This calm Bulgarian town sits at the foot of the Rhodope Mountains, with its white-washed buildings and cobblestone streets leading to nearby forest trails and mountain lakes.
Montana, a city of 36,000 people in northwestern Bulgaria, extends along the Ogosta River near the Balkan Mountains. You can walk through the Roman fortress Castra ad Montanesium, swim in the vast Ogosta Reservoir, or watch traditional dance performances at the International Folk Festival in June. Look for the Holy Ascension Church rising from the reservoir's waters - a 19th-century building that remained standing when its village was flooded.
Getting to Montana
Montana lies 110 km north of Sofia and connects to major Bulgarian cities through regular bus services and railway lines. The city serves as a transport hub on the route between Sofia and Lom, with direct buses running to Vidin, Belogradchik, Pleven, and Vratsa. While train connections require changes at Boychinovtsi or Mezdra, multiple daily departures make rail travel a viable option.
Climate and Seasons
The city has cold winters and warm summers, with January temperatures averaging -1.5°C and July temperatures reaching 25°C. Summer temperatures often rise to 35-40°C in recent years, making spring and autumn better for outdoor walks and activities. The temperate continental climate brings clear seasonal changes that affect water activities on the Ogosta Reservoir.
Ogosta Reservoir Activities
The Ogosta Reservoir is one of Europe's largest artificial lakes where you can fish, swim, and do water sports. Several holiday bases line the shoreline, and you can reach them by regular bus service from the city center. The Holy Ascension Church, built in 1885, stands partially underwater - a reminder of Zhivovtsi village, which was flooded during the reservoir's construction.
Cultural Events
The Montana International Folk Festival fills the city with traditional music and dance each June, coinciding with Pentecost Monday. You can also attend the International Festival of Wind Orchestras Diko Iliev. These events take place in the central square, where a communist-era monument to the September Uprising still stands.
Roman History and Archaeological Sites
Walk 15 minutes south of the city center to reach the Roman fortress Castra ad Montanesium on its hilltop location. This settlement was home to both Roman settlers and local populations. Visit the Regional History Museum to see artifacts from this period - the museum is part of Bulgaria's 100 National Tourism Objects.
Day Trips from Montana
From Montana, you can explore several nearby destinations. Head to Berkovitsa, 25 km south, to start hiking the Kom-Emine trail along the Balkan Mountains. Visit Chiprovtsi, 33 km southeast, to see traditional carpet weaving in action. Drive 68 km northwest to see the medieval fortress at Belogradchik and its unusual rock formations.
