Mountains Travel Guide
The natural beauty of Bulgaria is especially striking to first time visitors, and in particular it is the dominance of its magnificent mountains that make the country so visually impressive. Bulgaria's mountains come in a variety of shapes and sizes, including those that have sharp, snow-covered peaks and icy blue lakes, cool forests, and bio-reserves with varied flora and fauna. Among the heights are large ski resorts and mineral spas; quaint, traditional villages; monasteries; and many opportunities for hiking, skiing, cave exploration, and ecotourism.
More than half of Bulgaria is hilly or mountainous, with an average elevation of about 1,575ft (480m). The Balkan Mountains in the central region cross the country from west to east, the irregular Rhodope Mountains form the southeastern border with Greece, and the Rila and Pirin Mountains mark the western border. Every mountain range has its own characteristic appearance and tourism prospects.
The Rila Mountains are the most majestic and boast the country's highest peak (Moussala), 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. Hundreds of lakes, deep valleys, and rugged peaks make the Pirin Mountains arguably the most beautiful, while the Pirin National Park is home to a variety of rare plants, which are protected within it. Lastly, the most frequented mountain is Vitosha, with the capital city, Sofia, at its foot. It is popular for winter holidays and skiing, as well as for hiking and picnicking in the summer.
Things to do in Mountains
The mountain ranges of Bulgaria have a lot to offer visitors besides their famous ski resorts. The mountain scenery is glorious and most activities and attractions in the Bulgarian mountains revolve around outdoor activities and experiencing the beautiful landscapes. In winter, skiing and snowboarding are the activities of choice, and in summer hiking, climbing, camping, picnicking, hunting, and fishing are popular.
The pretty Rhodope Mountains are known for ecotourism and ethnographic gems such as the picturesque village of Momchilovtsi, which is famous for its well-preserved architecture, folk traditions and crafts.
There are a number of these charming villages in the Rhodope range. Two of the most remote and authentic are Leshten and Kavachevitsa, in the southwest, which are tiny old towns built almost entirely out of stone and remarkably untouched by the modern world. The Rhodope Mountains also boast a number of ancient Thracian sites, including Perperikon and Tatul, and some wonderful caves.
The Pirin Mountains are perhaps the most rugged and beautiful of Bulgaria's mountains and the greatest tourist attraction of the Pirin range is the awe-inspiring Pirin National Park, which is listed by UNESCO.
A great base from which to explore Pirin's numerous hiking trails and natural attractions is the village of Bansko, which is an important tourism centre as well as a popular ski resort. One of the most visited attractions in Pirin is the Rozhen Monastery, a beautifully preserved medieval monastery with some valuable frescoes and artefacts.
Bulgaria's largest national park, the Rila National Park, is located in the central region of the Rila Mountain range and attracts visitors with its alpine lakes and hot mineral springs, as well as its wealth of natural splendour and outdoor activities. The Rila Mountains boast one of Bulgaria's most famous attractions, the ancient Rila Monastery, and the country's oldest ski resort, the village of Borovets, which is a great place to stay while exploring the mountains.
Pirin National Park
Situated in the highest reaches of the Pirin Mountains, Pirin National Park encompasses rugged alpine peaks that rise 8,202ft (2,500m) into the atmosphere with 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 near-extinct flowers such as the edelweiss and Pirin poppy. Boasting an abundance of rare and endemic species of plants and animals, this unique national park is listed as a UNESCO World Cultural and National Heritage Site. Alpine mountaineering and skiing are popular activities in Pirin, as is hiking. The park boasts numerous, well-maintained hiking trails which wind through stunning scenery.
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 an important role in the spiritual history of medieval Bulgaria. Having survived fire, abandonment and plunder, the monastery fascinates visitors 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. The Rila Monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-see attraction for anybody visiting Bulgaria.
Momchilovtsi
In the heart of the Rhodope Mountains lies the picturesque village of Momchilovtsi, a popular cultural and 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, spelunking, trout fishing, and hunting.
Mountains Climate and Weather
Bulgaria has a temperate-continental climate, which is typical for Central Europe, and the climate is generally considered pleasantly mild. The country has four distinct seasons and a climate that varies somewhat between the coastal areas and the mountainous ones.
Winters are naturally more cold in the mountains, with heavy snowfall and 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, and is over five feet (1.5m) thick.
Summer temperatures vary from 57°F to 66°F (14°C - 19°C) and, during this season, the mountains are popular with hikers and campers. Spring is particularly beautiful in the mountains because all the flowers are in their first bloom. Spring and autumn are fairly mild seasons that attract off-peak tourists for relaxing mountain breaks.
Bulgaria travel info
Electricity
Electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz. European two-pin plugs and schuko plugs are in use.
Language
Bulgarian is the official language, which uses the Cyrillic alphabet, but English, German and French are spoken in resorts, hotels, and restaurants.
Money
The official currency is the Lev (BGN), which is divided into 100 stotinki. Bulgaria has strict currency regulations. Travellers who enter Bulgaria from non-EU countries must declare amounts over EUR10,000 to customs officials. Foreign currency may be exchanged in banks, hotels, or at one of the numerous bureaux de change. Bulgaria is mostly a cash economy, though credit and debit card use is increasing. There are ATMs in the main cities and at Black Sea resorts.
Tipping
Tips of 10 percent of the bill are customary for most services, including restaurants, while hotel porters and taxi drivers expect visitors to round up the bill for good service.
Health
Bulgaria poses few health risks and there are no vaccinations required for entry. Vaccinations for hepatitis A and hepatitis B are always recommended for travellers, though. Similarly, a rabies vaccination is recommended for travellers who will be spending a lot of time outdoors or who will be exposed to animals.
Travellers should note that medical treatment can be expensive and payment is expected immediately. Facilities in local hospitals are basic and specialised treatment or equipment may not be freely available. Medical insurance, with provision for emergency evacuation, is therefore vital. Travellers from the UK should also hold a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), which replaced the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for UK citizens. The GHIC allows UK citizens access to state healthcare during visits to the EU. The GHIC is not valid in Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland, nor is it an alternative to travel insurance.
Safety
Most visits to Bulgaria are trouble-free. Violent crime is rare, but criminal groups target casinos and nightclubs and groups of young pickpockets are active in city centres and the Black Sea holiday resorts. Car theft is also relatively common.
Local customs
Foreigners should be aware that traditionally a shake of the head means 'yes' and a nod means 'no', although allowances are often made for visitors. It's useful to clarify the answer verbally to avoid confusion. Family values are extremely important in Bulgaria, so treating seniors with deference is important. Visitors should remember that covering their faces with garments such as burkas is illegal in public places, including governmental buildings, streets, parks, and on public transport. Though not illegal, homosexuality is less tolerated than in the UK, and the LGBT community keeps a low profile. Visitors should avoid taking photos of potentially sensitive areas such as military bases; authorities treat all drug-related offenses very seriously.
Doing business
Relationship building is important in Bulgaria, and initial meetings may be used as an introduction, after which more business-related meetings can be planned. Face-to-face meetings are therefore preferred over communication by email, fax or phone. The use of English in business is increasing, however the services of a translator might be required, and presentations should include the use of visuals where possible. Introductions include firm handshakes, and the exchange of business cards. Dress should be conservative business attire and punctuality is expected. Business hours are generally 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday.
Duty free
Travellers from non-EU member states, aged 17 and older, do not need to pay customs duty on 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars, or 250g of tobacco; 1 litre of spirits and 2 litres of wine. Visitors arriving with goods purchased within the EU who are older than 17 do not need to pay customs duty on 800 cigarettes or 200 cigars, or 1 kilogram of tobacco; 10 litres of spirits and 90 litres of wine, though no more than 60 litres of sparkling wine.
Communications
The country dialling code for Bulgaria is +359. Travellers can purchase local SIM cards for their phones; free WiFi is available in major cities such as Sofia, Varna, Nessebar and Plovdiv.
Passport & Visa
Visitors must have proof of sufficient funds or onward or return tickets in addition to other documents needed for the next destination. Immigration and entry regulations are very strictly enforced. Passports of all visitors should be valid for at least three months after leaving Bulgaria. It's recommended that passports be valid for three months after the intended period of travel. Visa requirements vary from country to country.
Entry requirements
Citizens of the US do not need a visa to visit Bulgaria for a period of up to 90 days. Passports must be valid for at least three months beyond period of intended stay.
British Citizens do not need a visa to visit Bulgaria for a period of up to 90 days. A passport valid for at least three months beyond period of intended stay is required.
Canadians do not need a visa to visit Bulgaria for a period of up to 90 days. A passport valid for at least three months beyond period of intended stay is required.
Australians do not need a visa to visit Bulgaria for a period of up to 90 days. A passport valid for at least three months beyond period of intended stay is required.
South Africans need a visa to enter Bulgaria, except for stays of up to 90 days for holders of a Schengen visa. A passport valid for at least three months beyond period of intended stay is required.
Irish nationals do not need a visa to visit Bulgaria. A passport valid for the period of intended stay is required.
New Zealanders do not require a visa for a maximum stay of 90 days. A passport valid for at least three months beyond period of intended stay is required.
Useful contacts
Bulgarian Tourism Office, Sofia: +359 2 987 9778 or www.bulgariatravel.org.
112 (Pan-European General Emergency Helpline).Embassies / consulates in other countries
Bulgarian Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 387 0174.
Bulgarian Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 20 7581 3144
Bulgarian Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 789 3215.
Bulgarian Embassy, Canberra, Australia: +61 2 6286 9700
Bulgarian Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 12 342 3720/1.
Bulgarian Embassy, Dublin, Ireland: +353 1 660 3293.
Bulgarian Embassy, Canberra, Australia (also responsible for New Zealand): +61 2 6286 9700
Embassies / consulates in Bulgaria
United States Embassy, Sofia: +359 2 937 5100.
British Embassy, Sofia: +359 2 933 9222.
Canadian Consulate, Sofia: +359 2 969 9710.
Australian Consulate, Sofia: +359 2 946 1334.
South African Embassy, Sofia: + 359 2 939 5015
Irish Embassy, Sofia: +359 2 985 3425.
Australian Consulate, Sofia (also responsible for New Zealand): +359 2 946 1334.