Bulgaria · WINTER ACTIVITIES
Good winter activities fill up weeks ahead; the great ones go first. Below: the 13 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
Snowshoe frozen Seven Rila Lakes from Sofia, then soak in hot thermal pools at Sapareva Banya. Winter views, guided day trip.
“The snow shoeing experience was great. Giorgi, was an excellent host and it was interesting to hear his perspectives on Bulgarian culture and his in depth knowledge of the Riva Mountains and its Lakes. We thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend it.”
Snowshoe the Seven Rila Lakes from Sofia, ride up by chairlift, then soak in Sapareva Banya hot springs for a full winter day.
“In advance of the tour, we sent multiple Viator messages, wrote an email, and called the provided number 5+ times. We did not select a pickup point because we were already going to be in Rila and wanted to meet there, so we asked where would be best to meet the local guide. No one responded to any of these inquiries, no one reached out to us via the phone number I provided, and so ultimately my husband and I did not go on this tour. (Despite having paid for it!) We had a great day in Rila by ourselves, but there was absolutely no communication from the vendor which…”
Snowshoe on Bulgaria’s Vitosha Mountain from Sofia with an English-speaking guide, included gear, and winter views on a 7-hour hike.
“Ha estat increible, hi havia molta boira pero tot i així el guia tenia diferents opcions i hem pogut gaudir de la muntanya”
Full-day Vitosha snowshoe hike from Sofia with hotel pickup, snowshoe hire, and Cherni Vrah summit views, guided in English.
“An amazing day with a great team! We got very lucky with the weather and had an opportunity to hike up to the 5th lake since it was clear and sunny. It might be a bit challenging physically for some but in general everyone would be able to do it without a lot of preparation. Appreciation to our guide Daniel for his knowledge, competency and responsibility.”
Winter warmth in Bulgaria from Sofia to Borovets, Tsarska Bistritsa, then 5 panoramic mineral pools in Sapareva Banya.
Private 9-hour winter day trip from Sofia to Borovets, with skiing or lessons and Tsari Mali Grad fortress.
“The pick up and drop off was smooth. I have the best driver and guide called Simon. He’s very patient and makes the trip so enjoyable. Make sure before booking that you have someone to guide you, not only to drive as in the description.”
Snowshoe in Vitosha National Park from Sofia, warm up with lunch at a mountain hut, then visit the peaceful Dragalevtsi Monastery.
“My visit to Vitosha National Park was a great experience. There was snow, which made the landscape amazing and the walk even more special. Also, our guide Simon was an excellent person, very kind, helpful, and always attentive, which made the visit even better.”
Private winter day trip from Sofia to snowy Rila and Borovets. Choose skiing, ski-doo, Tsari Mali Grad, or a spa break.
“Simeon took us to beautiful places, including the spa and went out of his way to accommodate our requests. Highly recommended!”
Snowshoe for a full day in Bansko, Bulgaria. Rent snowshoes and poles for trails and mountain views, perfect for first-timers.
Private one-day winter Rila Mountains adventure from Sofia: GPS self-drive, horse riding, ice-fishing lunch, and an alpine coaster.
Snowshoe through Vitosha National Park from Sofia, learn winter wildlife, warm up with mountain hut lunch, optional Dragalevtsi Monastery.
Ride new Ski-doo snowmobiles through Borovets forests on a guided 1-hour safari. No license needed, beginner pace, helmet included.
“Great excursion, highly recommend if you have never done this before.”
Winter guided hike to Musala Peak (2,925 m) from Sofia, with private transfer, Yastrebets lift, crampons, hot tea, and summit views.
“Fantastic hike to Musala peak ! The climb up the mountain to the peak is quite difficult...especially if you are not used to snow but there is a rest hut on the way. The guide Pencho was also amazing and patient. Crampons were provided for the final stretch to the peak. The view at the top is wonderful ! Great sunny weather too !”
Pick a monastery, a mountain, a cave or a coastline.
