“Sofia and Vitosha are inseparable like Naples and Vesuvius”. The description was given from the Austrian scientist Hohshteter, who visited Bulgaria in the 19th century. In fact, the first thing that every visitor of Sofia is seeing no matter from where he came, is the mighty silhouette of Vitosha mountain. Being so close to the million city, it is the perfect opportunity for a short break along a huge network of hiking trails lead to unexpected beauty.
GUIDED & SELF-GUIDED hiking options are available to choose from (Check the “Prices, Dates & Remarks” tab for details)
If you want to combine the cultural stroll around the city center with and the chance to look at Sofia from above, join us in our one-day hiking tour at Vitosha mountain. The tour could be taken as self-guided since we provide detailed route notes and a map or also with a licensed mountain guide.
The day starts with a transfer to a nearby hut (50 mins in a way) from where you continue towards the highest peak Cherni Vrah (The Black Peak (2290m/7625ft.), crossing the foot of Golyam Rezen Peak and Malak Rezen Peak. This gentle ascent provides options to admire really scenic views towards the capital Sofia, the long range of the Balkan Mountains and the high summits of the Rila Mountains in the distance. At the top you can recharge your batteries with a cup of herbal tea (and even proper lunch) and later continue your trekking down, crossing the Peat Reserve (Torfeno Branichte), famous for its fragile ecosystem, housing a number of rare plant species. The scenic trail will make you stop every now and then to admire the vistas across the green crest of the mountain (which is especially diverse in colours in late autumn too), that contrasts with the clear blue skies. Your photos will be colored by the intense blossoming of endemic flowers among which some orchids. Above your heads, Nutcrackers will spread their wings and if you are lucky enough you may even spot the shy Balkan Chamois (wild goats).
Total transfers time: 2hrs
Hiking specifics: Appr. 4-4,30hrs (without breaks); 14km; +590m/-590m.
Tour difficulty: No steep stages are present along the trail. It is considered as moderately arduous. Bring wind-/waterproofs as strong wind and rain are not uncommon. Comfortable walking shoes are a must, sandals are not acceptable.
Prices: Rates vary (also depending on the option you choose: guided or self-guided); Please check options (incl. dates with discounted tours!) on the BOOK ONLINE tab
Price includes: Transfer from Sofia to Vitosha Mountains and back; English-speaking guide (for the guided hiking option); Detailed route notes in English and maps + GPS track (for the self-guided hiking option; 1 set of route notes and 1 map per reservation)
Price does not include: meals, tips
Food: basic food is available in the eatery at Cherni Vrah station (i.e. beans soup, meatballs, French fries, tea, pancakes). The latter gets crowded during weekends, so it is always best to come prepared with your own lunchpacks and a bottle of water.
Best period: mid-May – November (in winter we do one-day snowshoeing treks to Vitosha; check with us for details)