The town of Elena: 7421 inhabitants, 300 meters above sea level, is located in the Central Balkan Mountain. Elena is an old settlement founded in the 15th C. In the 18th-19th centuries it is established as a crafts, trade and educational centre. The distance to Veliko Turnovo is 38 km, to the Bulgarian capital Sofia – 280 km and 230 km to Varna. The town lies in the lovely valley of the Elena River. Nature has been pretty benevolent in this region. A great number of small rivers and several deep and scenic gorges run across the Elena hollow. The hills are overgrown with deciduous trees. The Balkan woods are inhabited by wildboars, wolves and foxes, hares and does. One can find mountain barbell and chub in the clean water of the small rivers. On the Vesselina River is built the artificial lake Jovkovtsi. In the municipal of Elena are situated two reserves – “Biala krava” and “Haidushki chukar”.

Elena Balkan is a piece of heaven! There you will find a combination of magnificent nature, preserved Bulgarian traditions and customs and rich historical heritage. There is something for everyone's taste. For the fans of hiking and mountain tourism there are numerous picturesque eco tracks and tourist routes that reveal the natural beauties of Stara planina mountain.  Adventures are given the opportunity of mountaineering in the open air or in a hall. The marvelous ski tracks, rope-lines and infrastructure at Chumerna peak and the village of Miikovci offer wonderful opportunities for practicing winter sports. Fishing fans have the special chance of fishing in crystal-clear rivers, Iovkovtzi Dam and other dams. They can stay overnight in a tent on the bank of the river where are special camping sites with barbecues.

In the town of Elena you will submerge into the romantic atmosphere of talented wood carvers, icon-painters and weavers. In the numerous small hamlets in the region such as Kilazhevtsi, Miikovtsi, Hunevtsi, Balutsi, Yakovtsi you will get closer to Bulgarian traditions and customs in a typical folklore atmosphere. Elena region is a heaven for the fans of country and eco tourism. You can witness the preparing of lamb-cheverme and taste the delicious food. The population of Elena is making its living by stock-breeding, vine and fruit growing. There is a hardly a house where it won’t offer home-made wine or plum brandy.

Elena is the ideal place for family vacation. Children are paid particular attention here. They can attend specialized courses for mountain-guides and mountain-rescuers. Laughter and games accompany most naturally the excursions, the overcoming of difficulties, the competitions and bonfires, the fruit and herb gathering. The children take part in constructing and making eco-paths or in building-up small wooden bridges and rope-line. As for the family bicycle-ridings or the nights in tents under the star-studded sky, these are an unforgettable experience for the entire family.