Discover one of Bulgaria’s most surreal landscapes on a day trip from Sofia to Prohodna Cave – home to the famous Eyes of God cave, and the Zlatna Panega Eco Trail near Lukovit. This offbeat adventure blends myth, photography, and peaceful nature walks in a region still largely untouched by mass tourism.

1. Overview – Discovering Bulgaria’s Surreal Landscapes around Lukovit

Just two hours north of Sofia lies a corner of Bulgaria filled with natural beauty and quiet mysticism. The Prohodna Cave, known as the Eyes of God, and the tranquil Zlaten Park (Golden Park) offer a perfect escape for travellers seeking something both scenic and soulful.

This itinerary combines dramatic cave formations, artistic eco trails, and a touch of local culture in Lukovit – a day that reveals Bulgaria’s lesser-known but deeply inspiring side.

When we visited, we came from Hristina’s hometown Popovo via Pleven, but for most travellers, the most convenient route is from Sofia, a comfortable two-hour drive through rolling countryside and small villages.

If you want to learn more about other trips around Bulgaria read our article below:

2. Travelling from Sofia to Prohodna Cave

From Sofia, the journey to Prohodna Cave takes about two hours by car. The easiest and most flexible option is to rent a car or join an organised day tour, as the cave and nearby attractions are in remote areas with very limited public transport.

The drive is straightforward, with the final stretch offering scenic rural landscapes.

When you arrive, you’ll find improvised but spacious parking right by Prohodna cave, set in an open field. Local vendors often set up stalls here, selling honey, nuts, souvenirs, and even traditional snacks like kebabche – Bulgaria’s answer to kebabs.

3. Visiting Prohodna Cave (The Eyes of God)

From the parking area, it’s just a 2–3 minute descent to reach the cave entrance.

There are two entrances: one from the road (which we used) and another accessible from the valley below. Entrance is free and open 24 hours, which makes it easy to plan your visit around ideal lighting conditions.

The cave is around 262 metres long, and walking from one end to the other is a smooth, almost otherworldly experience. As we entered, we were struck by the immense height of the ceilings and the echo of footsteps bouncing off the limestone walls.

Rock climbers frequently use the site, adding to its sense of adventure.

Sprinkled throughout the cave are small cairns (piles of stones) that give the space a mystical feel. But the true highlight – and namesake – is the pair of enormous openings in the ceiling known as the Eyes of God.

Perfectly symmetrical, they seem to watch over visitors as light pours through them, especially in the morning when the sun hits just right.

It’s easy to understand why the site has inspired both spiritual legends and photographers from around the world. We spent plenty of time taking photos and simply soaking in the atmosphere.

The play of light and shadow here is mesmerising – a reminder that nature often creates the most divine art.

Since you are here why not consider going to Devetashka Cave also? It’s just 1 hour away and the cave promises to be equally amazing. Read our experience below:

Photography tip: Visit in the morning for the best natural light shining through the “eyes.” Drone photography is possible, but be mindful of climbers and local regulations.

4. Stone Houses of Lukovit

After exploring the cave, we made a brief stop at the Stone Houses of Lukovit, a small but curious local attraction which is more of a themed park. Though it can be skipped if short on time, it adds a nice cultural touch to the trip.

The site features a few reconstructed stone houses showcasing regional architecture. Inside the main house, we found rustic furniture, traditional textiles, and even a retro television set.

The surrounding garden is decorated with local art pieces and folk-style ornaments, creating a pleasant, nostalgic atmosphere.

People also refer to these houses as the Hobbit houses of Lukovit.

5. Zlaten Park Lukovit

A short drive from Lukovit brings you to the Zlaten Park (Golden Park). Parking is conveniently located on the outskirts of the town. The entrance is free and open at all times, making it easy to explore at your leisure.

We loved the whimsical side of the park – it reminded us of Bulgaria’s own version of Park Güell in Barcelona. Scattered throughout are creative sculptures, benches, and colourful artworks that blend harmoniously with the surrounding nature. One of our favourites was the Day and Night bench – a playful photo stop for visitors.

There’s also a small restaurant area with an excellent vantage point over the river, perfect for a coffee or a meal with a view.

Unfortunately, when we arrived close to sunset, the restaurant was closing, so we took our drinks to go and sat by the river instead. Watching the sun dip behind the hills while the water reflected the light was the perfect way to end the day.

In summer, visitors can take a boat tour around the floating green-roofed house in the river – a charming and unusual attraction.

6. Zlatna Panega Eco Trail and Boat Trip

We were set to explore the Zlatna Panega Eco Trail and take a boat trip alongside the river. Sadly, the next day’s rain meant the service was closed for us, but it’s definitely worth trying if you visit in fair weather.

The Zlatna Panega eco trail runs between the Zlatna Panega and Iskar rivers and, from our research, it features a well-marked, easy-to-walk route with bridges, benches, and beautiful scenery. We regret not being able to do it but surely will come back again in the future.

7. Where to Stay in Lukovit?

We stayed at Hotel Diplomat Park, located just outside the centre of Lukovit. The hotel is basic but the rooms were spacious and comfortable and ideal for a short stay.

There’s also a sister property, Diplomat Plaza Hotel & Resort, located in the town centre, complete with a spa for those who prefer a bit of pampering. Since we were only staying one night, we chose the more economical option.

8. Where to Eat in Lukovit?

For dinner, we visited “Winery at the Virgins”, a central restaurant about a 10-minute walk from our hotel. The menu features Serbian and Balkan cuisine, which suited our tastes perfectly.

We started with salads and rakia; I had a cottage cheese and caramelised apple salad, while Hristina opted for the “Vitamin Salad” of fresh grated vegetables. Both were delicious and refreshing.

For mains, I ordered the Serbian pljeskavica with baked potatoes and ajvar, while Hristina had the grilled trout with fries. The pljeskavica was slightly overcooked but still tasty, while the trout was tender and perfectly seasoned.

The freshly baked Parlenka flatbreads with cream cheese and grilled peppers were also a highlight. Overall, a pleasant dining experience and a good spot to try authentic Balkan flavours.

9. Tips for Visiting Prohodna Cave & Lukovit Area

• Timing: Visit Prohodna Cave in the morning to capture the best light streaming through the “Eyes of God.”
• Footwear: Wear sturdy shoes – paths inside the cave and at the eco trail can be slippery after rain.
• Weather: Spring and autumn offer mild temperatures and great lighting for photography.
• Facilities: There are no toilets at the cave, but you’ll find facilities at the Golden Park.
• Food: Bring snacks or eat in Lukovit, as the cave area has only small food stands.
• Drones: Allowed in open areas; be cautious of climbers and visitors.
• Accessibility: The descent to the cave is short but uneven – not ideal for those with mobility issues.

If you have more time to explore the Lukovit area, here are 5 places to visit around Lukovit, which you can add to your itinerary.

10. Best Time to Visit Prohodna Cave and Lukovit Area

The best time to visit Prohodna Cave and the Lukovit region is spring or autumn, when temperatures are mild and lighting conditions are ideal for photography. In summer, the area can get hot and crowded, while winter visits are peaceful but often muddy.

11. Final Thoughts – A Lesser-Known Corner of Bulgaria That Feels Worlds Away

This day trip from Sofia offers the perfect mix of mystery, nature, and local culture. From the awe-inspiring Eyes of God in Prohodna Cave to the artistic calm of Golden Park, Lukovit is one of those places that surprises you with its quiet beauty and authenticity.

If you’re exploring Bulgaria beyond the typical tourist trail, this journey is well worth the drive. It’s a reminder that some of the most extraordinary places lie just a few hours from the capital.

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