History and General Information / Local Legends and Folklore
Hell Waterfalls is an untouched natural wonder hidden in the deep canyon crevice near Kızılağaç Village, at the foot of the Istranca (Yıldız) Mountains in the historical Vize district, which has the title of "Cittaslow". Contrary to its name, the waterfalls, which resemble heaven on earth, consist of gradual water cascades and turquoise colored natural giant cauldrons (rock ponds) created by the stream fed by the lush springs of Istrancalar carving the hard granite and limestone rocks for centuries. This deep valley, adjacent to the historical aqueduct sources used by the ancient Thracian kings and Roman legions to carry water to the Vize acropolis, is surrounded by a green tunnel formed by centuries-old beech and hornbeam trees. According to the narratives of the local people, in ancient times it was called 'Hell Creek' by the villagers due to the impenetrable rocks of the valley and the deep noise made by the gurgling water; It has been said that the microclimate created by water jumping over steep rocks and the scent of mountain mint give hikers a unique invigoration. Geographical Structure, Altitude and Natural Features
It is located at an altitude of approximately 380 meters in the Kızılağaç location, on the southern slopes of the Istranca Mountains. Its surroundings are covered with untouched hornbeam, beech, oak and chestnut forests, and wild orchids, ferns and water salamanders live on the canyon floor. Visiting Hours, Days and Entrance Fees
•Entrance Fee:Entrance to the canyon valley and waterfalls is completely free.•Visiting Hours and Days (Mandatory): It is a natural open area and is open to visitors 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (For security reasons, it should be visited in daylight).•Rules and Safety:The canyon trail contains slippery stones and uneven ground; Hiking boots that cover the ankle should be worn, and caution should be taken against water flow in rainy weather.•Facilities and Facilities:The inside of the canyon is completely untouched nature, there are no facilities; The nearest grocery store and resting place is in Kızılağaç Village, 4 km away. Transportation, Public Transit Routes and Exact Location•Address / Open Location:Kızılağaç Köyü Mevkii, Istranca Ormanları Yolu, Vize / Kırklareli.•Road Condition and Vehicle Availability: From Vize town center, follow the Kızılağaç Village signs and reach the village via the asphalt road; The 3 km stabilized forest road extending from the village to the entrance of the waterfall can be passed slowly by passenger vehicles or walked.•Actual Public Transportation Information (Mandatory): Village shuttles depart from Visa center to Kızılağaç Village; Nature clubs usually reach by daily tour vehicles.•Parking Availability:There are flat areas where vehicles can be parked at the beginning of the forest road and at the beginning of the trail. Contextual Experience Tips, Photography and Local Gastronomy•Photography Spots:The emerald green water of the natural rock bowl where the waterfall flows and the sun rays leaking through the rocks provide fascinating long exposure shots.•Hiking Tips:Walking poles provide great convenience along the stream bed leading down to the waterfall; It is a great pleasure to rest your feet in cool ponds in the summer months.•Local Gastronomy Recommendations:You should try the famous Vize linden honey, buffalo cheese, goat cheese and wood-fired village pita in Kızılağaç and Vize centres.