Chernelka

The natural phenomenon Chernelka is a picturesque Karst canyon in the central part of the Danube plain between the villages Gortalovo and Kartozhabene, some 12 km away from Pleven. Along 6.5 km the small river Chernelka has formed a phenomenon canyon, 60 to 200 m wide, and height of the rocks of 10 to 35-40 m. The riverbed curves a lot and not long ago the crossing of the canyon was possible only through a number of natural and manmade fords. But an eco-trail was constructed here with 18 bridges and now it is easy to cross the river. The main objective of the eco-trail is increase of the ecological culture of the visitors and their communication with the nature. The bio-diversity of Chernelka is characterized by the presence of typical vegetation, as well as a lot of birds. More than 200 birds, 9 fish, 5 Amphibians and 11 reptile species inhabit the region. Besides the rich bio-diversity the visitors may enjoy the other natural phenomena – the karst springs Baba Raditsa, Bablia and Kapchuka, the caves Tsareva Dupka, Momina, Ivanova cave, as well as the traces from the past which are yet not well explored – Provartenika, Manastirishteto, rock cuttings, and ruins of ancient Roman roads.