Best Hiking Areas in Sofia, Bulgaria

Sofia, the capital city of Bulgaria, offers a unique blend of urban lifestyle and breathtaking natural beauty. If you’re a nature lover or an avid hiker, these top hiking areas will not disappoint!

Vitosha Mountain (Витоша)

Vitosha Mountain is the closest mountain to Sofia city center, making it easily accessible for a quick escape into nature. With its diverse landscapes, from lush forests to alpine meadows and rocky peaks, it’s an ideal location for hiking at any skill level. Some popular trails include Boyana Waterfall (Вояна водопад), Zlatnite Mostove (Златни мостове - Golden Bridges) and Cherni Vrah (Черни връх - Black Peak).

Mt. Stoletovska (Могилска планина / Столетовска планина)

Mt. Stoletovska, also known as Mogilska or Stoletovska planina, is another great destination for hiking near Sofia. The mountain offers a variety of trails, with the most popular one leading to the peak of Murgash (Мургаш) at 1,804 meters above sea level. This moderate-difficulty trail takes around three hours to complete and rewards hikers with panoramic views of Sofia and the surrounding area.

Mt. Orlovo Branishte (Орлово бранище)

Located about 60 kilometers southwest of Sofia, Mt. Orlovo Branishte offers more challenging trails for experienced hikers. The highest peak, Golyam Kupen (Голям Купен) stands at 1,934 meters above sea level. The trail to the summit is steep and rocky, but the stunning views from the top make it all worthwhile.

Mt. Lulin (Лулин)

Mt. Lulin lies just 15 kilometers northeast of Sofia city center. While smaller than some other nearby mountains, it still offers beautiful hiking trails with varying levels of difficulty. One popular trail leads to the top of Kopitoto (Копитото), where you can enjoy panoramic views of Sofia and the surrounding area.

Mt. Plana (Плана)

Mt. Plana is located approximately 30 kilometers east of Sofia, in the Stara Zagora region. The highest peak, Cherna Basha (Черна Баша), stands at 1,468 meters above sea level. This mountain offers a variety of hiking trails that cater to different skill levels. The trail to Cherna Basha is relatively easy and takes around three hours to complete.

No matter which hiking area you choose in Sofia, Bulgaria, you’re guaranteed to experience the rich natural beauty and unique charm that this region has to offer!