Septemvri

Septemvri is a town in the Upper Thracian Plain, situated just south of the Maritsa river near the Chepinska reka confluence, at about 200 m altitude. It is the administrative centre of Septemvri Municipality. The town developed as a railway settlement after the construction of the Haskovo–Belovo railway line in 1873 and was granted town status in 1964. Its name (meaning "September") commemorates the September Uprising of 1923. Septemvri is known for the scenic narrow-gauge railway line to Dobrinishte through the Rhodope Mountains and for the Kolowag railway carriage factory.

By Plane

The nearest airports are Plovdiv Airport (PDV) about 55 km east and Sofia Airport (SOF) about 100 km northwest.

By Train

Septemvri is a railway junction on the main Sofia–Plovdiv line. It is also the starting point of the scenic 125 km narrow-gauge railway line to Dobrinishte via Velingrad and Bansko, built in 1945. Regular trains connect to Sofia, Plovdiv, and the Rhodope Mountains.

By Car / Road

Septemvri is on the I-8 road and the Trakiya motorway (A1), 21 km west of Pazardzhik and 100 km southeast of Sofia. The II-82 road to Velingrad branches off here.

The town centre of Septemvri is compact and walkable. Local buses connect the main districts and nearby attractions. Taxis are available from the train station.

• Septemvri Narrow-Gauge Railway Station — the starting point of the scenic Rhodope railway, a heritage railway experience

• Septemvri Museum — local history museum with exhibits on the September Uprising and railway history

• New Church of Septemvri — a modern Orthodox church in the town centre

• Maritsa Riverbanks — walking paths along the river

• Ride the narrow-gauge railway from Septemvri through the Rhodope Mountains to Bansko and Dobrinishte — a spectacular scenic journey

• Walking and cycling along the Maritsa river

• Exploring the agricultural landscape of the Upper Thracian Plain

• Visiting the Kolowag factory (by appointment)

A few restaurants and taverns serve Bulgarian cuisine. The fertile region provides excellent fresh vegetables, fruits, and dairy products.

Local cafes serve Bulgarian coffee, wine, and rakia. The town is within the Thracian wine-growing region.

Septemvri has basic accommodation options including a few small hotels and guesthouses. Nearby Pazardzhik offers more choices.

Septemvri has shops for daily needs and a market with fresh local produce — orchards, vegetables, and grapes from the fertile plain.

• Velingrad — spa town, 40 km south via the scenic II-82 road
• Pazardzhik — provincial capital, 21 km east
• Bansko — ski resort, 110 km south via the narrow-gauge railway or road
• Belovo — neighbouring town, 10 km west
• Plovdiv — 55 km east, with its Roman amphitheatre and Old Town