Approximate Border Location
Border Cities
🇹🇷 Dereköy
🇧🇬 Malko Tarnovo
Coordinates
41.98°N, 27.53°E
Border Type
Land crossing via road
Operating Hours
Open 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Wait Times
15-60 min for pedestrians/vehicles
Peak Times
Mornings (7-10 AM)
Crossing Types
Pedestrians, vehicles
Daily Crossings
~2000 travelers/vehicles
Languages Spoken
Bulgarian/Turkish
Currency Exchange
Limited near Malko Tarnovo (BGN, TRY)
Accessibility Features
Ramps, assistance
Safety Information
Rural, minimal crime
Google Maps Location
Country Information
About Dereköy & Malko Tarnovo
A Crossing in the Heart of the Strandzha Mountains
The border crossing connecting the Bulgarian town of Malko Tarnovo with Dereköy in Turkey is a journey into the deep, mystical heart of the Strandzha (Yıldız) Mountains. This is not a major highway for transit; it is a secondary checkpoint, a winding, two-lane road that cuts through one of the wildest and most sparsely populated regions in Southeastern Europe. Since Bulgaria is a member of the European Union, this is an external EU border. To cross here is to take a scenic and adventurous route, a passage through a landscape of ancient forests, mysterious Thracian sanctuaries, and traditional villages where a unique culture has been preserved. It is a crossing for the explorer, not the trucker.
Operational Details
This checkpoint connects the Burgas Province of Bulgaria with the Kırklareli Province of Turkey. It is a smaller international crossing with operating hours that are typically from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. It is essential to verify the current schedule before planning your trip, as it is not a 24/7 facility. The crossing is intended for passenger cars and buses, with a restriction on heavy freight traffic. This preserves the quiet character of the route and the local roads. The road on both sides is a winding mountain road, requiring a cautious driving pace, but the scenery is spectacular.
Before Crossing
Crossing borders gets messy sometimes, think political flare-ups or gates shutting fast. Good travel insurance is a must for handling doctor visits, trip disruptions, or security scares. Don’t get caught unprepared. To find a policy that’s got your back, check out reliable plans today for peace of mind.
A History of a Wild Frontier
The history of this region is the history of the Strandzha mountains, a wild and remote area that has been a refuge and a frontier for centuries. This was the heartland of the ancient Thracian tribes, and the area is dotted with their megalithic tombs and sanctuaries, many of which are still being discovered. During the Ottoman era, it was a remote and often rebellious region. The modern border, established in the early 20th century, cut through this unique mountain ecosystem. During the Cold War, this was a heavily militarized and almost inaccessible part of the Iron Curtain. The opening of this crossing has been a key factor in the development of eco-tourism and the promotion of the shared cultural and natural heritage of the trans-boundary Strandzha region.
The EU External Border Procedure
The border crossing procedure is a rigorous process, reflecting its status as an entry point into the EU. You will first complete exit formalities at one country’s checkpoint and then proceed to the other country’s checkpoint for entry inspection. As an EU external border, the checks by the Bulgarian Border Police are very thorough. The Turkish checks are equally meticulous. You will need a valid passport, a visa for Turkey (if required for your nationality), vehicle registration, and international insurance (Green Card). As a smaller crossing, the process is generally faster and more personal than at the main highways, but the checks are still thorough.
The Surrounding Region: Bulgaria Side
On the Bulgarian side, the crossing is in the heart of the Strandzha Nature Park, the largest protected area in Bulgaria. The town of Malko Tarnovo is the main cultural center of the region and has several museums dedicated to the history and ethnography of Strandzha. The area is a paradise for hikers and those interested in history. The mysterious Thracian sanctuary of Mishkova Niva and the domed tomb at Propada are major archaeological sites. The region is also known for its unique fire-dancing rituals (Nestinarstvo), a UNESCO-listed intangible cultural heritage.
The Surrounding Region: Turkey Side
On the Turkish side, the crossing is in the Yıldız (Istranca) mountains, the Turkish part of the Strandzha range. The village of Dereköy is a small border settlement. The road from the border leads towards the city of Kırklareli, the main administrative center of the region. The area is known for its beautiful, untouched nature and its traditional villages. The Dupnisa Cave system and the floodplain forests of the İğneada Longoz Forests National Park on the Black Sea coast are major natural attractions. The region is a developing destination for eco-tourism.
Practical Travel Information
Practical planning is essential for this route. You must have a suitable vehicle and be comfortable with narrow, winding mountain roads. Check the operating hours of the border before you travel. The official currencies are the Bulgarian Lev (BGN) in Bulgaria and the Turkish Lira (TRY) in Turkey. There are no services at the border itself. You must be self-sufficient with fuel, food, and water. You will need to purchase an electronic vignette for your vehicle for Bulgaria. Ensure your vehicle’s Green Card insurance is valid for both countries.
Final Considerations
The Malko Tarnovo–Dereköy border crossing is a route for the adventurous traveler. It is a journey through a landscape of raw, stunning beauty and a region with a deep and mysterious history. It is not the fastest or the easiest way to cross the border, but it is by far the most rewarding for those seeking to escape the crowds and immerse themselves in nature and history. It is a passage that connects two parts of a shared mountain wilderness, a journey into the wild heart of ancient Thrace.