The town of Sopot (410 meters above sea level) is situated in the central part of the Stryamska valley, on the southern sides of the Balkan Mountains, between the rivers Manastirska and Leevitsa. Its population is about 10500 people. Sopot is located 5 km to the west of Karlovo, 61 km to the north of Plovdiv and 135 km to the east of Sofia.

The settlement arose in XIV century but its efflorescence as an important craft and trade center was reached during the Revival period. Sopot and the close villages produced rose oil, carpets, glass, cloaks, leathers, woolen braiding, etc. The town was several times attacked and robbed, and in 1877, during the Liberation war it was burnt down.

The Patriarch of the Bulgarian literature- Ivan Vazov, was born on July 9 1850 in Sopot. Its birth house is located on the "Ivan Vazov" square and today it is turnes into a museum- house. Places of interest are also the Young girl convent with the "Presentation of the Blessed Virgin" church, the "St. Peter and Paul" church (situated near to the convent), the "St. Spas" Monastery, the church of "Ascension Day", the water mill, etc.

Medieval fortresses, called "Anevsko kale" and "Sopot kale", could be visited in this region, too.

Not far away from the "St. Spas" Monastery is built a lift station with seats lift which elevates to 1600 m above sea level near to the "Nezabravka" chalet.

The intermediate lift station, 1350 m elevated above sea level, is a favorite place of glider fans.  In fact the place has become increasingly popular among the paragliding community across Europe and is attracting major competitions. For more information we would recommend you visit our friends from www.skynomad.com , they know about flying and they have seen  more of Sopot and the area than anyone.

Accommodation
Stara Planina Hotel Complex (in the central Ivan Vazov Sq.). VMZ Hotel Base. In the St. Spas Monastery (next to the initial station of the open-seat lift.

Tourist information: at the hotels and in the town-hall (26, Ivan Vazov Blvd., tel.: 03134 2050, 2052).

Transport:
Sopot is a point of the main road and railway line Sofia - Karlovo - Bourgas. There is a town bus line is functioning at short time intervals between it and Karlovo. It maintains bus connections with some of the smaller settlements within the region, too. The bus station is located at 75, Ivan Vazov Blvd. The railway station is situated at the distance of 1 km south of the town and there is a town bus going to it (tel.: 03134 2346, 2022). Not all express trains stop at it.