The Wonderful Bridges (also known as the Rock Bridges) are one of the most striking natural marble formations in the Western Rhodope Mountains, carved by the Erkyupria River at 1450 m altitude, right at the foot of Golyam Perenik peak. This is a spot that feels almost otherworldly, whatever the season.

The large bridge stretches nearly 100 m in length and up to 15 m in width, with its biggest arch reaching 45 m in height and 40 m across. The smaller bridge lies 200 m further downstream, is impassable, 60 m long and 50 m high overall. Beyond it sits a third, tiny bridge - actually a sinkhole cave where the Erkyupria River vanishes underground, only to resurface 3 km away. The surrounding area is covered in centuries-old coniferous forest, mostly spruce, creating a hushed, almost mystical atmosphere - especially beautiful in autumn mist or under winter frost. Both bridges are secured and adapted for visitors, and you can walk both over and under them.

How to get there

• Zabardo village - access road roughly 8 km long, last stretch in poor condition, difficult for low-clearance vehicles
• Nearby huts Wonderful Bridges and Rock Bridges (run by Studenets tourist society, Chepelare) - good base for hiking and overnight stays

Practical information

• Status: protected natural landmark
• Numerous caves nearby, most unsuitable for tourists (no lighting or safety equipment)
• Writing on the rocks is prohibited - fines range from 500 to 5000 leva
• Listed among Bulgaria's 100 National Tourist Sites

Despite the ban, generations of visitors have scratched their names in charcoal onto the rock at the base of the large bridge - a strange, lingering trace of human vanity in an otherwise pristine natural wonder.