The Venue
Krapets
The upcoming Loess Fest meeting will be hosted at the Yanitza hotel complex, located in the village of Krapets at the Black sea coast. Positioned approximately 90 km North from Varna and 550 km from Sofia, the venue provides an exceptional environment for scientific discussion and networking.
Krapets Village
Krapets is a small fishing village, about 10-15 km from the Romanian border. Krapets is home to a stunning 7.5 km long unurbanized beach, a rare wild gem on the Northern Black Sea coast. This coastal landscape is defined by its vast system of pristine dunes and fine white sand, stretching as far as the eye can see.
Sightseeing
Durankulak archeological complex
Prehistoric archaeological site commenced on the small island approximately 7000 BP and lasted for thousands of years. The first inhabitants were the Hamangia culture. Around 4700/4600 BC the stone architecture was already in general use and became a characteristic phenomenon in the settlement that was unique in Europe.
The ancient temple of Cybele
Built in IV – III century BC, it is located in the city of Balchik and represents an immovable cultural property of national importance. To date, it is the only discovered temple of the Great Mother Goddess Cybele in the eastern part of the Balkan Peninsula and the best preserved Hellenistic temple in Bulgaria.
The National Archaeological Reserve "Yailata"
Separated from the sea by 50-60 meter high rock massifs. Here is a cave "city", settled as early as the 5th millennium BC. So-called “cave city” consists of 101 single or grouped in complex caves situated at different levels in vertical rock slopes used by people as homes, tombs and churches or cells. Best known is Klis Maar, also known as cave church “St. Constantin and Helena”.
The Palace and Botanical Garden in Balchik.
Known as the Quiet Nest, the palace was built to serve as the summer residence of Queen Marie. Balkan and Ottoman Turkish motifs were used in the construction of the palace that was carried out by Italian architects Augustino and Americo, while a florist was hired from Switzerland to arrange the park. The main building's extravagant minaret coexists with a Christian chapel.
Tyulenovo cliffs
Located along Bulgaria’s northern Black Sea coast, the Tyulenovo Cliffs are known for their dramatic limestone formations, sea caves, and natural arches shaped by centuries of wind and waves. The rugged coastline offers breathtaking views of the open sea and is a popular destination for photographers, divers, and visitors seeking unspoiled coastal landscapes.
Shabla lighthouse
Shabla Lighthouse, built in the 19th century, is the oldest operating lighthouse on Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast. Its distinctive red-and-white tower rises near the shoreline, guiding ships safely through the coastal waters for generations. Surrounded by quiet beaches and natural reserves, the lighthouse has become a notable landmark of the region.
Durankulak lake
Durankulak Lake is one of Bulgaria’s most important coastal wetlands, recognized for its exceptional biodiversity and archaeological significance. The lake and surrounding marshes provide vital habitat for numerous bird species, especially during migration seasons. Nearby archaeological discoveries reveal some of the oldest prehistoric settlements in Europe, adding cultural value to this peaceful natural area.
Krapets Legends
The old people in the village say that once upon a time there lived a wise fisherman named Krape in these lands. Every day he went out to sea in his small boat. He did not catch fish for trade, but only as much as he needed to feed himself. People respected him for his honesty and kindness. It was said that he knew the language of the wind and could calm a storm with just a word.
One night, when the sea was raging terribly, and the village was about to be flooded by the waves, Krape went ashore and sang an old, forgotten song. The sea calmed down. Since then, the locals have called him “the guardian of the waves”, and the village – Krapets, in his honor. Some still believe that if you stand on the rocks during a full moon and close your eyes, you can hear Krape’s song, carried by the wind, which always finds its way back here.