The town of Sopot (410 meters above sea level) is situated in the central part of the Stryamska valley, on the southern sides of the Balkan Mountains, between the rivers Manastirska and Leevitsa. Its population is about 10500 people. Sopot is located 5 km to the west of Karlovo, 61 km to the north of Plovdiv and 135 km to the east of Sofia.
The settlement arose in XIV century but its efflorescence as an important craft and trade center was reached during the Revival period. Sopot and the close villages produced rose oil, carpets, glass, cloaks, leathers, woolen braiding, etc. The town was several times attacked and robbed, and in 1877, during the Liberation war it was burnt down.

The Patriarch of the Bulgarian literature- Ivan Vazov, was born on July 9 1850 in Sopot. Its birth house is located on the "Ivan Vazov" square and today it is turnes into a museum- house. Places of interest are also the Young girl convent with the "Presentation of the Blessed Virgin" church, the "St. Peter and Paul" church (situated near to the convent), the "St. Spas" Monastery, the church of "Ascension Day", the water mill, etc.

Medieval fortresses, called "Anevsko kale" and "Sopot kale", could be visited in this region, too.

Not far away from the "St. Spas" Monastery is built a lift station with seats lift which elevates to 1600 m above sea level near to the "Nezabravka" chalet.

The intermediate lift station, 1350 m elevated above sea level, is a favorite place of glider fans.

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