Location: Srebarna, Bulgaria
Year of Inscription: 1983
Criteria: (x) contain the most important and significant natural habitats for in-situ conservation of biological diversity, including those containing threatened species of outstanding universal value from the point of view of science or conservation.
Overview: Srebarna Nature Reserve is a freshwater lake and wetland situated in northeastern Bulgaria near the town of Silistra. The site was declared a nature reserve in 1948 and was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1983. Srebarna is an important stopover for migratory birds and is home to a variety of endangered and rare species, making it a unique and valuable ecosystem.
Prominent Features: The most prominent feature of the Srebarna Nature Reserve is the Srebarna Lake, which covers an area of approximately 600 hectares. The lake is a shallow, freshwater body that is fed by underground springs and surrounded by reed beds and wetlands. The reserve is home to over 180 species of birds, including the globally threatened Dalmatian pelican and the endangered pygmy cormorant.
History: The Srebarna Lake has been an important site for human settlement since ancient times, with evidence of human habitation dating back to the Bronze Age. The lake was declared a nature reserve in 1948, and in 1975 it was designated a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance. The site was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1983 in recognition of its outstanding natural value.
Family-Friendly Activities: Families can visit the Srebarna Nature Reserve to observe the diverse birdlife and take a stroll along the nature trails that wind through the wetlands. There is also a visitor center where visitors can learn about the history and ecology of the site.
Fun Fact: The name "Srebarna" means "silver lake" in Bulgarian, and it is thought to have been named for the shimmering reflections of the lake's surface.
Entry Fees: The entrance fee for the Srebarna Nature Reserve is 6 Bulgarian lev (approximately 3 euro) per person. Children under the age of 7 can enter for free.
How to Reach It: By Car: Srebarna is located about 20 kilometers from the town of Silistra, which is approximately 440 kilometers northeast of Sofia. There is a parking lot near the entrance to the nature reserve.
By Bus: There are several bus services that connect Sofia with Silistra. The journey takes about 6 hours and the bus station in Sofia is located near the city center.
Where to Stay: There are several options for accommodation near the Srebarna Nature Reserve, including hotels, guesthouses, and vacation rentals. Some popular options include:
Next Stop: Thracian Tomb of Sveshtari, to get to the Thracian Tomb of Sveshtari from Srebarna, you can follow these steps:
Year of Inscription: 1983
Criteria: (x) contain the most important and significant natural habitats for in-situ conservation of biological diversity, including those containing threatened species of outstanding universal value from the point of view of science or conservation.
Overview: Srebarna Nature Reserve is a freshwater lake and wetland situated in northeastern Bulgaria near the town of Silistra. The site was declared a nature reserve in 1948 and was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1983. Srebarna is an important stopover for migratory birds and is home to a variety of endangered and rare species, making it a unique and valuable ecosystem.
Prominent Features: The most prominent feature of the Srebarna Nature Reserve is the Srebarna Lake, which covers an area of approximately 600 hectares. The lake is a shallow, freshwater body that is fed by underground springs and surrounded by reed beds and wetlands. The reserve is home to over 180 species of birds, including the globally threatened Dalmatian pelican and the endangered pygmy cormorant.
History: The Srebarna Lake has been an important site for human settlement since ancient times, with evidence of human habitation dating back to the Bronze Age. The lake was declared a nature reserve in 1948, and in 1975 it was designated a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance. The site was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1983 in recognition of its outstanding natural value.
Family-Friendly Activities: Families can visit the Srebarna Nature Reserve to observe the diverse birdlife and take a stroll along the nature trails that wind through the wetlands. There is also a visitor center where visitors can learn about the history and ecology of the site.
Fun Fact: The name "Srebarna" means "silver lake" in Bulgarian, and it is thought to have been named for the shimmering reflections of the lake's surface.
Entry Fees: The entrance fee for the Srebarna Nature Reserve is 6 Bulgarian lev (approximately 3 euro) per person. Children under the age of 7 can enter for free.
How to Reach It: By Car: Srebarna is located about 20 kilometers from the town of Silistra, which is approximately 440 kilometers northeast of Sofia. There is a parking lot near the entrance to the nature reserve.
By Bus: There are several bus services that connect Sofia with Silistra. The journey takes about 6 hours and the bus station in Sofia is located near the city center.
Where to Stay: There are several options for accommodation near the Srebarna Nature Reserve, including hotels, guesthouses, and vacation rentals. Some popular options include:
- Hotel Queen Silvia - This 3-star hotel is located in the nearby town of Silistra. It offers comfortable rooms, an on-site restaurant, and a garden.
- Villa Romantika - This guesthouse is located in the village of Srebarna, just a few minutes' walk from the nature reserve. It offers traditional Bulgarian-style rooms and a garden.
- Danubia Beach - This vacation rental is located in the nearby town of Tutrakan, about 25 kilometers from the nature reserve. It offers comfortable apartments with views of the Danube River.
Next Stop: Thracian Tomb of Sveshtari, to get to the Thracian Tomb of Sveshtari from Srebarna, you can follow these steps:
- Take a taxi or a bus to the town of Razgrad, which is about 35 km southwest of Srebarna.
- From Razgrad, take a bus or a taxi to the village of Sveshtari, which is about 20 km northeast of Razgrad.
- The Thracian Tomb of Sveshtari is located about 2 km southwest of the village. You can hire a taxi or walk to the tomb from the village.