Vitosha Mountain

Options for visiting Vitosha Mountain are plentiful and tend to include hassle-free round-trip transfers from Sofia. Guided tours optimize your chances of spotting wildlife and ensure you don’t get lost during hikes, while day trips tend to include a stop at the medieval, UNESCO-listed Boyana Church and Dragalevtsi Monastery. Hikes to the summit are only recommended for travelers with a good level of fitness; private hiking tours can be customized to suit fitness level.

• A trip to Vitosha is a must for active sightseers and wildlife enthusiasts.

• Keen birdwatchers have the chance to spot rare species such as the long-legged buzzard and the masked shrike.

• Most tours include the necessary gear; otherwise, you can rent equipment in Sofia.

• You don’t need a guide or permit to climb Vitosha Mountain independently, though climbing experience is recommended.

• Don’t forget a warm jacket, as even in summer the mountain can be chilly.

On winter weekends, the Simeonovo cable car travels directly to the Aleko chalet, and can be accessed by the 122 and 123 buses. On summer weekends, take the 63 or 163 bus to the Golden Bridges. Midweek, you’ll need to catch a bus to Dragalevtzi, Simeonovo, Knyazhevo, or Boyana to begin your exploration.

Year-round, independent access to Vitosha Mountain is easiest on weekends, when more public transport options are available. The ski season runs from December to April. For the rest of the year, the mountain is a paradise for hikers and mountain bikers.

Combine your adventure in nature with a glimpse into history on a visit to Boyana Church, located near the base of the mountain. The UNESCO-listed landmark boasts a collection of medieval frescoes, which are renowned throughout Europe, and comprises of three historic buildings that reflect different time periods.