​„A thorn in your side“ does not sound that bad, if you are in the little Bulgarian town called Tran, meaning Thorn. After visiting this charming mountainous town, I am sure you will connect this expression just like me, with calmness and lush vegetation in all shades of green. At the entry of the town an impressing big stone with engraved gold letters welcomes everyone to Tran town.  This tran or thorn is enchanted, and the town is very hospitable and joyful.
I succeed to visit Tran on 24 of May, during the holiday of Bulgarian alphabet created by Saints Cyril and Methodius.

Traditional Bulgarian songs were sung loudly, and folk dances followed. All the people were gathered in the city center celebrating the nice holiday. We did not watched the whole program. Instead of that we continued to the famous Erma River Gorge that is located 3 km further from the town. We have not seen the gorge yet but we were totally impressed.

In the beginning of the eco-path in the mountain leading to Erma river gorge, there was a parking with a big meadow in front, with cosy benches and arbours.

A path from stones, woody steps and bridges led us through the picturesque river, which the high rocks tried to hide, and keep its beauty only for themselves. I learnt that these rocks are 100-meters high, and the river length is 74 km, from which 25 km in Bulgaria – and the rest in Serbia where its spring is also located.

After 8 years I came back to this magical green place, this time accompanied by my children. The wooden gazebos were still there, although they looked a bit smokey, the barbecues were also slightly worn out, but again there were two playgrounds, one of which was entirely in the shade, which extended our picnic with pleasant emotions.

We walked a bit into the cool waters of the Erma River, but unfortunately we quickly gave up the walk through its beautiful gorge.

The bridges and stairs were in terrible condition, in some places there were no whole beams and the trail is not suitable for young children.

The town of Tran is 70 km west of Sofia, the road through Pernik is nice, and on both sides there are many fields with sunflowers. The road from Bozhurishte has excellent new asphalt and therefore relatively fast you can get to this green and peaceful place, a great choice for picnics and outing.