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Belogradchik is picturesquely situated on the northern slopes of the Western Balkan Mountains. It is located in the Vidin District, near the border with Serbia. It is one of the most attractive tourist centres in Bulgaria. The town name comes from the early years of the Ottoman rule when it was called Belgrade, because of the whiteness of the town amids the red rocks around. Later the suffix '-chik' was put which is of Turkish origin. The settlement was founded by the Romans, who built a fortress which served to guard the strategic routes passing through the region. Later it was a part of the defense system of the Roman and the Byzantine Empire and it was one of the most difficult to conquer fortresses in the Middle Ages. Today one can see the ruins of the Belogradchik Fortress which is a cultural monument of national importance. In fact, the fortress is located next to the most famous landmark and a symbol of Belogradchik - the Belogradchik Rocks. These are bizarre and beautiful rock formations (rock mushrooms) and they are a natural phenomenon without parallel in the world. They spread on an area of 30 km in length and 3-6 km in width and their age is over 230 million years. The area around the rocks is served by eco-trails and cycling routes, some places are adapted for rock climbing, too. It is ideal for off-road and photo safaris. Belogradchik guests may visit the Historical museum which is set out in the Panov's house with typical revival architecture. The Natural History Museum and Art Gallery may be visited, too. Astronomy lovers may visit the observatory where they can monitor the Moon, the rings of Saturn, the moons of Jupiter, Venus, stars, star clusters and galaxies. Belogradchik offers opportunities for hiking, cave, and congress tourism, mountaineering, hunting and fishing. Eco routes start from the town, leading to the most interesting sites. There is a Folklore Festival 'From Timok to Iskar - in the footsteps of the Thracians' held annually in September. The town guests may stay not only in the classic four- and three-star hotels in Belogradchik, but also in cozy family hotels and guest houses, some of which are located at the foot of the rocks.