Polska Skakavitsa Waterfall

Polska Skakvitsa waterfall is located near Kyustensil and Sapareva Banya and is one of the most beautiful and majestic waterfalls in Bulgaria. It is also among the highest, the height of the waterfall is 53 meters, which gives it third place. In 1968 Skakavitsa became a natural landmark under the protection of the state. It is formed by the Shiroki dol river, which is a tributary of the fast and full-flowing Strupa river. The waters come from karst springs that are located to the west of the waterfall. It was formed after a crack in the earth’s crust and the creation of a threshold, which over the centuries became a terrace from which the water descended.

On the terrace of Skavitsa is the hamlet of the village of Polska Skakavitsa, and next to it is the beautiful church “St. Dimitar”. It is the work of master Georgi Manchov and was erected on an old temple from the late Middle Ages, with wall paintings and inscriptions in Slavic Bulgarian preserved. Thus the place itself has become an amazing tourist destination and many people come to enjoy the wonder of nature in unison with strong faith.

On the right, next to the waterfall, there is a Dragan stone, which guards the area like a sentinel. There is a local legend according to which a beautiful Bulgarian girl named Dragana was persecuted by the Turks to change her faith. She shouted: “I’m not going with a Turk, I’m not becoming a khanam, I’m not changing my faith, I’m Bulgarian” and flew off the high cliff.

There are two routes to reach the waterfall. One is to travel by train to Kyustendil to the Skakavitsa stop and then follow a hike to the meadow below the waterfall. To get to the Church of St. George and the spring, you walk along a small path that is not too difficult to walk. Another option is to arrive by car, preferably a high-terrain vehicle. It departs from Kyustendil through the village of Polska Skakavitsa and from there there is a dirt road, which is indicated by a sign. After a few kilometers there is another sign indicating the way to the beginning of the waterfall and the temple. Then again there is a part which is a pedestrian crossing and after that the majesty of this natural phenomenon is revealed.

Near the Skakavish Waterfall is another natural landmark – Gerbinski Navlak, which is also worth a visit.

This beautiful area and the unique waterfall inspired Konstantin Irechek and Vladimir Dimitrov – the Master, who recognize the area as one of the most beautiful corners in Bulgaria and the Balkans.