In search of the strangest places to spend the night, I’ve contacted a few fellow bloggers and friends and asked them to share with us their most adventurous night’s sleep.

On the rim of an active volcano in Ethiopia

A night by an active volcano, Ethiopia | © Trains, Plains and Tuktuks

The strangest place I’ve spent the night is on the rim of Erta Ale, a volcano in Ethiopia. I hiked up the volcano in the dark. When I got to the crater, my guide said the lava had overflowed three days earlier. I asked, “What happens if it spills again?” His answer: “Run.”

We walked across the newly hardened lava. We watched waves of molten rock crash against the rim. Our shoes melted underneath us. We were close enough that the sparks hit our feet.

All night long, we watched the volcano belch out fire under the starriest sky I’ve ever seen.

Carrie from Trains, Plains and Tuktuks (Facebook/Instagram)

Snowcastle in Finland

Snowcastle in Lapland, Finland | © Worldwide Wendy

My most memorable night in a hotel room goes way back to February 2000. My husband and I stayed in the LumiLinna Snowcastle in Kemi (Finnish Lapland). We booked one night in this magnificent castle where everything is made of ice and snow, even the beds. Two hours before you want to go to bed, you have to contact the reception because it takes some time to heat your reindeer-skin sleeping bag. At night a ‘guard’ checks all the bedrooms every hour to make sure everyone is covered well, because you could freeze to death without your sleeping bag.

The hotel offers a snow restaurant, an art gallery, and even a chapel. If you are looking for a special wedding location, this is the place to be.

I can’t say we slept very well, but it was by far the most special place we ever stayed.

Wendy Maes from Worldwide Wendy (Facebook/Instagram)

Treehouse in Thailand

Treehouse in Thailand | © Positive Impact Journey

With AirBnB launching an entire campaign on treehouses around the globe, I found myself vying to spend a night suspended above the ground and intermingled with trees. Luckily Pai in Northern Thailand gave me the prefect launching point to sleeping in a treehouse.

Nestled into the center of the Pai Treehouse Resort was a gigantic tree housing three private rooms. This was a focal attraction, although most guests chose to stay in the more luxurious villas. After making the rocky climb up with backpacks, the villas seemed fairly appealing. But we were here for the experience. And it’s novel.

While I completely recommend it, the novelty wears off after your first night. It’s similar to wanting to stay on the top bunk when you’re a kid, but dreading maundering up once you’re an adult. Eventually the charm of stunning views and enjoying a unique experience succumbs to the hurdles of climbing a small staircase up a tree and using the toilet wedged between a few branches.

Alexandra Black Paulick from Positive Impact Journey (twitter/Facebook)

Homeless in Luxembourg

Homeless in Luxembourg

“This is happening,” I think to myself, looking for a patch of grass that’s both dry and out of sight of passing cars. I’m in the old town of Luxembourg, and I’m about to become the city’s only homeless person.

This shouldn’t be happening. When I asked for a bed at the city’s only hostel, the grumpy bastard at the desk told me to “Go and do the fucking of oneself” in terrible French. I decided instead to go and do the fucking of someone else, confident that I could charm a local lass into taking me home from a bar. How wrong I was…

Now I’m huddled under a tree in a small park, wrapped in all my clothes to protect against the late-September chill. Using my bag is a pillow I lie dead still, feeling as optimistic as a corpse in a morgue. But as the fitful night passes and I flicker in and out of the dream world, my despair turns into an inexplicable thrill. Somehow I feel free.

Finally the sun rises, warming my shivering bones and revealing the spectacular, fog-shrouded castle looming over the valley below. The view is spectacular, and it’s just for me.

Nick Johns-Wickberg from the Tragic Traveller (Facebook)

The Orangutan Stilt House in the jungle of Indonesia

Courtesy of Liya Panayotova

Spending two months on the islands of Indonesia was a real treat. Among all of the unique places that Indonesia harbors, the island of Kalimantan (also known as Borneo) is the most special. Its dense tropical jungle is one of just two places in the world, inhabited by the mighty orangutan, with whom we share 97% of our DNA. Getting to see wild orangutans is a rare and special experience. One that requires you to venture deep into the jungle, travel down narrow rivers and swampy trails. In the village of Pematang Gedung, an organization called International Animal Rescue, offers this opportunity. I got to spend a night in their stilt house, hidden deep in the jungle, as part of my exploration of Borneo.

We did sleep on the floor, but the hosts provided comfy mats, mosquito nets, and even Hello Kitty pillows, to keep us snug. As a tropical rainstorm poured over the jungle, we went to our stilt-home paradise, and found a few local women preparing a traditional feast. As I drifted off to sleep, hundreds of frogs sung me a lullaby. No party hostel, gorgeous campsite, or lavish hotel could ever compare to becoming one with Borneo, even if it’s for a single evening. And so, my one-night stand with the jungle, turned into love for a lifetime. Hopefully, this story will inspire you to live out your own love affair with Indonesia!

Liya Panayotova from Contrabond Blog (Facebook/Instagram)

Floating bungalow in Thailand

Floating bungalows in Khao Sok National Park, Thailand | ©Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

Since I heard there were floating bungalows in the middle of the jungle in Thailand, I knew a night there would be the highlight of my trip.

It takes more than an hour by boat to get to the bungalows, and I got this ‘end-of-the-world feeling’ when we finally arrived. The surroundings were bursting with life (birds, monkeys, fish) and the sky at night looked like it had been Photoshopped, with ten times more stars than the usual sky. It was very basic inside – only a mattress, two pillows, and a mosquito net. The bungalow kept floating gently in a soothing way… until all those beautiful creatures started their night activities, jumping into the water, chirping and uttering mating cries all night (according to our guide, every weird beast-like sound was insects mating).

Maria from 203challenges.com

Neolithic house in Bulgaria

Neolithic house in Chavdar village, Bulgaria | ©Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

Take a one–hour drive out of the capital, Sofia, and you can travel back 7,000 years in history. The five reconstructed neolithic houses near Chavdar village are not only a museum, but you can actually spend the night in three of them.

They were built with natural materials only (okay, you have one power socket hidden beneath a wooden plank) and you need a ladder to get up to your bed right under the roof. You can mill your own grains in the neolithic installation and you can light a fire in the fireplace, although I didn’t do that because it was a very hot summer night.

Maria from 203challenges.com

Read more: Champing: Sleep in a medieval church in England

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That`s how the mornings feel like in typical Bulgarian villages.

Let`s go off the beaten track and explore the traditional Bulgarian spirit that`s most visible outside of the busy streets of the country`s big cities. Here`s our top three of secret villages in the magical Rhodope mountain:

1. Sitovo

Although the village is less than 20 miles away from Plovdiv, prepare for a bumpy ride through an unpaved dusty road. Hidden in the warm embrace of the Rhodope mountain, Sitovo may be hard to reach by both foreign and local tourists who remain unaware of its charms.

But making the extra effort is worth it: from the mysterious and ancient Sitovo inscription (the left turn after Lilkovo) to its picturesque houses with stone-made roofs. Stroll around the village`s steep streets, enter the traditional church or lose yourself in the pleasant shadows of the surrounding forest.

Sitovo village, Bulgaria | © Yoana Hristova/ 203challenges

The nights are also casting a spell of their own. Have a hearty dinner with the grannies and choose a green meadow to settle. If the skies are clear, you can spend the night stargazing, while sipping some fine Bulgarian wine.

2. Ravnogor

Located at 1340 meters above sea level, the area is famous for its breathtaking sights. From the village of Ravnogor, you can climb to the scenic Bekovi rocks. Sit on a bench and enjoy the panoramic view over the waters of the dazzling Vacha Dam and the endless green slopes of the Rhodope mountain.
When back in the village, relax with a glass of ice-cold rakia (the local brandy) and the popular regional specialty patatnik (potatoes with eggs, cheese, and spices cooked on a slow fire). The cheese fans can also visit the Ravnogor dairy farm that sells traditional white cheese, butter, and cottage cheese.

3. Orcevo

Did you know that Orcevo is the highest village in Bulgaria? Located at an altitude of almost 1500 meters, the village has a permanent population of around 190 people.
Climbing enthusiasts can head to peak Veliica (1715 m) or Kavun Tepe (1710m). Both hikers and archeology lovers can consider a visit to the ancient Thracian sanctuary in the area Babyashka chuka. Alternatively, soak up the peaceful village atmosphere by breathing some fresh air, while drinking a cup of mountain tea at the village`s central square.

We challenge you…

Step outside the popular tourist destinations and explore as many far-off villages as you can (don`t miss Kovatsevitsa and Orehovo).

Orehovo village, Bulgaria @ Maria Angelova/203 Challenges

Talk with locals, sleep at family-run guest houses (some of which use direct booking systems), and enjoy the regional delicacies. In this way, you can get a feel of the countryside`s authentic spirit.

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This collection of interesting off-the-beaten-path places in Sofia (all recommended by locals!) will take you on an amazing adventure to spots sometimes forgotten even by those who live there. From cozy reading places to the biggest collection of dolls in Bulgaria, and even an original piece of the Berlin Wall, here they are (map below!):

1. Go down into the Catacombs of Saint Sofia Basilica 

Saint Sofia is an important stop of your Sofia tour for at least three reasons:

1. Sofia was named after this basilica, which used to tower on a hill outside the town.

2. Although the church doesn’t look like anything special at first sight, go down the stairs at the left and you will enter a labyrinth of a Roman necropolis that existed here before the church’s construction. Spare at least half an hour for a walk through the Catacombs (there are short movies providing historical background screening down there, too). 

3. You have a special challenge: find the bell tower of the church! *[you’ll be rewarded with the vital clue to this challenge at the end of the article].

Another part of the necropolis, with a separate entrance right opposite the church (but accessible with the same ticket!), is the colorfully decorated Tomb of Honorius. This is one of the newest sights in Sofia, and the only late-antiquity tomb discovered in Bulgaria with its occupant’s name inscribed on it.

Address: 2, Paris Str., Sofia

2. Make a wish at the Russian Church

This golden-domed, Russian-style church is one of the highlights of a trip to Sofia. While most people take a photo and walk on, your challenge is to enter the church (not from the main entrance but from the side door to the left) and write your wish on a piece of paper. Then you should put it in a special box and hope for the late bishop Serafim to work his miracles.

Address: 3, Tsar Osvoboditel Blvd., Sofia

3. Have a beer and play chess at the park in front of the National Theater

… which is in fact officially called the City Garden, but nobody uses its official name – it’s known as the Park in front of the National Theater, and it’s the oldest public garden in the capital. This is where the youth of Sofia gathers for a beer in summer and old men play (and quarrel over) chess all year round. In December, the park hosts the city’s most famous Christmas market.

Address: 5, Dyakon Ignatiy Str., Sofia

4. Find something golden and naked on the facade of the National Theater

While you sip your beer in the company of the local society of chess players, you have another challenge to complete. This is something few Sofia dwellers have noticed on the facade of one of the most beautiful buildings in Sofia. Take a careful look at the figures adorning the National Theater; you’ll spot an angel, whose tiny body part is golden AND suffers from a lack of pants.

Address: 5, Dyakon Ignatiy Str., Sofia

5. Read Bulgarian authors in English at Chitalnyata (The Reading Room)

If you like to read and a glass pavilion in the City Garden sounds like the perfect place to do it, the literary hub of Chitalnyata (ЧиталнЯтА, meaning the Reading Room) is exactly what you need on a rainy day (or in the baking heat of summer). Here you can read books by Bulgarian authors in English, get inspiration from beautiful albums showing photos from Bulgaria or ask for tourist information about Sofia.

Address: 4, Knyaz Alexander I Sq., Sofia

6. Explore the history of Sofia at an interactive exhibit

If you want to learn something about the history of Sofia, the Sofia History Museum offers a fun walk through the past of the city.

Your particular challenges are:

1. Get on (half of) a retro tram to see a movie about the history of trams.

2. Flip through the interactive boards to see old photographs of how people used to dress and what Sofia looked like a century ago.

3. Admire the golden chariot of the Bulgarian King Ferdinand, his golden desk, thrones and a Mercedes from 1905.

4. Find out which Roman emperor was quoted as saying “Sofia is my Rome”. 

5. Go out of the building, turn left and drink mineral water for free from the tap on the museum’s wall. 

Address: 1, Banski Sq., Sofia

7. Feel like a child at the Dolls Museum

Remember your childhood or just stop by for a look at the biggest collection of dolls in Bulgaria – more than 3,000 dolls of all sizes and all ages await you at The Dolls Museum and Art House. In addition, you can also make a doll yourself (if you make a reservation in advance).

Your particular challenge is to find the tiniest doll in the collection.

Address: 34, Tsar Samuil Str., Sofia

8. Touch a piece of the original Berlin Wall

On May 16, 2006, the citizens of Berlin gave a piece of the original Berlin Wall to the citizens of Sofia as a sign of peace and good will. Today the piece is located a one-minute walk from the National Palace of Culture (see the map below).

Fun fact: a few years ago, it was mistakenly painted by municipality workers who thought the graffiti on the monument had been scrawled by local vandals. Afterwards, the original drawings had to be restored. 

9. Try Bulgarian wines at Vino Orenda

Vino Orenda is the only wine shop in Sofia that sells only Bulgarian wines, produced mainly by small family wineries. The knowledgeable shopkeeper will give you the best advice based on your preferences. They often hold themed wine-tasting evenings dedicated to various wine regions or grape varietals. Wine tasting is available upon request too (send them a message on their Facebook page).

Address: 50A, Makedonia Blvd., Sofia

10. Climb a 2,290-m (7,513-ft) peak only a 30-minute drive from Sofia

Sofia is lucky enough to have the high Vitosha mountain only a short drive from the city center, and it’s possible to climb its highest peak – Cherni Vrah – in a day. You can a) take the chairlift from Dragalevtsi district and then hike for around an hour to the peak or b) climb all the way from the outer districts of Sofia to the peak. In both cases, it’s a good idea to take a map or a local with you (on a sunny day, you’ll meet many hikers on the various routes, so you can always ask for directions). There’s a tea house on the top, but expect to wait an eternity for a hot meal or a cold beer.

BONUS: The Buddhist stupa

Although Bulgarians are Orthodox Christian, there is one Buddhist stupa built near the village of Plana. (Read more information about the Buddhist stupa here)

Map of the spots mentioned:

*Answer to the whereabouts of the bell tower of Saint Sofia Basilica: The church doesn’t have a bell tower and the bell is tied to a tree branch against the main entrance.

READ MORE ABOUT BULGARIA

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The Devil’s Bridge over the Arda river is one of the most picturesque bridges in Bulgaria (spelled Дяволски мост or Dyavolski most in Bulgarian). It is located in a scenic valley near the villages of Dyadovtsi and Latinka in Southern Bulgaria, a must for your Rhodope Mountains route.

The bridge is 420 meters high locked in a gorge surrounded by steep mountains. It is 56 meters long, 3.5 meters wide and it consists of 3 beautiful arcs.

The bridge was built in the beginning of the 16th century when such huge dimensions were not a common sight. It still strikes visitors as an impressive Medieval structure.

The Devil’s Bridge | by Klearchos Kapoutsis

Back then, Bulgaria was still under the rule of the Ottoman Empire. However, Selim I, the sultan at that time, wanted to connect the southern Bulgarian lands with the Aegean Sea. This was a strategic move owing to the land’s abundance of natural resources. The sultan wanted to boost the empire’s production and trading market.

Why Devil’s bridge

The legend behind the name tells the story of a Bulgarian girl who was running away from the Ottoman governors. When she crossed over the bridge, the persecutors thought they saw the Devil in the water underneath and they did not dare to go on. The girl was set free.

There’s picnic area nearby, so you can relax and admire the view.

The Devil’s Bridge | by Klearchos Kapoutsis

How to get to the Devil’s Bridge

There’s no public transportation so you’ll have to rent a car. There’s a road all the way to the bridge. The Devil’s Bridge is some 300 km from Sofia but save at least 5 hours for driving as a big part of the route is mountainous.

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Bulgarian wine in short

These lands have been covered in vineyards since the time of the ancient Thracians. Besides world favorites like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Chardonnay, you can taste local wines from a bunch of Bulgarian grape varietals. There are scores of wineries inviting visitors for wine-tasting tours in all corners of Bulgaria.

Mavrud

This varietal is grown only in Bulgaria and it’s one of the oldest grapes found in the country. The grapes are tiny, dark blueish to black, sweet and covered by a thick skin.

How to combine Mavrud and food: pizza Margherita, smoked and semi-matured yellow cheese, all kinds of pork, kebapche and kyufte (local barbecue-grilled minced meat), moussaka (a local baked dish with potatoes and minced meat), lamb.

Misket

There are many varieties of Misket (a grape similar to Muscat) that are widely grown all over Bulgaria. If you can’t try them all, make sure you at least sample Red Misket (Cherven Misket). Fun fact: Red Misket is actually used to produce wonderful white wines. You will recognize a Misket wine by its saturated hay-yellow color and intense aroma.

How to combine Red Misket with food: pasta cooked with savory or red sauces, Shopska salad (tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and fresh cheese), vegetarian dishes with broccoli and cauliflower, fish, grilled seafood, poultry dishes, served in special covered serving dishes based on the bento box design for example 🙂

Dimyat

Dimyat is another ancient varietal that is also grown in Greece, Macedonia, Serbia, Romania, Turkey and Russia. Its green-yellow grapes are used to create dessert white wines.

How to combine Dimyat with food: vegetarian dishes with maize and peas, salads containing onions and mayonnaise-based salads, grilled fish, chicken dishes.

Rubin

Rubin (or Ruby) is a hybrid created in the 1940s in the Bulgarian city of Pleven using Nebbiolo and Syrah. It is used to produce delicious sweet and semi-sweet wines.

How to combine Rubin with food: pasta and risotto with cream- and cheese-based sauces, vegetarian dishes with peppers, mature yellow cheese (cheddar, gouda), smoked meat, pork and sausages.

Shiroka Melnishka Loza (Broad-leaved Melnik)

This old-time Bulgarian varietal ripens late – in October – and in the 20th century it was used as a base for many hybrid varietals. One of these hybrids is Melnik 55, grown only in the valley of the Struma River and a symbol of the Melnik wine region.

How to combine Shiroka Melnishka Loza with food: fresh cottage cheese, feta cheese, vegetarian dishes with mushrooms, dishes with red meat.

Pamid

Pamid was cultivated back in the times of the Thracians and it used to be the most widespread Bulgarian varietal. Its tiny red grapes with thin skin are used to produce red table wine for mass consumption.

How to combine Pamid with food: banitsa (a local baked pastry made with cheese, spinach or cabbage), cheese fried in egg and bread crumbs, fish with tomato sauce, fish soup, baked chicken with potatoes.

Gamza

Another old-time Bulgarian varietal that makes an aromatic red table and dessert wine. You will recognize a good Gamza wine by its pale ruby color and dominant raspberry aroma.

How to combine Gamza with food: pasta, risotto and vegetarian dishes with mushrooms, soft cheese like camembert and brie, lamb, sweet baked pumpkin with honey and walnuts.

The Wine Day in Bulgaria, Trifon Zarezan

Bulgarians cherish their wine so much that they have a special day dedicated to it: Trifon Zarezan, February 14. Trifon Zarezan coincides with the Valentine’s Day celebrations to melt in the perfect combination of love and wine.

>> Read more about Bulgaria.

Secret places in Sofia: 10 fun travel challenges for true explorers (+map)

How to practice aylyak and be happy in Bulgaria

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– What connects you with the Buddhist stupa near Sofia?

– We’ve been practicing Tibet Buddhism of the Diamond Way within the Karma Kagyu lineage for many years and this was one of the main reasons to shoot the movie The Jewel. It’s rare to have access with a camera so close to the building process. It’s important to clarify that the stupa is not a place of worship; it is a place of enlightenment and represents much more than its visible shape from stone and concrete. It is an embodiment of our inner striving to realize the full potential of the mind.

Photo courtesy of The Jewel

– How is the Buddhist philosophy perceived in Bulgaria?

– As a whole, Bulgarians are open to Buddhism. We often organize open lectures in Betahaus in Sofia where we see new people who want to learn more about it. However, we feel that the whole Western world has perplexed and sometimes exotic ideas about Buddhism. Most people consider all Eastern teachings as the same thing – be it Hinduism, Buddhism, etc., mainly due to the many new age trends that mix different philosophies, skillfully or not. Another common misconception is that Buddhism is a religion. In fact, it’s a teaching that is closer to a philosophy or a way of life. If we call it a religion, then it’s a religion focused on experience instead of faith because we check everything without blindly believing.

– What have you discovered about ancient Tibetian traditions during the shooting of the movie?

– This movie has taken us for the first time to India and Nepal, where the roots of Buddhism can be found. It was an exciting experience for both of us; a deeper insight into our practice and the history of Buddhist teachings. We have learned a lot about the symbolism of the stupa from Sherab Gyaltsen Rinpoche, the spiritual leader of the project, a respected Tibetan Buddhist lama who spent two months with us during the construction. It’s amazing to see so many people working for free in the name of a common goal.

Photo courtesy of The Jewel

Photo courtesy of The Jewel

– What are the most emotional moments in the movie?

– It’s always exciting to see the result of your efforts – both after the stupa was built and the movie was finished. Still, we want the audience to judge which moments in the movie touch them the most.

– What are some fun facts about the stupa?

– Maybe the most impressive fact is that people from all over the world took part in the building process, both with money and work. In our commercial world, it’s pleasant to see that idealism still exists.

About the movie team:

Ralitsa Golemanova is a journalist but has also done a bunch of other things, like European studies, online marketing and making documentaries.

Nikolay Stefanov has been a cameraman and a photographer for the past 15 years. There’s a dormant movie director in every cameraman, they say, and this movie seems to have awakened the director in Nikolay, this documentary being the first where he is both a director and a cameraman.

When and where to see the movie:

October 5, Dom na Kinoto (Cinema House), Sofia, 7 pm

October 10, G8 Cultural Center, Sofia, 7 pm

Read more about the stupa on its official website here. Read news about The Jewel here.

See the trailer of the movie:

Map of the Buddhist stupa near the village of Plana, Sofia (it’s easier to reach it by car, but you can also take bus 70):

The post The Buddhist stupa near Sofia – a rare find in an Orthodox Christian country appeared first on 203Challenges.

Here are our favorite picks of local wisdom:

Pura vida in Costa Rica

Pura vida simply translated in English is “pure life”, but the phrase actually has a far deeper meaning. Costa Ricans use it to say hello, to say bye or as an answer to the question “How are you?”. Pura vida is in fact a way of life, where you accept that no matter how difficult, your life is not that bad at all.

>>> Read more about Pura vida.

Dolce far niente in Italy

Dolce far niente literally means “sweet doing nothing” and the Italians, especially in the southern part of the country, know how to turn idleness into a happy occupation. This philosophy of life contains a number of important prohibitions, such as no haste, no taking problems to heart and no paying attention to the surrounding nuisance.

>>> Read more about Dolce far niente.

Hakuna matata in Africa

Thanks to the animated film “The Lion King” everybody knows a bit of Swahili. Hakuna matata means “no problem”, “no worries”. The phrase is used mainly in Kenya and Zanzibar and is mentioned in the famous “Jambo Bwana” song.

Tri Hita Karana in Bali

If harmony means happiness, then this philosophy of life from Bali will help you achieve it. In English, Tri Hita Karana means “three reasons for well-being” – being in harmony with people, in harmony with God and in harmony with nature.

Aylyak in Bulgaria

Aylyak is an untranslatable Bulgarian word which can be roughly translated as “the art of doing everything at a relaxed pace without worrying about anything”. The Aylyak lifestyle is mainly typical for the residents of the city of Plovdiv famous for taking long, leisurely walks back and forth along their main pedestrian street.

>>> Read more about aylyak.

Fernweh in Germany

English doesn’t have an antonym of “nostalgia” but in German it’s Fernweh. It means a strong desire for traveling, dreaming of far and unknown lands and new experiences. So give in to your Fernweh and hit the road.

Friluftsliv in Norway

There’s no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing. True to this principle, the Norwegians are fans of Friluftsliv or life in “free” air (“open-air living”). The northern country’s inhabitants appreciate the benefits of spending time in the open for health and well-being, regardless of weather conditions. Whether it is running, cycling or just going out to the park nearby to take some photos – the important thing is to breathe fresh air.

Wabi-Sabi in Japan

Salvador Dali once said “Have no fear of perfection – you’ll never reach it”. This is exactly what the Japanese idea Wabi-Sabi tries to convey. In English it means “accept imperfection” and applies to the individual body and character, friends and life in general.

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Travelling by train is one of the most exciting adventures you experience as a child. Choo-choo, creaking rails, swaying to the left and right, enjoying the constantly changing view through the window, running around the compartment (and why not in the whole train)…

It is even better when the train is designed especially for kids! Here are some of our favourite children’s railways in Europe. And what is best about the children’s railways is that they are not only for kids!

On to the railway top 5:

Wells and Walsingham Light Railway

This narrow-gauge train is pulled by two legendary steam engines – the Norfolk Hero and the Norfolk Heroine. This adventure on rails is a favourite fun time for the families visiting the North Norfolk coast.

Fares: Adult return GBP 9, child return GBP 7.

More detailed information is available here.

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Children’s Railway in Budapest

The Children’s Railway in Budapest was built after the WWII and initially it was called the Pioneer Railway. The train is driven by children under the supervision of an experienced adult engine-driver. The kids are also in charge of the ticket sale, the timetable and the traffic management. In other words, a real children’s kingdom. There are 7 railway stations along the route.

Fare: Adult return EUR 4.50, half the price for a child.

More detailed information is available here.

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Miniature Railway in Brockwell Park, UK

Miniature is the best word to describe this railway located at the British Brockwell Park. The track-gauge is only 18.5 cm wide. The train runs from Herne Hill (London) to the Brockwell Lido outdoor pool, and the other way round. Both kids and adults are welcome to take a ride. The railway is open from March until October.

Fare: GBP 1 for all.

More detailed information is available here.

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Little Yellow Train, France (maybe the country where tennis was born)

Well, this is not a train designed especially for kids but it is yellow and has panoramic coaches during the summer, and we are absolutely sure that every child will fall in love with it! In fact, the Little Yellow Train runs a regular route of the French railways, which starts from Villefranche de Conflent, located 50 km away from Perpignan. The most picturesque part of the route is in the beginning when the little yellow train is rolling and winding through woods, precipices, streams and two viaducts. At the final railway station in Latour-de-Carol you may take a more new-fashioned train to Toulouse or Barcelona. The route is 63 km long.

Fare: Return ticket EUR 41, or you may buy a return ticket to a previous station at the price of EUR 6.60.

More detailed information is available here.

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Children’s Railway in Plovdiv, Bulgaria

This is one of the last functioning children’s two railways in the country. It is situated at the foot of the Mladezhki Halm Hill. The train is comprised of an engine and three carriages. The one-kilometre route passes through a bridge, which is built over a walkway, a level crossing with barriers and a tunnel. Right after the tunnel comes one of the funniest experiences for the passengers – going up the trestle, which is in the form of the number six. Next comes the Snow White station, and then the final Panorama station. At the Panorama station there is a brief break and the passengers have the chance to enjoy the incredible nature of the hill.

Fare: BGN 1 for all.

Useful information: The children’s railway in Plovdiv is closed on Monday and Tuesday. The first run is at 10:30 a.m., the last one –at 4:30 a.m.

More information is available here.

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You don’t need a time machine to go back to the Stone Age and feel like the Flintstones. All you have to do is set off to the village of Chavdar  and the St Petka hill (Sveta Petka) above it to end up among small Neolithic houses made of mud, poles and straw, and to see how primitive people lived 7,000 years ago.

Topolnitsa Archaeological Park

When archaeologists were digging up an orchard by the River Topolnitsa, not far from Chavdar, they accidentally found a mound from the Neolithic period (a prehistoric time when people still didn’t use metal). The excavations reveal how our forefathers lived in this period. The Topolnitsa archaeological park above the village gives us a peek at five Neolithic houses.

In the museum, you will learn what life was like in the Neolithic period. Bring some wheat to grind as the primitive people did, with a device called a chromel (a mill made of two stones).

One of the houses available to spend the night for as little as 6$ per night per person

Everything is simple inside, the bed is right under the roof.

>>> Read more: How to practice aylyak in Bulgaria and be happy

Other things to do at St Petka hill

• light a candle in the beautiful temple on the top of the hill and enjoy a panoramic view of Chavdar from above (it’s especially beautiful at sunset)
• bake food in the furnace for free or grab a bite at the summer house
• have something in the restaurant if you don’t feel like cooking
• visit the children’s corner with a sensory garden, two climbing walls and a rope garden

Taking a walk in the village of Chavdar is also a must – it is one of the most beautiful in Bulgaria.

The chapel St Petka

The contemporary village of Chavdar, Bulgaria

Read more: 7 strange places to spend the night (real stories)

Useful information:

Chavdar is 70 km from Sofia and 120 km from Plovdiv. The archaeological park is open every day from 10 am to 6 pm. You have to pay BGN 2 (a little more than 1$) to get inside, and a family ticket will cost you BGN 3 (2$). You can stay for the night in three of the houses, which can accommodate 4 people per house (BGN 10/6$ per person, you need to book in advance). The beds are wooden, right under the roof, with soft hay laid on them. The conditions are primitive, but the bed sheets are clean and the experience is unforgettable. Contact details: +359 7189/ 2448.

All photos: © Maria Angelova/ 203challenges.com

>>> Discover more fun travel challenges in Bulgaria!

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The date is 3 June every year.

The place – the remote village of Bulgari.

Accompanied by the sounds of the drum and bagpipes, the fire dancers – called nestinari, are stepping into the embers. They have been keeping the secrets of their mystic ritual for centuries – ever since the time when the Thracian priests were trying to connect with their gods.

This ritual is not just a dance in the embers. It unites legends, rituals, memories and prophecies for the future. What are the secrets of the nestinari and what happens in the beginning of June in the heart of Strandzha Mountain – join us on a journey through the secrets of the ancient rituals.

The five nestinari villages in Strandzha

Kosti, Kondolovo, Bulgari, Gramatikovo and Slivarovo – these are the last five nestinari villages. Every year, the people from these villages made a procession, bringing the icons of Saints Constantine and Helena to the Vlahov Dol area (located almost in the middle of the mountain). Each village had its own wooden bed, on which the icon was placed after being ritually washed. After that, they would perform a korban (animal sacrifice) and finally dance on the hot coals. Unfortunately, this tradition was interrupted in 1941.

Nowadays the last place in Bulgaria where nestinari dances are held is the village of Bulgari. The processions from the five nestinari villages to Vlahov Dol were started again a few years ago (on the last Sunday before 3 June), but the fire dance can only be seen in Bulgari.

Few people know that the nestinari ritual used to last seven full days. Due to the persecution of the nestinari it was shortened to three days, while today it lasts only one.

Not just dancing on fire

Many restaurants at Bulgarian the seaside have shows with dancers on embers but they have nothing to do with the original tradition. Since ancient times, divination is at the heart of the ritual. The nestinari community used to have its own secret life, guided by the lead nestinar. It was lead by a special nestinari calendar and mystic rituals and divination about the future were done throughout the whole year. The peak moment was the day of Sts. Constantine and Helena – 3 June.

It all began thousands of years ago…

Nobody knows exactly when our ancestors danced in the fire for the first time. It is known that thousands of years ago the ancient Thracian tribes performed rituals in the fire as part of their cult of the sun. The circle of fire on the ground was a reflection of the fire disc in the sky. At that time only the king-priest had the right to step on the coals and come into contact with the gods.

… from the pagan dances to the cult of Saint Constantine

Gradually, the pagan nestinari ritual began to Christianize. When the Roman emperor Constantine the Great proclaimed Christianity an equal religion in the fourth century, the nestinari dedicated their dance in the embers to him and his mother Helena as a token of gratitude. Over time the dance acquired some Christian elements, but it was never accepted by the church.

What exactly happens on 3 June?

On the day of Saints Constantine and Helena, early in the morning, the icons of the saints are brought out of the church and taken to the konak building in Bulgari village (a small building in which the main nestinar woman is preparing for the dance). The icons are then draped in red fabric and the nestinari procession heads to the chapel of Saint Constantine, which is located in the forest by the village. There the procession circles the chapel three times counterclockwise, the people pour themselves healing water from a spring and the icon is returned to the konak.

The main nestinar woman (or man) spends the entire day in the konak, where she focuses, prays and prepares to go into a trance. After dark, to the sounds of the drum and bagpipe, she begins making vocal sounds, through which she controls her breathing but also, it is said, communicates with the universe. The nestinari leave the konak in a solemn procession and do three rounds of the church and three rounds of the coals.

After that, the actual dance begins and it lasts 5-10 minutes. Starting from the oldest one, the nestinari pass barefoot through the fiery circle, with the icon in their hands. Finally, the nestinari horo (traditional folk dance) is danced around the fire and everyone else who knows the steps can also join the nestinari.

Nestinari melodies and dances

All fire dancing rituals are performed to the sounds of the holy drum (that is kept in the konak year-round) and the bagpipe. There are three nestinari melodies. The first one is played when the icons are taken from the church on the morning of 3 June. The second one – when the nestinari are getting ready to step into the fire. The third one – during the actual dance in the embers. It is interesting that the nestinari horo begins with the left foot – in Strandzha only two folklore dances start with the left foot, both of them ritual ones.

The last nestinari

In the past, the nestinari ritual used to be passed on through the generations. During the communist period it was forbidden by the authorities and the tradition was broken until the beginning of the 90s. Despite that in 1964 a film was made about the last two nestinari women – Babini Slatini (the film is kept in the town hall of Bulgari).

Nowadays the dances in Bulgari village are not performed by the children of the nestinari families.

In 2009, UNESCO entered nestinari dances in the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Museum of nestinari

In 2014, The Road of the Nestinari visitor center was opened in Bulgari village. In it archival photos and objects tell about the past of the tradition.

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