Samokov- web cams

Municipality of Samokov is located in southwestern Bulgaria and covers high Samokov valley, crossed by the clear waters of the Iskar River and its tributaries, and a significant part of the Rila Mountains and parts of the surrounding mountains Planа, Vitosha, Verila and Ihtimanska forest. Its territory is estimated at 1209 square miles, the relief is mostly mountainous and highland. Extremely beautiful scenery, favorable geographical location, the specific bioclimatic conditions, the availability of water and thermal water of high quality, are some of the conditions determining the tourism, forestry and agriculture as key priorities for the development of the municipality.

The settlements in the municipality are 24 with center – the town of Samokov. Samokov is a town with a modern look, combining historical heritage, culture, sports spirit and the beauty of the surrounding nature in its development It is picturesquely situated on the northern slopes of Rila Mountain, crossing by the Iskar River, 950 m above sea level, with cool summer and snowy winter with lots of sunny days. The town is famous for its rich cultural and historical heritage. The present town was founded in the early 15th century on the ruins of an ancient settlement. The town achieved economic prosperity in 17-19 century thanks to production of iron in the famous for that time iron-melting furnaces and mechanical hammers, called “Samokov”. They also give the name of the town, which remains unchanged up to now. Currently ongoing archaeological excavations have revealed rich cultural layers of Thracian, Roman and Byzantine period.

10 km from the town is the oldest winter resort in Bulgaria – Borovets with excellent opportunities for winter sports. In the summer well marked hiking routes and eco trails lead to the highest peak in the Balkans Musala (2925 m,) to the peak Maliovitsa and the Seven Lakes. The town is one of the 100 national tourist sites. Regular bus lines connect the town with the capital, just at a distance of 60 km, as well as with Plovdiv and Dupnitza located respectively 110 km and 40 km away. The closeness to the capital, the international resort of Borovets, the resort of national importance Maliovitsa and spa resort Belchin, and the significant part of the National Park “Rila”, the rich cultural heritage, developed crafts, long experience in the field of tourism, rich flora and fauna are a good potential for the development of the municipality.

Samokov successfully builds its future and attracts tourists to the town and its surroundings as preserving its history and bringing together in harmony the spirit of revival and modern development.