauna is concerned, the lake is a shelter to the globally endangered otter, the wild cat and the really rare Etruscan shrew species. Over 314 bird species reside there, 17 globally endangered species among them – Dalmatian Pelican, Red-breasted Goose and Pygmy Cormorant.

The level of a part of the lake is a meter lower than sea level. Its waters hide lots of fish, lye and healing mud. One can try ornithological observations or cosmetic procedures. Even Cleopatra relied on lye and healing mud for the preservation of her beauty. Both healing substances are fresh and totally free here, unlike other expensive spa resorts. Via Pontica is a migration route of birds above the lakes, but about 200,000 water birds remain here to spend the winter. An example - nearly 60 percent of the world population of Pygmy Cormorant, as well as almost the entire world population of Red-breasted Goose opt for the Bourgas Lakes for the winter months. Citizens and guests of Bourgas don’t miss their chance to enjoy the small flying heroes even through the cold months. As far as photography fans are concerned, this place is a paradise for them. The Vaya Lake to the West of Bourgas also provides opportunities for extraordinary views. Globally endangered Dalmatian Pelican or Little Bittern can be spotted here. All the three lakes, included in the tourist route are important zones for world natural and cultural heritage.

The Mandrensko Lake is the most southern one. Four rivers flow in it: Izvorska, Fakyiska, Sredetska and Rusokatsrenska. The lake is distinguished with its fresh waters. An archaeological site and the Debelt museum are situated nearby, providing an opportunity for cultural and historical tourism.

The new tourist route is an option, giving new ideas for your leisure time and holiday, a bit different than the traditional seaside vacation.

English version: Zhivko Stanchev

По публикацията работи: Petra Taleva

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Tourist route along Bourgas Lakes

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