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- Destinations
- Europe
- Bulgaria
- Black Sea Coast
- Petrified Forest
Petrified Forest
Just 13 miles (about 20km) west of Varna, Pobiti Kamani (the
Petrified Forest) makes for an interesting and worthwhile day-trip.
A natural rock phenomenon, the origin of the stone columns - which
measure up to 23 feet (seven metres) in height, and 10 feet (three
metres) in girth - remains a mystery, with geologists holding
differing opinions about how they were formed. Regardless of their
origin, however, Pobiti Kamani's columns are unique, and make for a
fascinating, photo-filled excursion from Varna. Occupying an area
of 27 square miles (70 square kilometres), the Petrified Forest is
a wonderful place to spend the day, exploring the strange terrain,
and enjoying a picnic in the sun. Go in April or early May, when
the weather is idyllic.
Information & Facts
Address
Varna Province, on the road between Varna and
Sofia
Language
Bulgarian is the official language, which uses the
Cyrillic alphabet, but English, German and French is spoken in
resorts, hotels and restaurants.
Money
The official currency is the Lev (BGN), which is divided into
100 stotinki. The Lev is tied to the Euro at a fixed rate of EUR1 =
1.955 lev. Bulgaria has strict currency regulations. If you enter
Bulgaria with cash of any currency amounting to the equivalent of
8, 000 leva or more, you must declare it to customs officials.
Foreign currency may be exchanged in banks, hotels or at one of the
numerous bureaux de change, however due to a common practice of
misleading rates of exchange it is better to go to banks or hotels
to change money. A receipt called a
bordereauxis issued when exchanging currency, indicating
the amount that will be given, and it must be kept until departure.
Not all banks accept travellers cheques and those that do usually
charge a 5% commission. Major international credit cards are
increasingly becoming accepted by tourist hotels, upmarket shops
and restaurants, travel agents and car rental agents, but Bulgaria
is still largely a cash economy. There are ATMs in the main cities
and at Black Sea resorts.
Time
Local time is GMT +2 (GMT +3 from last Sunday in March to
last Sunday in October).