房源位置

Our place is surrounded by beautiful gardens, forests, little rivers, caves and other miracles of nature. Our community is situated in the hearth of the Balkan mountains - the high parts of the Iskar River Gorge.
On the territory of the village of Zhelen there are different natural, historical and social attractions, here are some of them:
Nature:
•Various panoramic rocks revealing beautiful views to the Iskar Gorge may be found in the immediate surrounding area at a 2 km radius, two acting sanctuaries with ancient trees, a clean tiny river, romantic benches and meadows – places emerging like unexpected gifts in a labyrinth of fragrant, abundant with mushrooms forests and picturesque fields full of aromatic herbs.
•The “Mechata dupka” cave is located at a 2-hour distance. It may be accessed through three entrances – a lower one that leads to the water part of the cave and two upper ones, leading to two parallel wide galleries and a common hall. At places there are cave pearls. It is possible to go inside and reach as far as 5о meters without special equipment and to spot typical cave fauna – cave beetles, lice, bats. Bones of cave bears have been found there too.
Near the cave is the eco farm of our friend Biser where we enjoy the company of many happy and free animals and taste delicious home made dairy products. The hike can be shortened by terrain transport.
•The waterfall “Under the stone” is located at about 2-hours distance in the direction to Gara Bov village. The water fall height is 40 m. It is the starting point of an eco-path through the protected area “Treskavets”, unique with its microclimate, flora and fauna. The eco-path is about 10 km long, and its entire course takes about 3 hours. Along the path, there are several resting places suitable for picnic and rest. You may also see picturesque cascade waterfalls, the highest of which is 80 meters, the cave phenomenon “Kaminata”, as well as remnants of the Medieval monastery “St. Archangel Michael”. The hike can be shortened by terrain transport.
•Izdremets peak (1495 m) is part of the route E3 - Kom-Emine and is located at 5-hour distance. It reveals impressive sights – from Rila mountain to the Danube river. At its foots there are two lakes. The hike can be shortened by terrain transport.
•The rock formation “The jugle” is located close to the train station of the village of Tserovo, at 1-hour distance. This curious natural phenomenon formed by lower Triassic red-coloured quartz sands, aged about 250 million years, is 18 meters high and resembles a mushroom. Some people say that it also looks like a human head. “The jugle” was designated for natural place of interest in 1964.
History:
•At the foots of Izdrimets peak lay the authentic remnants of an ancient Roman route, leading from the ancient mines to the Iskar river. Near the lower lake in the historical area Trastena is located “Trastena” lodge, with capacity to accomodate 30 people, with external sanitary premises and bathrooms, as well as a kitchen and a canteen. Thirty meters to the South lay the remnants of the Medieval monastery “St. Panteleymon”, constructed near an old Roman guard station. According to the legends, at this place there was an ancient Tracian sanctuary, near which centuries later the disciples of Kliment Ochridski built a monastery. At some stage the monastery abbot was the legendary priest Martin Voevoda. The sanctuary was demolished by the Turks during the Kardjaliya times. The only remnant today is “St. Pantaley Patnik” with an old ritual cross. During the Ottoman occupation in this area there was an inn that used to serve the road, where the Turkish Treasury passed. The hike can be shortened by terrain transport.
•The remnants of the Byzantine monastery “St. Kirik and Yulita” of the 12th century are located in the lower part of Zhelen village, on the right bank of the Iskar, in the “Kirik” area – with a commemorate cross made of stone and metal. The hike to get there is about 2 hours can be shortened by terrain transport.
Society:
•In the past 10 years, a “community within the community” has developed on the territory of the village. People looking for life in harmony with nature - a dozen of enthusiasts and several young couples, who come from different countries, have purchased land and houses settling in different parts of the village. We are united by the principles of mutual assistance, environmental agriculture and non-violence. It is our tradition to gather on Saturday nights and share our dinner, sweet talks, dreams and projects.
•It is interesting to visit the “network” of 15 acting cult places with raised ritual crosses named after different Christian saints. On specific dates between May and September, on these places the native citizens perform sacrificial offerings of animals, prepare ritual food, orthodox singing and group feast – “offering gifts for material and spiritual prosperity of the neighbors, as an act of gratitude to God and a prayer for God’s blessing of everyone.” (Orthodoxal church)

CAUTION!
The road between Zhelen center and Vegetarium is accessible only by 4×4 + an experienced off-road driver!
To come from Zhelen center takes one hour of walk (the distance is 4300 meters, follow the navigation on Maps).
The path from Cerovo train station is marked with white - yellow - white touristic signs.
To come from Cerovo train station takes one hour of walk up the mountain.
We can give you an off-road vehicle lift from Svoge train station, or Zhelen center.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT:
• Buses from the bus station of Svoge to Zhelen center:
Monday to Friday – 6.50 h. ; 13.30 h. ; 16.45 h.
Weekends and holidays – 8.20 h. ; 17.30 h.
• Buses from Zhelen center to the bus station of Svoge:
Monday to Friday – 6.50 h. ; 13.30 h. ; 16.45 h.
Weekends and holidays – 8.40 h. ; 17.50 h.
PRICES:
AN OFF-ROAD VEHICLE WELCOME – 2.30 EUR/km (10 EUR from Zhelen center, 27 EUR from Svoge train station).
PRICE PER PERSON:
STAY: 14 EUR/night;
FOOD (3 dishes, supplements, snacks, explications in English): 20 EUR/day;
GUIDED HEALTHY MORNING OR EVENING PRACTICES + ONE ACTIVITY (by choice: guided walk in the mountain / guided visit of the place / a workshop / individual consultancy, all in English or French): 30 EUR;
CERTIFICATION TRAINING COURSES - OPTION AVAILABLE ON DEMAND.
CHILDREN UP TO 12 YEARS OF AGE RECEIVE A 50% DISCOUNT ON THE FOOD, UP TO 4 YEARS - FOOD FOR FREE.