Walks around Sofia

Vitosha is the closest place for a walk around Sofia. Here are ten places south of the city, from Boyana to the Samokov area, each with the driving distance and what to expect when you get there.

Distances are by road from Sveta Nedelya Square and are rounded. Travel time depends on traffic, so we give kilometres.

Boyana and the Golden Bridges: 8–11 km

• Boyana Church – 8 km. A medieval church in the Boyana district, on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1979.
• Boyana Waterfall – the trails start from the upper end of Boyana. At 25 m, it is the largest waterfall on Vitosha. The path past Boyana Lake is longer but gentler. The direct path is much steeper and not for inexperienced walkers. From Boyana square to the waterfall the climb is about 550 m.
• Golden Bridges (Zlatnite Mostove) – 11 km. The largest stone river in the area, at 1,350–1,500 m above sea level. The name comes from the golden lichen on the boulders. Routes to Cherni Vrah start here.

Aleko and Cherni Vrah: 22 km

Aleko is the first mountain hut built on Vitosha and lies 22 km from the centre. A 15 km road leads up to it from Dragalevtsi. You can also get there by the gondola lift from Simeonovo, when it is running.

The Vitosha ski area is around the hut. The highest point of the mountain, Cherni Vrah (2,290 m), is further up.

Pancharevo and Urvich fortress: 16–20 km

• Pancharevo Lake – 16 km, on the road to Samokov. A reservoir on the Iskar river between Vitosha and the Lozenska mountain. The village of Pancharevo and its mineral springs are on the west shore; the east shore is covered in oak and pine forest.
• Urvich fortress – 20 km. A medieval fortress on the steep right bank of the Iskar, in the Lozenska mountain. The river makes a bend here that is protected as a natural landmark.

Yarema and Plana: 30 km

• Yarema villa zone – 30 km, via Bistritsa and Zheleznitsa. City bus 69 also runs here. Trails lead to Gradishte Peak (about 50 minutes) and Fizkulturnik Hut (about 3 hours). More in the article Yarema Villa Zone.
• St. Cyprian Chapel in Plana – 10 km from Yarema, about 20 minutes by car, with views of Vitosha and Rila. The village of Plana also has the Buddhist Stupa of Enlightenment. More on the Plana Mountain page.

The Samokov area: Tsari Mali Grad and Sapareva Banya

• Tsari Mali Grad – 55 km from central Sofia, 27 km from Yarema. A late Roman fortress on a hill above the village of Belchin. The village also has the medieval church of St. Petka and an ethnographic museum. More on the Tsari Mali Grad page.
• Sapareva Banya – 80 km from the centre, 40 km from Yarema. The town is known for its mineral water, at 103 °C, and for its geyser. More on the Sapareva Banya page.

Walks with children and in winter

With children, choose the gentler routes. To reach Boyana Waterfall, take the path past Boyana Lake rather than the direct one. In Yarema, the trail to Zheleznitsa has little change in elevation, and there are benches and a gazebo by the chapel of St. Mina.

In winter, the ski area is around Aleko. On the coldest days Boyana Waterfall freezes, and parts of the direct path to it get icy. The higher you go, the colder it gets: in Yarema, at about 1,300 m, it is usually a few degrees cooler than in the city. Bring warm clothes and shoes with a good grip.

If you want to see several of these places over two days, you can stay in Yarema. Villa 1331 is 30 km from central Sofia and 27 km from Tsari Mali Grad. See the accommodation or send an enquiry for your dates.