Kozar Belene is a peaceful rural village situated in Levski Municipality, within the Pleven Province of northern Bulgaria. Set in the central Danube Plain along the scenic banks of the Osam River, the village offers an authentic rural lifestyle surrounded by agricultural land, rolling hills and riverside views. Kozar Belene is conveniently located just 5 km north of the town of Levski, around 48 km east of the regional capital Pleven, and approximately 103 km south-west of the major port city of Ruse on the Danube River. Sofia International Airport is located around 195 km to the south-west, making the settlement accessible for both local and international residents.
The village benefits from excellent road connections, situated along the 301 regional road which connects directly to the main Class I Route 3 (E83 highway), providing efficient transit between Ruse, Pleven and the national road network. Kozar Belene is a well-established community with basic everyday amenities, including a local mayor’s office, a post office, a well-stocked local supermarket, and several small grocery shops. For a broader range of services, the neighbouring town of Levski is just a 5-minute drive away, offering supermarkets, specialized shops, butchers, furniture stores, banks, schools, medical facilities, restaurants, police services, and a major railway junction with direct train connections across Bulgaria.
Kozar Belene has a rich historical context and a traditional Bulgarian character. Local folklore tells of a goat herder named Belyo who first discovered this fertile spot on the Osam River. To the north lies “Tsareva Mogila” (King’s Mound), an ancient Roman-era watchtower site used to monitor northern movements across the Danube. Historically known for its Bulgarian population and 17th-century Paulician settlers, the village preserves notable cultural heritage. Key landmarks include the Church of St Athanasius (founded in 1862 and built in 1883), the “Nadezhda 1902” Community Centre (Chitalishte), and a central war memorial pyramid commemorating fallen local soldiers. Traditional celebrations, including the annual village fair in early November and authentic Koledari Christmas carolling, remain vibrant community traditions.
The surrounding countryside, defined by the Osam River and low hills, provides ample opportunities for farming, outdoor relaxation, fishing, and sports. Notably, Kozar Belene features a local football pitch near the river and a famous local motocross circuit (motopoligon). The track hosts national and international motocross championship rounds and is equipped with an advanced automatic irrigation system, making it a regional highlight for motorsport enthusiasts.

The most attractive landmarks and places of interest in the wider area are:
– Church of St Athanasius – a historic 19th-century Orthodox church built in 1883 and an important spiritual landmark for the village;
– “Nadezhda 1902” Chitalishte – the local community and cultural centre, hosting events, performances and traditional celebrations since 1902;
– Kozar Belene Motocross Track – a high-spec regional motorsport facility featuring a unique irrigation system and hosting national racing events;
– Osam River Valley – scenic natural riverbanks offering spots for walking, relaxation, fishing, and local outdoor recreation;
– Tsareva Mogila (King’s Mound) – a historical elevated point and former Roman-era observation mound north of the village;
– Town of Levski – the nearby municipal centre (5 km away) providing comprehensive services, shopping, restaurants, and a main railway station;
– City of Pleven – a major regional hub (48 km away) renowned for its rich history, museums, medical facilities, shopping centres, and cultural sites.
Today, Kozar Belene presents an appealing option for buyers seeking an affordable country house, a holiday home, or a renovation project in northern Bulgaria. Its combination of riverside scenery, active motorsport facilities, complete everyday conveniences in nearby Levski, and straightforward road access makes it a practical and attractive rural location