By Train to the Museum of Glass and the Slava Submarine in Beloslav

Embark on an unforgettable journey to Beloslav, where you can visit Bulgaria's only Glass Museum and the last active submarine of the Bulgarian Navy, now turned into a museum exhibit.

Both attractions are located on the shores of Beloslav Lake, a town once known for its thriving glass factory. While much of the factory's operations have ceased, a portion remains active, producing unique souvenirs and construction tools.

How to Get There?

Beloslav is situated on the main railway line between Povelyanovo and Varna. It is easily accessible by train, with a journey from Varna taking just 20 minutes on a fast train or slightly longer on a passenger train.

To plan your trip, consider the working hours of the Museum of Glass, open Wednesday to Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. A convenient fast train from Varna to Beloslav departs at 9:20 a.m., ensuring you have enough time to explore both the Glass Museum and the Slava submarine. After 2:00 p.m., you can return to Varna by fast trains from Karnobat or Sofia or by an earlier passenger train from Dobrich at 1:24 p.m.

From Shumen, you can reach Beloslav by the fast train from Vratsa at 10:11 a.m., which takes 1 hour and 25 minutes. This allows enough time to visit the museum and return to Shumen by fast train at 2:14 p.m. or by passenger train half an hour later.

From Dobrich, the journey to Beloslav takes 1 hour and 24 minutes. A convenient departure is at 9:30 a.m., with a return option at 1:52 p.m.

To reach the Glass Museum, cross Beloslav Lake by ferry, as the museum is located on the opposite shore. The ferry departure point is just a 10-minute walk from the train station. The short 2-minute ferry ride is part of the unique experience.

We wish you a wonderful journey!

Sights in Beloslav

Slava Memorial Submarine

Located on the shore of Beloslav Lake, next to the ferry dock, the Slava submarine is impossible to miss. Partially submerged in the water, it serves as a captivating museum exhibit.

The Slava submarine was the last operational submarine in the Bulgarian Navy, active until 2010. Visitors can explore its preserved interiors, including the command bridge, engine room, and torpedo section. The museum showcases fascinating artifacts and stories about submarine life, from navigation to crew duties.

Built in 1959, Slava is 76 meters long, 7 meters wide, and has a draft of 6 meters. It could dive up to 300 meters and operate for 60 days at sea. The submarine had a hybrid propulsion system, with two diesel engines and two electric motors—a concept that predated modern hybrid vehicles.

Admission is BGN 12 for adults and BGN 8 for children and pensioners. Guided tours run every hour from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., except on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Museum of Glass

The Museum of Glass is housed in a part of Bulgaria's first glass factory, offering a rare opportunity to witness the art of glassmaking up close. Visitors can observe glassblowers in action and learn about the history of glass production in Beloslav, which dates back to 1893.

The highlight of the tour is a live demonstration of glassblowing, with furnaces heated to 1,500–1,800 degrees Celsius. Guests can also explore the museum's unique exhibits, including a glass river and stunning works of art created by skilled artisans.

Today, the factory produces materials for construction, small vials and bottles, technical glass, and handcrafted souvenirs.

Admission is BGN 10 for adults and BGN 8 for children and pensioners. The museum is open Wednesday to Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Interesting Facts

Beloslav Lake divides the town into two parts and serves as a navigation channel for large ships heading to the industrial zone in Povelyanovo and the Varna ferry port. Since there is no bridge connecting the two shores, the ferry is the primary mode of transportation for cars and pedestrians.

For visitors, the ferry is not just a practical means of travel but also a charming attraction. Operating 24/7, it transports about 5,000 people and up to 1,800 cars daily. Alternatively, crossing by land involves a detour of over 20 kilometers through Povelyanovo and Razdelna or via the Asparuhov Bridge.

Plan your trip with BDZ and discover the unique charm of Beloslav and its fascinating attractions!