Bulgaria’s Vitosha Mountain – An Adventure for Everyone
Guest Post by Guy Arnold
As well as marvelling at its dramatic architecture, the numerous museums, theatres, monuments, the sumptuous dishes on offer in Bulgaria restaurants (including all sorts of grilled meats, and the compulsory salad that comes with each meal!), there is something of an icon that has to be explored. Situated on the outskirts of Bulgaria’s capital, Sofia, lies the most visited mountain in the country: the Vitosha Mountain. With the highest peak of 2290 metres, and easily accessible from the city via public transport, the Vitosha is an outdoor enthusiast’s playground.
There are plenty of activities to take part in on this giant snow-piled slope. Skiing is one of the favourites, particularly in the winter, and is home to the highest skiing resort in Bulgaria. There are various ski runs ranging from the green run which is the easiest, to the Vitoshko Lale – the most difficult. Also on offer are tours on foot across the mountain and, if you prefer not to tumble down the hillside like a human snowball, tracks for some cross country skiing. Ski rents are available and all skill levels are welcome.
They say that beauty is only skin deep; not on Vitosha. Beneath its powdery exterior there lurks an ice-cold cave system; something else which is unique in Bulgaria. The Duhlata cave system is the longest in the country with 17.5 miles of gloomy caverns and six underground rivers. Together with this, and back above ground, is an opportunity to scale some of Vitosha’s infamous rock formations (both formed volcanically and as a result of climate change).
From the depths to the dizzying heights, there is a cable lift that can go from Simeonovo, one of the neighbourhoods in Sofia, right to the foot of Cherni Vrah, the highest peak. From there you can sit at the Aleko Hut, sampling some satisfying food and drink, with the Sofia valley spread before you: lush green forests, set below jagged mountains and rolling meadows in between is your reward.
Vitosha: Bulgaria’s natural Disney Land; a haven for skiers, rock climbers, and those who simply fancy breathing in the beauty of Mother Nature herself. It’s a place unlike any other and, so close to the city limits, its location couldn’t be more suited for those whose lives need occasional injections of tranquillity. And, let’s face it; there are plenty of people like. 🙂
About The Author
Cecil Lee
The author is an avid traveler and photography hobbyist who loves to share with others his travel and photo-taking experience in many popular tourist destinations around Europe, Asia and Australasia. Read the exciting stories with many photos captured on his journeys.
