Adventure Awaits in Beautiful Bulgaria
Beautiful Bulgaria is bulging with adventure, be it beavering through bountiful mountains or diving below the blue waters of the Black Sea.
Bulgaria may often be more famous for corruption than its incredible natural environment; however, that perception is slowly changing. From the Balkan Mountains, which run laterally through the center of the country, to the alpine ranges of Rila and Pirin in the southwest, and the Rhodope Mountains further east, visitors will find stunning mountains and thickly forested valleys roamed by lynx, wolves, and bears. Bulgaria’s dynamic climate is perfect for paragliders, while on the coast, the Black Sea is dotted with exciting wrecks for divers to explore.
Skiing & Snowboarding in Bulgaria
With many peaks exceeding 2500m, the Rila and Pirin mountains boast the country’s best resorts. Borovets and Pamporovo are popular among both Bulgarians and visitors; however, one of the up-and-coming spots is found at the foot of the Pirin mountains – the historic village of Bansko, with ruins dating back to 100BC. Bansko features 14 lifts covering two mountains, glorious forested runs, and reliable snow (it also has snow-making equipment). Moreover, it is one of the most affordable places to experience the ultimate skiing indulgence – heli-skiing.
Hiking Highlights
There are boundless options for adventurers visiting Bulgaria. One of the most dramatic hikes is a three- to four-day trek from Mt Musala (2925m), the highest peak in Bulgaria. This trail passes through lush alpine meadows, rocky cirques, and glacial lakes, ultimately leading to the World Heritage-listed Rila Monastery, founded in the 10th century, and one of Bulgaria’s most famous sights. In nearby Pirin, Vihren (2914m) is another classic target for peak-baggers. Furthermore, there are excellent networks of trails throughout Bulgaria, allowing hikers to explore remote villages and end long days with a glass of rakia (grape brandy) in one of the country’s vast network of hizhas (hiking huts).
Climbing & Mountaineering Adventures
Climbing in Bulgaria is a revelatory experience, with numerous small but unique crags scattered throughout the country. Sport climbers should visit Prohodna Cave at Karlukovo, a fascinating limestone cavern with two entrances and skylights in the roof known as the “Eyes of God.” The area, while captivating, is not for beginners, with routes exceeding 8c+. Lakatnik, located just north of the capital Sofia, is Bulgaria’s most popular climbing area, offering 250 sport routes. Traditional climbers and alpinists will find paradise among the superb granite towers and crags in the Rila and Pirin mountains.
Thrilling Kayaking & Rafting
Bulgaria is punctuated with rivers; however, many are too small for paddling. Still, there are notable exceptions. The Kamchia and Struma rivers are popular with guiding companies and offer excellent trips for beginners, while more experienced paddlers might prefer the tight, technical rapids of the Devinska and Buinovska. On the coast, sea kayaking on the Black Sea is a popular activity, providing opportunities to explore beautiful beaches, historical towns, steep sea cliffs, and Roman ruins.
Paragliding in Bulgaria
The diverse landscape and dynamic weather patterns enable Bulgaria to emerge as one of Europe’s best destinations for paragliding (and hang-gliding). Numerous launch sites in the mountains, with Sopot in the Balkan Mountains being particularly popular, offer excellent flying conditions. Moreover, good paragliding opportunities can also be found along the coast.
Ultra Running Events
The grueling Tryavna Ultra features an ascent of 5840m, taking trail runners 141km through the Balkan Mountains and showcasing remarkable highlights such as the Buzludzha Monument, an architecturally striking testament to bygone communism.
Diving into Bulgaria’s Marine History
Diving in the Black Sea presents an opportunity to explore rich marine history dating back to antiquity. Divers can investigate the remnants of the German WWII Black Sea fleet, from imposing battleships to minelayers and torpedo boats, or venture to eerie sunken WWII Soviet submarines. North of Varna, an old Roman port lies at a depth of 12m, with the treasure of Alexander the Great rumored to be buried nearby.
