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).
Zheleznitsa
BGN
no-price
Find your way with 127 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
"MAF", or the Sofia Ministry of Agriculture and Food, does not exist on any tourist map. It's a shame: it's a very beautiful old 19th century building...
by
"Malkite Pet Kyosheta" in Sofia, literally the Little Five Corners, it a sweet little nickname given to a square where five little streets meet...
by
"Military Academy Park" Sofia is a former military academy park that is now opened to the public and serves as my favorite spot in town to relax at...
by
I try to always hit the 'pause' button as often as possible while in Sofia. One of my favoirte places to do that is the backyard of the Royal Palace...
by
"Villa Rosiche" in Sofia makes Elderberry syrup. I have the relevant grandmother experience and can tell you this bar deserves to call things 'homemade'.
by
"Dream House" is not the only veggie restaurant in Sofia, but it's probably the oldest. The food there is very cheap and incredibly delicious!
by
"Sense Rooftop Bar" is a rooftop bar on one of Sofia's most posh and expensive hotels. I recommend you check it out earlier in the evening...
by
The Sofia "Archaeological Museum" has the biggest gold treasure ever found by Bulgarian archaeologist. I like that everything is labelled in English...
by
127 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 127 Insider Tips