The Rose Valley & Kazanlak

The Rose Valley (Розова долина) stretches over approximately 130 kilometers between the towns of Karlovo and Kazanlak, nestled between the Balkan Mountains (Stara Planina) to the north and the Sredna Gora to the south. This protected valley with its mild climate, fertile soils, and perfect mix of moisture and sunshine is the cradle of the Bulgarian oil rose (Rosa damascena)—and the reason why Bulgaria produces 85% of the world's rose oil.

Rose Oil Production

The rose harvest takes place every year in May and June—a window of only a few weeks during which the blossoms must be picked before sunrise when the oil content is highest. For one liter of rose oil, 3,000 to 4,000 kilograms of rose petals are needed—hence, a kilogram of rose oil costs more than a kilogram of gold. The oil is used in the perfume industry, cosmetics, and aromatherapy and is exported worldwide.

Rose Festival (Festival na Rozata)

The Rose Festival takes place every year at the beginning of June in Kazanlak and nearby Karlovo—a multi-day folk festival with rose blossom harvesting in the fields, folk dances, music, parades, and the election of the Rose Queen. Visitors can participate in the harvest, distill rose water, and revel in the scent of thousands of blossoms. An authentic, joyful festival that captures the soul of Bulgaria.

Kazanlak

Kazanlak (Казанлък) is the capital of the Rose Valley and home to two important attractions:

• Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak (UNESCO): A 4th-century BC domed tomb with fascinating frescoes depicting a Thracian banquet, horse races, and ritual scenes. The colors are astonishingly vibrant after 2,400 years. The original is closed for protection, but an exact replica can be visited. Admission: 5 BGN (€2.50).
• Rose Museum: Everything about rose oil production—from historical distillation apparatus to modern processes. Rose oil samples and rose cosmetics are available in the museum shop. Admission: 5 BGN (€2.50).