Rivers of Bulgaria

The Maritza River

The Maritza is the main river of Southern Bulgaria. Many streams flow into it, originating from the Rhodopes, Stara Planina, and Sredna-Gora mountains.

The tributaries on the right bank, coming from the forests of the Rhodopes, maintain a steady flow throughout the year. In contrast, the tributaries on the left bank, coming from the bare rocks of the Stara-Planina, are less consistent. They are swift and deep during spring and the rainy season, but almost dry up in the summer Turkey Sightseeing.

The Tundzha and the Arda are the main tributaries of the Maritza. The Tundzha rises in the Stara Planina, while the Arda begins in the Rhodopes. Both rivers join the Maritza near Adrianople (Edirne). Beyond Tatar-Pazardjik, the Maritza flows more slowly, and this slow flow is used to transport timber. Logs are tied together and floated downstream like simple rafts—a method used for centuries.

Other Bulgarian Rivers

Not many rivers in Bulgaria flow directly into the Black Sea. The most important among them are the Kamtchia and the Pravadiska, which drain the eastern part of the country.

Lakes and Lagoons

Bulgaria has relatively few lakes. Some lagoon-like lakes exist near the Black Sea, created partly by the changes in sea level. The most important of these are:

Guebedja (about 20 metres deep)

Salt Lake, near Anhialo

Nafakioi

Atanaskioi

Mandren

In addition, along the Danube, many isolated creeks have become marshes, especially between the mouths of the Iskar and the Yantra rivers.

Mountain Lakes and Marshes

There are also lakes and marshes in the mountain valleys of the Rila and western Rhodopes. These areas contain over a hundred high-altitude lakes, often found among rocky peaks. Many of these resemble the famous “Sea Eyes” of the Carpathians, with clear, cold waters surrounded by steep cliffs.

Bulgaria’s rivers, lakes, and marshes not only shape the geography of the land but also provide water resources, irrigation, and transportation for the country. From the swift mountain streams to the wide plains of the Maritza, the hydrography of Bulgaria plays a vital role in its economy and natural beauty.