Exploring Balkans Highest Village! My Mom's Abandoned Home in Batak and Bats in Cave! 🦇🇧🇬

In this travel vlog, join us on a journey through the beautiful and ancient lands of Bulgaria, my home country! 🇧🇬 This trip was extra special because it meant reconnecting with family and seeing my parents after a while, all while sharing the excitement for our soon-to-arrive little girl! It was also heartwarming to see the family cats, who were just as excited for the company (and extra attention).
Exploring the Highs of Ortsevo, the Highest Village in the Balkans
Our adventure started with a trip to Ortsevo, an enchanting mountain village that happens to be the highest inhabited place in the Balkans, sitting at an impressive 1567 meters above sea level! We stayed in a cozy cabin-the highest guest house in the Balkans-surrounded by stunning views of the Rhodope Mountains. From this height, every sunrise and sunset felt truly magical, painting the landscape with colors you could only dream of.
Hiking to the Thracian Sanctuary: A Touch of Mystery and History
We took a hike to explore the Trakian Sanctuary, expecting to find a site filled with ancient relics and mystery. However, we were met with a surprise-much of the sanctuary was destroyed. But even in its ruins, the site still carried an air of mystery and history that’s almost tangible. Sometimes, it’s the surprises that make trips memorable, and while we didn’t find the sanctuary intact, we still felt a connection to the ancient stories that echo in the stones scattered around us.
Discovering Hidden Abandoned Houses and a Towering Surprise
As we continued to explore, we stumbled upon some abandoned houses, long left behind and covered in the charm of age and overgrown vines. They felt like remnants from a story, holding secrets from a time gone by. Each empty room, broken window, and creaky floorboard seemed to tell a tale. We also found our way to a TV tower overlooking the region, a quiet guardian standing tall against the vast backdrop of the mountains. The view from here was absolutely breathtaking-a perfect spot to take in the expansive beauty of Bulgaria’s natural landscape.
Returning to Batak: Revisiting My Mom’s Abandoned Childhood Home
Next, we traveled to Batak, a town rich with history and personal significance. This stop was especially meaningful as we visited my mom’s childhood home, now abandoned. Seeing her old home brought up so many emotions-imagining her life here, the childhood memories, and how much has changed. Although the house now stands empty, it felt as though her stories still lingered within its walls. Walking through her past felt like honoring it, and it gave me a new appreciation for family and roots.
Exploring the Snow White Cave: Into the Darkness with Bats!
No adventure would be complete without a visit to the famous Snow White Cave, a natural wonder filled with twisting paths and unique rock formations. Venturing into the cave felt like stepping into another world. As we made our way through the cool, dark passages, we were greeted by a colony of bats! 🦇 Their tiny wings echoed in the silence, adding to the mystery and magic of the place. It was an amazing reminder of how diverse and full of life these ancient places are. For a moment, we were surrounded by history and nature’s beauty, feeling as if we’d traveled back in time.
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This trip gave me a chance to reconnect with my roots, reflect on family, and appreciate the beauty and surprises that Bulgaria has to offer. From the cozy cabin at the highest point in the Balkans to my mother’s hometown and the hidden gems scattered in between, every part of this journey felt like a story unfolding.
So come along with me as I revisit my family’s history, explore ancient sanctuaries, and brave the bats in Snow White Cave. This journey is as much about discovering Bulgaria’s stunning landscapes and historic places as it is about reconnecting with family and creating new memories. If you enjoyed this adventure, be sure to subscribe for more travels, stories, and explorations!
Thank you for watching and sharing these moments with us. ✨

[@Xploreoclock]

Good luck with your journey 🖐️😁

[@veronikainamsterdam]

Thank you 😊 it is been so fun