Uzana (Bulgaria) Area

Uzana is a plateau and mountain resort area in the central Balkan Mountains of Bulgaria, within Gabrovo Province. It is commonly regarded as the geographic center of Bulgaria and serves as a base for hiking and winter recreation.

Trails radiate from the plateau into surrounding beech and conifer forests and to nearby peaks, making it a popular area for short hikes, cross-country skiing and nature tourism. Visitor facilities include small guesthouses and marked trailheads.

The plateau developed as a local recreational destination in the 20th century with infrastructure for visitors and conservation of the surrounding natural landscapes. It is used seasonally for outdoor activities.

Uzana lies in the central Stara Planina range near the town of Gabrovo in north-central Bulgaria, roughly midway between the Black Sea and the Serbian border within the Balkan Mountains.

• Elevation and status: Located at roughly 1,200 to 1,300 meters above sea level, it is considered the geographic center of Bulgaria and a local mountain resort area.

Uzana is a mountain plateau and tourist area in central Stara Planina, Gabrovo Province. It is reached by local roads from the city of Gabrovo (follow signs for Uzana/nature reserve areas); there are parking areas and marked trailheads, with short walks to viewpoints and hiking routes from the parking/trailheads.

• Base yourself in Gabrovo and head up to Uzana early in the day for clearer views-the plateau is often misty by afternoon, especially in shoulder seasons.
• Uzana is commonly used as a start point for marked trails in the Central Balkan; follow waymarked paths to reach viewpoints and mountain huts rather than striking out across unmarked terrain.
• If you want to avoid peak domestic crowds, visit outside Bulgarian public holiday weekends and use the local mountain huts/refuges as overnight bases to extend hikes into quieter dawn and dusk hours.