Chepelare
Encyclopedia
Smolyan Province
-Religion:The Smolyan province along with the Kardzhali Province is a province where the predominant religion is not Orthodox Christianity but Islam. However, unlike Kardzhali where the majority of the population is Turkish, the Muslim population of the Smolyan province is made up almost entirely...
in Southern Bulgaria
Bulgaria
Bulgaria , officially the Republic of Bulgaria , is a parliamentary democracy within a unitary constitutional republic in Southeast Europe. The country borders Romania to the north, Serbia and Macedonia to the west, Greece and Turkey to the south, as well as the Black Sea to the east...
. It is situated in the central part of the Rhodopes, on the banks of Chepelare River
Chepelare River
The Chepelare River is a river in Bulgaria that takes its source from Rozhen Peak in the Rhodopes. The river's length is about 87 km and two hydroelectric plants are constructed on it, with a total maximum power of 2,400 kW.The Chepelare River runs through the town of Chepelare, the Bachkovo...
. Chepelare is a popular winter resort with one of the longest ski
Ski
A ski is a long, flat device worn on the foot, usually attached through a boot, designed to help the wearer slide smoothly over snow. Originally intended as an aid to travel in snowy regions, they are now mainly used for recreational and sporting purposes...
runs in Southeastern Europe. It is located near Pamporovo
Pamporovo
Pamporovo is a popular ski resort in Smolyan Province, southern Bulgaria, one of the best-known in Southeastern Europe. It is set amongst magnificent pine forests and is primarily visited during the winter for skiing and snowboarding. It is also a popular tourist place in summer. The hub of...
, one of the biggest Bulgarian resorts. As of December 2009, the town has a population of 5,412 inhabitants.
Chepelare is a favorite vacation destination for many people throughout the year. Summer time tourists can enjoy hiking
Hiking
Hiking is an outdoor activity which consists of walking in natural environments, often in mountainous or other scenic terrain. People often hike on hiking trails. It is such a popular activity that there are numerous hiking organizations worldwide. The health benefits of different types of hiking...
, horse riding and various other outdoor activities. Winter is famous with the satisfying snowfall which guarantees the ski and snowboard lovers lots of fun.
The town is known for the only ski and snowboard factory in the Balkan peninsula. The factory cooperates with Atomic Ski, one of the world-famous ski brands. Chepelare is also popular for being the birthplace of biathlete Ekaterina Dafovska
Ekaterina Dafovska
Ekaterina Dafovska is a Bulgarian biathlete. At the age of 15 years she signed up in the sports club of her hometown, where she went in for biathlon. She won a gold Olympic medal at the 15 km Individual event during the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano...
, Bulgaria's only Winter Olympics gold medal winner. The local Sports School provides good conditions for young winter athletes.
Located near the town of Chepelare, the natural rocky phenomenon Wonderful Bridges
Wonderful Bridges
The Marvelous Bridges is a rock formation in the Rhodope Mountains in southern Bulgaria. It is located in the Karst valley of the Erkyupryia River in the Western Rhodopes at 1,450 metres above sea level, at the foot of Persenk Peak.-Description:...
is a popular sightseeing place for tourists.
Honour
Chepelare PeakChepelare Peak
Chepelare Peak rises to approximately 900 m in the Friesland Ridge, Tangra Mountains, Livingston Island. The peak surmounts Charity Glacier to the west and Prespa Glacier to the southeast and is named after the Bulgarian town of Chepelare.-Location:The peak is located at which is 700 m...
on Livingston Island in the South Shetland Islands
South Shetland Islands
The South Shetland Islands are a group of Antarctic islands, lying about north of the Antarctic Peninsula, with a total area of . By the Antarctic Treaty of 1959, the Islands' sovereignty is neither recognized nor disputed by the signatories and they are free for use by any signatory for...
, Antarctica is named after Chepelare.
Official
- Tourism website of Chepelare: in English and Bulgarian
- Municipal website of Chepelare: in English and Bulgarian
Informational
- Information about Chepelare in English
- Short information about Chepelare in German
- Article about Chepelare
- Information in English and Bulgarian
- One nice place in Chepelare in Bulgarian