Tourist attraction
Markov and Rayuv Stone

This is one of the most beautiful hiking trails and used in the Elena Balkan.

Path "Markov - Raiov Rock" starts at 3 km south of Helena in the direction of the pass Elena Tvardica . Optionally the beginning it can be reached by carriage. The trail continues to climb along the ridge natural landmark "Markov stone" - a beautiful addition to the wealth of Bulgarian rock formations . It is located about 3 kilometers south of the city. The stone is a big piece of rock and seemed attached by a human hand on a few smaller stones on the crest of the hill. This unusual natural phenomenon gives an idea of some unknown magic power. Legend has it that this piece of rock was thrown by King Marko / Bulgarian mythical hero / by Turkish hordes leading Bulgarian girls tied up on a chain.

Further path passes over the rocks from where there is a wonderful view of the entire valley and Elena northern slopes of Stara Planina with local notable - Chumerna / 1536 m / . In reaching the plateau of the mountain ridge , one remains amazed by the bizarre nature , moss , rocks in the shape of needles , turtles and trays , all in a beautiful oak and hornbeam forest . Optionally you can organize a picnic tasting deer meat specialties cooked on fire.

At the end of the plateau is another landmark, " Raiov stone ." Represents 20 mertov rocks and climb it to him in front of you opens a spectacular view down to "Yovkovtsi". Raiov or Raev stone is by numerous rocks scattered south of Markov stone. Two of them resemble tile turtle and called the Great and Little Turtle. It is carved on a large pot with a diameter of 100 cm and a number of smaller surrounding it. At the foot of the rock has carved a niche vertical (Scythian ) , which is still used for worship at the "Christian" traditions. On the reverse side of the scale, again near its base is carved the figure of a shaman with a pointed hat or crown and sacred scepter in his left hand. Above the figure is carved ancient Bulgarian symbol - IYI.

To make an unforgettable experience of walking with the help of experienced instructors can lower alpine rappel at the foot of the cliff.

The trail continues to the back while back and down from the mountain ridge to the village recesses.

The most commonly used version of the route beginning at the resort “Usoeto” where the upper end of the garden there is an information board and where he marked in blue to Markov stone Raiov Rock and back to the village recesses. The route is circular and takes about 3 hours.

You can hire a mountain guide, which costs 40 BGN for a whole day .

• Ecopath