Route 1 "Sanctuary of the sun"

Route 1: Town of Topolovgrad - Thracian rock sanctuary of the Sun and Thracian and late antique citadel Paleokastro (2.5 km) - village of Sakartsi (6 km) - dolmen: Zhelyov gyol, Kapakliyka and Cliftinova niva.

Route description: On this interesting route, you will discover the sights of Topolovgrad town by visiting the local museum, interesting Orthodox temples, the monument of Christ the Savior and the ornithological center.

You will feel the power and energy of nature by climbing the rocky Thracian sanctuary and explore citadel at Paleokastro Peak - 424m. which is located 2.5 km. southwest of Topolovgrad town.

The beauty of the Sakar Mountains will enchant you during your transition to the beautiful, nestled in the mountain village of Sakartsi, which is located 6 km southwest of Topolovgrad.

From the village of Sakartsi you can visit three of the relatively well-preserved dolmens in the Sakar Mountains. You have to take a dirt road in the southwest direction, located right before the village of Sakartsi. You will reach the foot of the main massive, where the road turns in the east direction, following the foot. Approximately after 2 km you will reach the dolmen Zhelyov gyol. The dolmen is situated in a dense forest. It is good to have a guide who knows the area. You have to continue on the way and after about 1 km you will reach to the remains of a large two-chamber dolmen. About 300 m in the north-direction to the road, there is located also the two-chamber dolmen in the locality of Kapakliyka. The walk continues along the forest road that crosses two forest fields, shortly afterwards you have to turn right, you will reach a small gully and after a short climb you will reach locality of Kliftinova niva. About 200 m in the southern direction along the forest road there is a two-chamber dolmen. Then return to the village of Sakartsi.

This route can be overcome on foot for about 7 hours, but it can also be crossed by a car.