Loven Dom 3


Walking trail LOVEN DOM - REPEATER - TZAR’S TOWERS - LOVEN DOM

This is an interesting trail both for walking and hiking, for all visitors, and nature lovers. The forest trail is steep and difficult to climb up, and it is recommendable for people with good health, and physical condition, and basic knowledge of mountaineering. It has abundant vegetation in the spring and summer period.

The walking trail begins on the left side of “Loven Dom”, and it passes through Repeater I and II. The start of the trail is a steep climb up. It is walkable, but it is a very narrow forest trail. On the left and right side of the trail there is short stemmed fauna, with several fairly steep places to climb up. The trail is unsignalised, earth one, and it leads to the “Saint George” church, and the “Tzar’s Towers” fortress. This impressive panoramic view over Strumica and Strumica valley,is ideal for photographing.

The air is fresh and pleasant. There can be also found many kinds of healing plants and certain types of mushrooms. The trail can be extended, although even now it is fully penetrable to the very top. The same direction can be used for going back to the start; and there is also possibility for circular movement, which continues to the West tower of the fortress “Tzar’s Towers”, and descends to a small dirt road and the famous “Healing Water”fountain.

The trail goes through short stemmed forest, with stone stairs at certain places. At the area of the “Healing Water”fountain, the trail continues towards the area of “Loven Dom”, and the initial starting point.

The walking trail from “Healing Water”fountain to “Loven Dom” is tamped, signalised, and modern, with places for exercise on both sides. When one walks on the walking trail, passes along short stemmed forest, and two bridges, and wooden benches so that the visitors can rest.

  • Flora and fauna:

The walking trail has diverse flora and fauna. In the lower parts, the most dominant are the deciduous trees: quercus – oak; carpinus betulus – European hornbeam; castanea – chestnut; fagus silvatica – European beech. The higher parts of the trail have predominantly evergreen trees: pinus silvestris – pine; abies alba – fir; and juniperus communis - juniper. There are as well mixed forests in smaller areas, but they are not that common.

The trail has also diverse grassland flora, rich in different types of tea, flowers, fruits, resins etc. The surrounding area of the track is abundant with numerous short stemmed plants, such as, currants, blackberries, raspberries, blueberries, and dog rose. There are also several types of mushrooms, which include: chanterelles – cantharellus; champignon- agaricus bisporus and parasol mushroom - Macrolepiota procera.

Fauna that can be spotted on the trail include: wild pigs, rabbits, wolves, foxes. Among the birds that can be seen are: nightingales, pheasants, partridges, eagles and falcons, as well as several different types of insects.

The richness and heterogeneity of types of eco-systems found here are the result of a favourable  climate and specific geographic location.

  • Additional opportunities for using the trail (eco-tourism, hiking and jogging, mountain biking, archaeological tourism, herbal tourism, alpinism).
  • The following rules should be observed when walking along the trail:
    • Always take waterproof clothing, even in mid-summer, and wear walking shoes or hiking boots. Wear a hat or cap and sun block in summer. Weather changes rapidly.
    • If lost or forced to stop because of bad weather, stay together and remain in one place. Find the closest shelter from wind and rain.
    • Stick to well-used paths, which will be indicated on the Park's hiking map and read the warnings on this map. Don’t take shortcuts and especially don’t wander into ravines.
    • Always take enough water, especially in summer, and food in case of a delay. Watch the weather and time, and turn back before you start running late or if bad weather threatens.

TRACK TYPE: Ground / Asphalt