Gorge of Erma River

Erma River runs through the territory of Serbia and Montenegro and Bulgaria. The river enters Bulgarian territory near the village of Strezimirovtsi and leaves it through the breathtaking gorge near the village of Petachintsi. Erma is the river, near which the feudal settlement of Stara (Old) Znepolia once rose. It was an independent administrative unit that survived 70 years after the end of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom. Entering Bulgaria, the Erma River passes through the spectacular gorge near the town of Trun. The gorge is located some 3 km away from the town. The legend tells that once a beautiful girl called Mara and her beloved Rangel lived here. Mara came from rich and honoured family, while Rangel was very poor, and the girl’s family did not like him. So they decided to run away, but Mara’s mother laid a curse on them and the mountain broke in two. Mara and Rangel remained on the opposite sides. Even nowadays the river cries, telling the sad story of the two young people. In the south part of the gorge begins the Trun eco trail, some 13 km long. Walking along it, tourists can enjoy the incredible beauty of the Trun gorge. Besides for its picturesque landscape and rich history, the Trun region is known for the lowest temperature registered in Bulgaria ever – minus 38.9˚C.