Varshets

Varshets sits in the northern Balkan foothills and developed as a spa from the late nineteenth century around warm mineral springs, becoming fashionable enough in the interwar period to build a set of substantial bath houses, hotels and a casino in the manner of the time, several of which survive in varying condition. Its centre is a long park of about six hundred decares with plane and lime avenues, a lake, a spa colonnade and a drinking fountain where people fill bottles from the spring. Sulphur and other mineral waters are used in the baths, and the town is a treatment destination for Bulgarians rather than a general resort. Walking routes run into the wooded hills above.

What you'll find

• The long spa park - plane and lime avenues around a lake.
• A mineral drinking fountain - people filling bottles at the spring.
• Interwar bath and hotel buildings - the architecture of the fashionable period.
• Wooded hills above - walking routes into the Balkan foothills.

When to go

April to October, with autumn colour in the park very good. Half a day. Bath facilities operate year round. Bulgarian holiday periods are busiest.

What to expect

Several of the historic buildings are derelict or half-restored. Bath facilities are dated. The town is quiet to the point of empty out of season. There is little beyond the park and the water.

Nearby

Montana is north; the Vrachanski Balkan lies east.