Park of Space and Aviation – Omurtag, Bulgaria
Location: Omurtag, Targovishte Province, Northeastern Bulgaria
Type: Aviation Museum / Space Heritage / Outdoor Exhibition
Main Facts:
The Park of Space and Aviation is one of the most unusual attractions in Omurtag. Located beside the main Sofia–Varna road, the open-air exhibition features real aircraft and military equipment. Furthermore, the park celebrates Bulgaria’s achievements in aviation and space exploration.
The location is closely connected with Aleksandar Aleksandrov, who was born in Omurtag. In 1988, he became the second Bulgarian to travel into space. He flew aboard the Soviet spacecraft Soyuz TM-5 and spent several days in orbit as part of an international space mission. As a result, Omurtag has a special place in Bulgaria’s space history.
The outdoor exhibition was created in 2008 to mark the 20th anniversary of Aleksandrov’s space flight. Today, visitors can see several aircraft that he flew during his military career. In addition, the collection includes a MiG-19, MiG-21, and Su-22 fighter aircraft, as well as a surface-to-air missile system and radar equipment.
From Military Aviation to Space
The aircraft are displayed outdoors, making the park quite different from a traditional museum. For example, visitors can walk around the planes and view them from different angles. Meanwhile, information about Aleksandar Aleksandrov connects the military aircraft with his later career as a cosmonaut.
Another interesting part of the story can be found at the History Museum in Omurtag. There, visitors can see the spacesuit Aleksandrov was originally expected to use for a space mission in 1979. At that time, he had been selected as a backup for Georgi Ivanov, who became the first Bulgarian in space.
Consequently, a visit to the Park of Space and Aviation provides more than an opportunity to see old aircraft. Instead, it tells the story of Bulgaria’s journey from military aviation to space exploration.
Historical Importance:
The Park of Space and Aviation preserves an important part of Bulgaria’s twentieth-century aviation and space history. More importantly, it commemorates Aleksandar Aleksandrov and his contribution to Bulgarian space exploration.
Aleksandrov’s space flight took place in June 1988. During the mission, he travelled aboard Soyuz TM-5 and worked on scientific experiments as part of the Soviet space programme. As a result, he became only the second Bulgarian citizen to travel into space.
The park also reflects the development of Bulgarian military aviation during the Cold War. Furthermore, the aircraft on display represent different stages of Aleksandrov’s flying career. In addition, they help visitors understand the demanding training that prepared military pilots for space missions.
Today, the exhibition remains a unique attraction in northeastern Bulgaria. Therefore, it is particularly interesting for visitors who enjoy aviation, military history, engineering, or the story of human spaceflight.
What to See:
- MiG-19 Fighter Aircraft
- MiG-21 Fighter Aircraft
- Su-22 Aircraft
- Surface-to-Air Missile System
- Radar Equipment
- Outdoor Aviation Exhibition
- Memorial to Aleksandar Aleksandrov
- History Museum in Omurtag
- Aleksandrov’s Historic Spacesuit
Best Time to Visit:
The Park of Space and Aviation can be enjoyed throughout the year because most of the exhibits are outdoors. However, spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons for walking around the aircraft.
Furthermore, the softer weather makes it easier to stop and examine the displays. During summer, visiting earlier in the day is recommended because the aircraft are exposed to the sun. Meanwhile, winter offers a quieter experience, although colder weather can make an outdoor visit less comfortable.
What to Visit Nearby:
- History Museum – Omurtag
- Targovishte
- Pliska National Historical and Archaeological Reserve
- Madara Rider (UNESCO)
- Shumen Fortress
- Shumen
- Veliki Preslav National Historical and Archaeological Reserve
Quick Travel Information:
The Park of Space and Aviation is located on the Sofia–Varna road at Omurtag, making it especially convenient for travellers passing through northeastern Bulgaria. Furthermore, Omurtag is approximately 90 kilometres from Veliko Tarnovo, so the park can be included in a longer day trip by car.
In addition, the attraction works well as a short stop because the main aircraft are displayed in an open area beside the road. For visitors travelling from Veliko Tarnovo, it can be combined with Targovishte or other historical attractions further east. Consequently, the park offers an unusual change of pace during a wider tour through northern Bulgaria.
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