Many tourists visit Gabrovo to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Stara Planina Mountains and the Shipka Pass, visit the ethnographic village, and soak up the spirit of the birthplace of Bulgaria.

Attractions
One of Gabrovo’s main attractions, located 9 km from the city, is the architectural and ethnographic complex “Etar.” This open-air museum tells the story of Bulgarian culture, life, and crafts from the 18th and 19th centuries, which coincided with the beginning of the Bulgarian National Revival.

The museum was created by restoring existing buildings, transporting original structures from other regions of Bulgaria, and constructing new ones based on original plans.

“Etar” is a street about a kilometer long, lined on both sides with two-story houses and artisan buildings. Behind every door of these small towns, you can observe the locals at work: here, a woodcarver crafts spoons, and there, a miller grinds grain on ancient millstones. Here you can meet jewelers, blacksmiths, weavers, and other artisans, all presenting traditional Bulgarian crafts and arts in one place. Of course, there’s no electricity here. Near each house, there are shops where you can buy freshly made plates, knives, or other trinkets. After your tour of this mini-town, you can stop by one of the local cafes for a snack.