Travel guide – mountains
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Overview
The natural beauty of Bulgaria is specially striking to first time visitors, and in particular it is the dominance of its magnificent mountains, ranging from sharp snow-covered peaks and icy blue lakes to cool forests, bio-reserves and varied flora and fauna that really impresses the traveller. Among the heights are large ski resorts and mineral spas, quaint traditional villages, monasteries, and many opportunities for hiking, cave exploration and ecotourism.
More than half of Bulgaria is hilly or mountainous; the average elevation is about 1,575ft (480m). The Balkan Mountains in the central region cross the country from west to east, while the irregular Rhodope Mountains form the southeastern border with Greece, with the Rila and Pirin Mountains at their western end. Every mountain has its own characteristic appearance and fascinating prospects. The Rila Mountains are the most majestic and boast the country's highest peak, Moussala (9,596ft/2,925m), Bulgaria's most famous monastery, Rila, and the country's oldest ski resort at Borovets. The greenest and prettiest mountain range is the Rhodopes, which is home to Pamporovo, the largest ski resort, as well as plenty of culture and folklore centred on the town of Momchilovtsi, which is the most popular place for ecotourism. Museum villages in the Balkan Range also offer excellent possibilities for ecotourism and are a showcase for the hospitality and warmth of the Bulgarian people. With hundreds of lakes, deep valleys and rugged peaks, the Pirin Mountains are probably the most beautiful and are home to a variety of rare plants protected within the Pirin National Park. The most frequented mountain is Vitosha, with the capital city Sofia at its foot, and is popular for winter holidays and skiing.
Situated in the foothills of one of the country's most beautiful mountains, Bansko is a charming and historic town with the stunning alpine backdrop formed by the Pirin Mountains. A climatic mountain resort, Bansko is known as an alpine skiing, hiking and climbing centre, but it combines its natural beauty and outdoor opportunities with the atmosphere of an ancient Bulgarian town from the 10th century, and boasts a wealth of culture and history, as well as traditional taverna-style cuisine and colourful folklore. The traditional stone and wooden buildings are an integral part of its charm and character and many relics and monuments survive from its past. The alpine character of the Pirin Mountains create excellent skiing conditions for all types of skiers and experts can enjoy some of the country's best downhill skiing at the nearby resort of Shiligarnika.
Things to do and see in or around Bansko
Pirin National Park
Situated in the highest reaches of the Pirin Mountains, Pirin National Park encompasses rugged alpine peaks that rise above 8,202ft (2,500m) and more than a hundred glacial lakes spread at their feet. The magnificent landscape is made up of old forests, waterfalls, caves and areas of limestone that are home to the near extinct edelweiss and the Pirin poppy. Characteristic to the park is the abundance of rare and endemic species of plants and animals, and the unique environment is listed as a UNESCO World Cultural and National Heritage site, with a wide variety of flora and fauna. Alpine mountaineering and skiing are popular, and together with the cultural heritage of the surrounding mountain settlements and stunning scenery, Pirin National Park is an attractive tourist destination.
Telephone: 7443 5616
Borovets is the oldest and biggest ski resort in Bulgaria, situated on the northern slopes of the Rila Mountains at the foot of the highest peak in the country, Moussala. Nestled among old pine forests the resort was founded in 1896 as a hunting place for the kings and gradually developed into a modern resort with luxury hotels, restaurants and a superb network of ski runs varying in difficulty. There is also a wide choice of après ski entertainment and nightlife as well as organised trips to places of interest in the Rila Mountains. Winters are mild and snowy and the air is clean, clear and invigorating.
Things to do and see in or around Borovets
Rila Monastery
The biggest and most famous of Bulgaria's monasteries is situated in the northwestern part of the Rila Mountains and is one of the most significant monuments on the Balkan Peninsula. Rila Monastery was founded by a hermit, St John of Rila, in the 10th century, and eventually became a monastic complex that played a primary role in the spiritual history of medieval Bulgaria. Having survived fire, abandonment and plunder, the monastery fascinates visitors today with its exquisite architecture, rich murals and icons and valuable museum collection, including old manuscripts, jewellery, textiles, church treasures and a library containing thousands of books.
Telephone: 987 5611 ; Gates are open daily from dawn to dusk, but some sights within the monastery complex have shorter hours. Services are from 7 or 8am and 4 or 5pm depending on the time of year
In the heart of the Rhodope Mountains lies the picturesque village of Momchilovtsi, a popular ethnographic centre that has preserved its original folklore, traditions and crafts. The Centre for Traditional Bulgarian Arts and Crafts provides a unique opportunity for visitors to attend courses to learn about and participate in traditional crafts like folk dancing, weaving, woodcarving, cooking, music and various artistic handicrafts. In winter it is a popular base from which to visit the famous ski resort of Pamporovo, which is only four miles (7km) away and the surrounding mountains and rivers offer superb hiking, caving, trout fishing and hunting.
A modern ski resort in the heart of the Rhodope Mountains, Pamporovo is the sunniest Bulgarian winter resort situated at an altitude of 5,413ft (1,650m) and has wonderful snow throughout the season. The unique Mediterranean climate is extremely healthy and provides excellent conditions for climatic therapy and health tourism all year round. A Balneological Centre operates from within the resort. Pamporovo provides a variety of excellent ski runs for all degrees of difficulty, most of them starting from the Snejanka peak above the resort. The ski school centre is one of the best in Europe with highly qualified instructors and an international reputation. Off the slopes there are numerous opportunities for entertainment and interesting tourist attractions; the Rhodope Mountains have long been the source of legends and stories, including the mythical singer Orpheus, and the region is interesting for its folk traditions and culture.
Sandanski is an internationally renowned climatic and health resort situated in the foothills of the Pirin Mountains and is one of Bulgaria’s best spa resorts. A combination of clean air, mild climate, beautiful surroundings and natural mineral springs makes it an ideal town for rehabilitation, recreation and spa treatments. The town is famous for its treatment of respiratory problems, particularly bronchial asthma, but the comprehensive balneo-climatic treatments also have beneficial effects on numerous other conditions. Sandanski hosts several festivals throughout the year and is a point of departure to various attractions in the Pirin Mountains.
Climate
Winters are cold with heavy snowfall in the mountains with average January temperatures of 23°F (-5°C) in the valleys and ski resorts, and up to -4°F (-20°C) on the high peaks. Snow cover usually lasts for five or six months (December to April) on the north slopes of higher mountains, or until the end of February, and is over five feet (1.5m) thick. Summer temperatures vary from 57 to 66°F (14 to 19°C).
Health
No vaccinations are required for entry to Bulgaria. The country poses few health risks beyond mild travellers' diarrhoea. Bird flu has been confirmed in wild birds in north west Bulgaria, but measures have been taken to contain the outbreak; visitors are not at risk although close contact with caged, wild and domestic birds should be avoided, and all poultry and egg dishes well cooked as a precaution. Mains water is chlorinated, but occasionally causes stomach upsets, so bottled water is advised. Food is safe in hotels and restaurants, but street vendors should be avoided. Medical treatment can be expensive and payment is expected immediately. Facilities in local hospitals are basic and old-fashioned and specialised treatment and equipment is not freely available. Medical insurance, with provision for emergency evacuation, is therefore vitally necessary.
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