Stara Planina · Bulgaria
Shipka Pass
I-5Gabrovo to Kazanlak
The Shipka Pass carries the E85 over the Balkan range between Gabrovo and the Valley of Roses, climbing to 1,185 m through dense forest with sweeping summit panoramas.
From Gabrovo the road pitches south into the Bulgarka Nature Park, winding through beech and oak forest as it gains height. The summit plateau opens onto wide views north across the Fore-Balkans and south into the rose-growing Kazanlak valley, with a spur climbing to the concrete Buzludzha Monument. The southern descent to Kazanlak is longer and more gradual.
Scenery
Where it runs
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Character
Elevation
under 4%4–8%over 8%376 – 1,285 mHazards
- winter snow and ice closures
- chain requirement in winter
- occasional surface deterioration
See the typical season and live conditions for the high passes ›
Sources: Road geometry © OpenStreetMap contributors
Nearby roads
The closest great drives to Shipka Pass.
