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Vitosha Mountain

Vitosha Mountain is a majestic massif on the southern edge of Sofia, offering year-round outdoor activities just minutes from the city center. With its highest peak Cherni Vrah (Black Peak) at 2,290 meters, Vitosha is a beloved escape for Sofia residents and visitors. The mountain features extensive hiking trails, the unique Zlatni Mostove (Golden Bridges) stone river, the Aleko ski resort, and stunning views of the capital. As a nature park, it protects diverse flora and fauna including endemic species. The mountain can be reached by chairlift, bus, or car.

Practical Information

Updated: Jan 6, 2026

Visit Duration

Minimum3 hours
Recommended5 hours
Maximum8 hours

Entrance Fee

Free

Free entry to mountain. Cable car/chairlifts weekends only until Sep. Bus 61 from center. No weekday public transport to high areas

Best Time to Visit

Summer for hiking, winter for skiing. Weekends are crowded - go early. Clear days for best views of Sofia

Crowd Level

Moderate — comfortable
Official Website

How to Get There

Bus 66 from Vitosha metro station to Aleko (weekends). Taxi to Zlatni Mostove or chairlift base. Car recommended for flexibility

What to Expect

A mountain wilderness minutes from a capital city. Fresh air, hiking trails for all levels, ski slopes in winter, and spectacular views. A unique urban escape.

Connectivity

Wi-Fi
Not available

Facilities & Services

hiking trails
ski resort
cable car
chairlift
restaurants
viewpoints

Working Hours

Updated: Jan 6, 2026
Monday24 hours
Tuesday24 hours
Wednesday24 hours
Thursday24 hours
Friday24 hours
Saturday24 hours
Sunday24 hours
Note

Natural site, accessible 24/7. Note: Main cable cars (Simeonovo, Dragalevtsi) are not operational as of 2025. Bus #66 reaches Aleko area. Vitoshko lale lifts operate weekends only.

Accessibility

Wheelchair Access
Not accessible

faq.title

faq.subtitle Vitosha Mountain

Yes, there are easy trails suitable for all fitness levels, especially around Zlatni Mostove. For more challenging hikes, trails to Cherni Vrah are well-marked but require moderate fitness.

Yes, Aleko ski resort has ski slopes and lifts operating in winter (December-March, snow permitting). It is much smaller and cheaper than Bansko or Borovets.

Travel Tips

Useful tips for visiting Vitosha Mountain

One of Europes largest royal palaces (135,000 sqm). Free entry for EU citizens only. Book online to skip queues. Changing of Guard first Wednesday of month at 12pm (except summer). Gardens are free.

Metro: Opera (lines 2, 5). Bus: 3, 25, 39, 46, 75, 138, 148 to Plaza de Oriente. Nearest Cercanías: Príncipe Pío. Taxi from airport: ~€30-40.

Reviews

Weather

Average temperature by month

Nowweather-5°
49%7 м/с
Todayweather1°-6°
Tomorrowweather6°1°
Thuweather6°0°
Friweather5°1°
Satweather3°0°
Sunweather1°-3°
Monweather-1°-3°
4°
-4°Jan
7°
-2°Feb
11°
1°Mar
17°
5°Apr
21°
10°May
25°
13°Jun
28°
15°Jul
28°
15°Aug
23°
11°Sep
18°
6°Oct
11°
2°Nov
5°
-2°Dec

What else to see

Interesting places nearby

Boyana Church
-5°
Closed
BGN12
Religious

Boyana Church

National Historical Museum
-5°
Closed
BGN10
Museum

National Historical Museum

Saint Sofia Church
-5°
Closed
BGN6
Religious

Saint Sofia Church

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
-5°
Closed
Free
Religious

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

Vitosha Boulevard
-5°
Free
History

Vitosha Boulevard

Rotunda of St. George
-5°
Closed
Free
Religious

Rotunda of St. George

National Palace of Culture (NDK)
-5°
Closed
Free
History

National Palace of Culture (NDK)