Vidin is one of the smallest regions in Bulgaria and is situated in the north-western part of the country. To the north its limits meet the banks of Danube River and coincide with the state border between Bulgaria and Romania, while to the west they coincide with the national border with Serbia.
The district encompasses the Vidin lowland from the Danube’s curve and stretches to the northern slopes of the Western Balkan Mountain. Its location is of major importance for the region’s economical growth. The international route E-79 connecting the Baltic and the Mediterranean passes through the region. The river port of Vidin is the second biggest after Rousse and is a very important transport junction.
It is located approximately 200 km north from Sofia, 43 km from the Serbian border and approximately 100 km north from Montana. The whole province includes a total of 11 municipalities – Vidin, Belogradchik, Kula, Boynitsa, Bregovo, Chuprene, Dimovo, Gramada, Makresh, Novo selo and Ruzhintsi. Vidin is the biggest town in the province and is also the administrative centre. In the past, the medieval fortresses “Baba Vida” and “Kaleto” near Vidin were used for defense because of their key strategic location. They are still well preserved and turned into open museums for tourists from all across the country and abroad.
In the opposite part of Vidin region is located the beautiful and peaceful town of Belogradchik. Situated some 50 km south from Vidin along the mountain ridges “Ventza” and “Vedernik”, the town is most popular for the exceptional phenomenon called the Belogradchik Rocks. There is also a medieval fortress near the town. It is believed to have been built by the Romans as part of their warning and intruder prevention system. What is most peculiar about the place is that only two walls were constructed. To the north-east and to the south-west two 90-meter stone massifs secured the fort and protected it from invaders.
Another fascinating place to visit in Vidin region is the Magoura (also spelled Magura) cave. It is located in the area of Rabisha Dam near the villages of Rabisha and Tolovitsa. Although the cave is relatively small it should not be underestimated as a tourist sight. It is most famous for the fact that there have been found many wall paintings dating back to the IX-VIII century B.C.
Furthermore, the “Chuprene” National Park is located on the territory of the province. It is situated just outside the village of Chuprene (75 km south from Vidin) and its balanced biosphere spreads on more than 15 hectares of land. “Chuprene” National park is also under the protection of UNESCO.
Nowadays, the regional administration of Vidin district has started numerous initiatives to improve the local economy along with highlighting the exceptional sightseeing places and natural resources. Vidin is one of the very few regions that have remarkably well-developed infrastructure. Duty-free zones along the border between Bulgaria and Serbia provide a living for many people in the area. And soon, with the construction of the second bridge over the Danube River, the province will gain even further importance to the national economy.