Borovets

Borovets is the biggest mountain resort in Bulgaria. Situated at 1350 m above the sea level on the northern slopes of the Rila Mountain among age-old pine woods, Borovets is located at the foot of the Musala peak (2925 m) – the highest one on the Balkan Peninsula. Borovets is easily accessible, being at a distance of 75 km from Sofia, 125 km from Plovdiv and only 11 km of Samokov. Borovets offers splendid opportunities for holidays in all the year round. The summer is cool and the snowy winter – soft.
The healthy climate changes it in desired place for any holidays. Borovets is the Alpine resort among Bulgarian winter resort, providing excellent opportunities for the whole range of winter sports – skiing, ski – jumping, biathlon and why Borovets has twice been host to the World Cup skiing – Alpine disciplines.

Borovets

Borovets is the oldest Bulgarian resort, which dates back to 1896, when the mayor of the town of Samokov built a wooden cabin to help cure his wife, who suffered from tuberculosis. The resort was known under the name of Chamkoria, which translated from Turkish means “Pine forest”.
At the beginning of the 20th century Kniaz Ferdinand initiated the building of three palaces – Bistritsa, Sitnyakovo and Saragyol, as well as of Yastrebets Mountain Hut, and thus marks the birth of the attractive mountain resort.
Borovetz is the first international mountain resort in Bulgaria. Borovets is providing excellent opportunities for the whole range of winter sports – from Alpine sports to cross- country skiing, ski jumps and biathlon. The resort twice hosted World Cup Alpine skiing rounds, while the biathlon track is one of the best in the world. Here any summer have the biggest car’s contest in Bulgaria – a tour of European championship.

The resort is a convenient starting point for many attractive hikes and excursions. We recommend you to visit the Tsarska Bistritsa Palace, which is only a ten minute walk from the hotel.

Samokov

The town of Samokov (29 987 inhabitants, 950m. altitude) is situated at the Northern foot of Rila mountain, at 60 km. to the south – east of Sofia and at 12 km. to the north – west of Borovetz resort. The past of the town is related to iron-mining. Before long time, there was a Roman colony, and the present town originated much later – at the beginning of the 14 th century as an ore-mining settlement. At that time, Bulgarian have been in direct contact with the West – European minors – Saxons, called Sasi, and in their model, Saxon were introduced the furnaces and workshops with blowers and big hammers, set in motion by water power. When the Turks conquered the town (1372), Samoкov was an economical and cultural centre. The first printing house of Nikola Karastoyanov was opened here in 1827. It is not a coincidence that in the end of 18 th and the beginning of the 19 th century here was founded the biggest and the most modern art school in the country. Some of the most famous Bulgarian painters, as Christo Dimitrov and his sons Dimitar and Zahary Zagraf, Ivan I Nikola Obrazopisovi and others, were born and have worked in Samokov. Konstantin Fotinov, the founder of the first Bulgarian magazine “Ljuboslovie” (1844) was also born in Samokov. Here was initiated the struggle for an independent Bulgarian church.

Препоръчваме Ви да посетите и разгледате следните забележителности: Девически манастир „Покров на Св. Богородица” (един от 100-те национални туристически обекта), Митрополитската църква „Св. Успение Богородично”, Бельова църква – най-стария обект от епохата на Средновековието, Сарафската къща, Историческия музей (един от 100-те национални туристически обекта), Байракли джамия с Голямата чешма и Чадър чешма.

Mountain Tours

Experience the beauty of the Rila Mountains—picturesque trails, crystal-clear mountain streams, and meadows filled with the scent of herbs and the fresh aroma of ancient coniferous forests. The tours described below vary in difficulty and duration, but each one will uplift your spirits and leave you with the feeling of a day well spent.

“Black Rock” (Chernata Skala) Tour

This is a hike to the rock formation of the same name, known for tragic events in Bulgarian history. Beyond the pleasant walk, the reward for reaching the site is the incredible mountain scenery of the Marichini Ridge in the Rila Mountains. The tour lasts approximately 4 hours and can be combined with a picnic. The route can also be covered on horseback or by ATV.

“Sitnyakovo Rock” (Sitnyakovska Skala) Tour

A relatively easy tour with a light level of exertion, suitable for families with children and inexperienced hikers. The route starts at Hotel Musala and heads to the “Sitnyakovo Express” four-seater chairlift. It passes by the royal hunting lodge of Ferdinand at Saragyol and returns to Hotel Musala via the Sitnyakovo Trail. Duration: approx. 5 hours.

“Yastrebets Finish” Tour

A tour with a light level of exertion, suitable for inexperienced hikers. Starting from Hotel Musala, the route follows the Musala Trail and the “Yastrebets 1” slope to reach “Yastrebets 2.” There, you will see the artificial lake created for snowmaking on the ski slopes during winter. On the return journey, the route passes by the “Yastrebets Express” lift and the biathlon course before returning to Hotel Musala. Duration: approx.

2 hours

“Beli Iskar Park” Tour

Departure from Hotel Musala with transport to the village of Beli Iskar. The route lies within Rila National Park and features wooden bridges and designated picnic areas. The eco-trail winds along the Beli Iskar River, designed to let you fully enjoy the rocky vistas and the gorge’s stunning scenery. With a bit of luck, you might spot a roe deer or a chamois, adding to the memorable experience of this tour. The duration is flexible, as we can arrange a picnic amidst the remarkable nature upon request.

“Musala Hut” Tour

Departure from Hotel Musala to the gondola lift. We reach Yastrebets Peak and then head towards Musala Hut, crossing the ski slopes of the Markudjik Ski Center. The return journey follows the same route. This route is of moderate difficulty and is suitable for both beginners and those with a higher level of physical fitness. Duration: approx. 3 hours.

“Malyovitsa Hut” Tour

Departure from Hotel Musala via provided transport to the Malyovitsa resort area. A hike through one of the most beautiful spots in the Rila Mountains—the foothills of Malyovitsa Peak. Reach the mountain hut and, after a short break and taking photos amidst the majestic scenery and views of the peak, return along the same route. This tour is of moderate difficulty and suitable for everyone. Duration: approx. 5 hours.

“Chakar Voyvoda Hut” Tour

Depart from Hotel Musala towards the Yastrebets Express four-seater chairlift; reach Sitnyakovo, then continue to Chakar Voyvoda Hut, passing by Saragyol—Ferdinand’s royal hunting lodge. The return journey follows the same route. This hike is of moderate difficulty. Duration: approx. 5 hours.
We also offer full-day tours to some of the most beautiful places in the Rila Mountains—must-visit destinations for lovers of the mountains and their true beauty: