Vitosha looming is the first thing visitors to Sofia notice on their way from the airport. Few cities and even fewer capitals possess such a natural feature. Vitosha is the Balkans’ oldest Nature Park and Bulgaria’s most visited mountain. Each year, thousands of tourists enjoy the beauty of its scenery and its plant and animal life.
GUIDED & SELF-GUIDED hiking options are available to choose from (Check the “Prices, Dates & Remarks” tab for details)
Our hiking trek takes you on a loop trail, starting from Aleko Hut and going as high as Cherni Vrah summit (2290m), then descending along a different path back to Aleko Hut. Starting from appr. 1750m. above sea level we first traverse the foot of Golyam Rezen Peak and Malak Rezen Peak. This stage is particularly scenic with constant views towards the capital Sofia, the long range of the Balkan Mountains, and the high summits of the Rila Mountains far in the distance. Eventually we arrive at Cherni Vrah Peak (2290m), where we will have well-deserved rest (incl. an option to buy a proper lunch on spot). When descending down we will pass through the Torfeno Branishte (The Peat) Reserve, eventually arriving back at Aleko Hut. The fragile ecosystem of the wet meadows on either side of the path are home to a number of rare plant species, including a few species of orchids. During the morning ascent you might also be lucky to encounter some of the recently introduced Balkan Chamois (wild goats). Nutcrackers, Ring Ouzels and Common Crossbills may be spotted too, along with other mountain species.
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, fog and rain are not uncommon. Comfortable walking shoes are a must, sandals are not acceptable.
Price (guided tour): Other days: 1 pers: 97 Euro; 2 pers: 62 Euro pp; 3 pers: 49 Euro pp; 4-7 pers: 44 Euro pp;
Price (self-guided tour): 90 Euro/car (group of 1-4 persons); 115 Euro/bus (group of 5-8 persons)
* The rates above are per person based on the number of people in one reservation (guided tour) or per group (self-guided tour).
** The tour is not private and the group may comprise customers booked under several reservations, each with a different number of people (incl. guided and self-guided option). We aim to keep the total group size for the guided tour not exceeding 12 passengers (normally 2-8).
*** Promo rates may occur for some of the dates; scroll the Book Online tab to check if such are present around your travel dates.
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 (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)