Bulgaria,Sofia, Sofia, 1000

## Overview This public drinking spring is located in central Bulgaria, near the city of Sofia, at GPS coordinates 42.427237, 25.633868. Notably, these coordinates place the spring not within Sofia proper but in the heart of Bulgaria's Rose Valley region, near the town of Kalofer in the Stara Planina (Balkan Mountains) foothills — an area renowned for its abundant natural mineral and freshwater springs. Bulgaria has one of the richest traditions of natural spring water use in Europe, with thousands of public drinking fountains (known locally as "чешми" or "cheshmi") scattered across the country. Many of these springs have been used for centuries, dating back to the Ottoman period and even earlier to Thracian and Roman times. The region around the central Balkans is particularly well-known for its clean mountain water sources fed by snowmelt and underground aquifers. Visitors have historically reported the water from public springs in this region to taste fresh and clean, and many locals regularly collect water from such fountains for daily use. However, water quality can vary seasonally, and no independent lab results are available for this specific spring. ## Directions 1. From Sofia, head east on the E80/Trakia Motorway toward Plovdiv (approximately 150 km). 2. Near Plovdiv, take the road north toward Karlovo and Kalofer, following signs for the Stara Planina (Balkan Mountains). 3. Use GPS coordinates **42.427237, 25.633868** to navigate to the precise spring location, which appears to be situated in a rural or semi-rural area in the Sub-Balkan valleys. 4. Look for a traditional Bulgarian public drinking fountain (cheshma), which is typically a stone or metal spout set into a wall or freestanding structure. *Note: These directions are approximate and based on the GPS coordinates provided. Road conditions in rural Bulgaria can vary, so a GPS-enabled device or offline maps are recommended.* ## What to Expect Public drinking springs in this part of Bulgaria are typically simple, functional fountains — often a metal or stone spout flowing continuously into a small basin. They are commonly found along roadsides, in village squares, or near trailheads in the mountains. The water is usually cold and refreshing, especially during warmer months. The surrounding landscape in the Sub-Balkan valleys is scenic and green, with views of the Stara Planina range. The area is popular with hikers, and this spring may serve as a convenient water stop for those exploring the region. Spring flow may vary depending on the season, with the strongest flow typically occurring in late spring and early summer after snowmelt. There are no known fees or access restrictions for public drinking springs in Bulgaria — they are a cherished part of the country's cultural heritage and are freely available to all visitors.