The Stone Forest of Varna: Bulgaria’s Ancient Mystery

Stone Forest – Varna

Just a few kilometers west of Varna, Bulgaria’s “Sea Capital,” lies one of Europe’s most enigmatic natural wonders — the Stone Forest known locally as the Pobiti Kamani. Stretching across the arid Varna Plateau, this field of towering stone pillars evokes the image of a petrified city lost to time. Rising from the sand like ancient ruins, these limestone columns have stirred human imagination for centuries.

A Landscape Born of Stone and Sea

Geologically, the Stone Forest is believed to have formed around 50 million years ago, during the late Eocene period, when the area was covered by a warm, shallow sea. Scientists offer several theories to explain the pillars’ formation. The most widely accepted suggests that the structures are the result of natural limestone concretions — columns that formed when methane seeped through layers of sand and sediment, cementing mineral deposits into solid stone. Over time, the sea retreated, erosion uncovered the pillars, and the landscape transformed into a haunting desert of rock and wind.

The columns vary in height — some reaching up to seven meters — and are hollow, cracked, and rough, giving them a strangely organic look. Many even resemble human figures, animals, or ancient temples, fueling the stories and myths that surround them.

Ancient Worship and Sacred Power

Archaeological evidence suggests that the Stone Forest was a ritual site for the Thracians, who inhabited the region more than two thousand years ago. The Thracians believed the site was sacred, a place where the earth and heavens met, and where powerful energies flowed. Some stones were aligned with the sun’s movements, leading scholars to speculate that it may have served as a primitive solar observatory — a kind of Bulgarian Stonehenge.

Legends and Tales of the Stone Forest

Over the centuries, countless tales have been woven about the origins of Pobiti Kamani.

One legend tells of giants who once lived in the region, building stone fortresses to guard the coast. When the gods punished them for their pride, the giants were struck by lightning and turned to stone — the petrified remains of their city still standing today.

Another tale speaks of a battle between a hero and a dragon. The hero prayed to be given strength to defeat the beast, and when he struck it down, its body shattered into thousands of stones, forever marking the landscape with its bones.

Locals also whisper that the stones are alive — that they “drink” rainwater and grow ever so slightly each year. Some claim that if you press your ear to the hollow columns, you can hear the heartbeat of the Earth itself.

A Place of Energy and Mystery

Even today, visitors speak of an unusual feeling that hangs over the site — a mix of calm, awe, and raw natural energy. New Age travelers and spiritual seekers visit Pobiti Kamani to meditate, recharge, or simply connect with the ancient silence of the place. Scientists measure unusual magnetic readings there, adding yet another layer of intrigue to its mystery.

A National Treasure

In 1937, Pobiti Kamani was declared a natural landmark, one of Bulgaria’s first protected geological sites. Today it attracts tourists, geologists, photographers, and dreamers from all over the world — each finding something different in the stones: science, spirituality, or simply the eternal beauty of nature.

How to visit the Stone Forest

The best way to get to the Stone Forest is with our VIP Tour. With our guide you discover yourself the mysticism of this natural treasure.