Travel Guide to Vitosha

Getting There

• Car

  If you're traveling by car, start by navigating to the city of Sofia. From Sofia, take the ring road (Sofia Ring Road) and follow the signs for Vitosha Mountain. You can take the exit towards 'Vitosha' which leads you to the main access road. As you drive towards the mountain, you'll pass through the town of Dragalevtsi. Continue following the signs for the Vitosha Nature Park. There are multiple parking areas available near popular hiking trails. Parking fees may apply depending on the area, so be prepared with Bulgarian leva.

• Public Transportation

  To reach Vitosha Mountain using public transportation, take the metro line 1 (the red line) from Sofia city center to the station 'Vitosha'. From there, you have two options: take bus number 63 which goes directly to the Vitosha cable car station, or opt for a taxi from the metro station to your desired starting point on the mountain. If you choose the bus, make sure to check the schedule as it may vary, especially on weekends. The bus ride typically costs around 1.60 leva.

• Cable Car

  For an exciting way to ascend Vitosha Mountain, consider taking the drag lift or the gondola lift from the base of the mountain. After arriving at the Vitosha cable car station (accessible by bus or taxi as mentioned), purchase a ticket at the ticket office (prices vary, usually around 15 leva for a one-way ticket). The cable car will take you up to the Aleko area, which is a popular starting point for hikes and offers stunning views of Sofia.

• Hiking

  Once you reach the Aleko area via the cable car, you will find various marked hiking trails leading to different points of interest on Vitosha Mountain, including the Cherni Vrah peak. Follow the signs for the route you wish to take. Ensure you have appropriate footwear and supplies, as the trails can vary in difficulty. The trails are well-maintained and popular among both locals and tourists.