Zheleznitsa Sofia
East gate of Vitosha
Another easy escape to the mountain.
If you are in IKEA Sofia picking out what to assemble the next weekend, you might not know that instead of travelling through its labyrinths you could choose to hike around the mountain. This takes the same, if not less, effort with the villages of Bistritsa and Zheleznitsaa just a few kilometers away. Famous for the panorama views of Vitosha mountain and the Field of Sofia, they offer easy walks from one to another, or uphill towards Cherni Vrah (peak).
Zheleznitsa is right after Bistritsa, by the bus lines 69, 70 and 98. There is one particularly suitable spot for picnics, requiring a fifteen minute walk from Zheleznitsa, if you take a right on the first path just before the bridge at the entrance of the village. Besides chilling by the river while watching the southern face of Vitosha, you can also have your carpet washed in the river by local enterprising grandmas.
The paths are hard to miss, marked with yellow signs, starting from the center of the village (at the town hall), where the bus stops. For a hike, go straight by the yellow pillars which mark the way to Cherni Vrah. If you are looking for "a walk in the park" level, then turn hard right after the last houses (look for a sign), or just get off the bus at Aneva Cheshma stop. This will take you to the panorama path between Bistritsa and Zheleznitsa (length approx. 5km).
About this spot
Zheleznitsa
- 24 hours daily
BGN
no-price
Find your way with 129 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Sofia
Vishneva tram stop
Hidden forest stop in Sofia
Here is a hidden gem - a cute tram stop: Vishneva (which means sour cherry in Bulgarian), a small, charming wooden house in the forest.
by
Tsvetomira
Filipova
Zona Urbana
Recycled art
At "Zona Urbana" Sofia you can buy a fabulous, unique bag or wallet made from old newspapers or paper maps. It's a shop perfect for recycle freaks!
by
Tsvetomira
Filipova
Sofia City Art Gallery
Two for the price of one
"Sofia City Art Gallery" has exhibition halls with a huge collection, free entrance. Before the war it was a huge casino, but also hosted political meetings.
by
Boyko
Blagoev
Free Sofia Tour
The best intro to the city
It's been the same spot for 13 years now. Palace of Justice, next to the lion on the corner. Rain or shine, tour guides are there, you just have to show up.
by
Boyko
Blagoev
Made in Blue
The Instagrammable restaurant
"Made in Blue" is a popular, unique restaurant for meetings and good food in Sofia. You can't miss it - the whole house is painted in blue...
by
Tsvetomira
Filipova
Pura Vita
Best croissants in town
A Belgian bakery with an Italian name in the heart of the Bulgarian capital. Yet another example of how Sofia is getting more and more cosmopolitan.
by
Boyko
Blagoev
Marashlian Pastry
The true pâtisserie
Honestly, the shop looks more like a lab. Clean, minimalist, and luxurious. You can order whole cakes for special occasions or choose a treat from the beautifully-arranged showcase.
by
Boyko
Blagoev
Skaptoburger
King of burgers
"Skaptoburger" is located in the heart of Sofia and won the King of Burgers award for 2016. This restaurant, its monthly offers, some ale... what more?
by
Simo
Stefanov
Antep Baklava
Bites of heaven!
"Antep Baklava" in Sofia is a small pastry shop that makes the best baklava and other Turkish desserts in the city! You have to try the Shobiet...
by
Yana
Alexieva
Gifted
Talents and presents
"Gifted" in Sofia is a shop that aims to bring together artists and offer unique souvenirs and gifts that go beyond the ordinary. It keeps surprising me!
by
Boyko
Blagoev
Boyana church
A UNESCO world heritage site
"Boyana Church" in Sofia is one of my favorite temples in the city. It's a UNESCO heritage gem of a site from the 11th century, next to giant sequoias...
by
Yana
Alexieva
Heading to Sofia?
129 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 129 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Relaxing
Our team loves Sofia
Get to know our other Spotters from Sofia
As featured on:
