In 1934 part of the mountain was declared a nature park, the first in Bulgaria, and today Vitosha Nature Park covers the whole massif. Its highest point, Cherni Vrah (Black Peak), reaches 2,290 metres. In August 1895 the writer Aleko Konstantinov led around 300 people to the summit, an outing still celebrated as the birth of organised tourism in Bulgaria.
Among the best-loved sights are the Golden Bridges (Zlatnite Mostove), a ‘stone river’ of giant boulders in the valley of the Vladayska River, named after the golden lichens that cover the rocks. Spruce and fir forests give way to open, rocky heights, and a network of trails links popular areas such as Aleko, from where many hikers set off for Cherni Vrah. In winter the upper slopes are used for skiing. Bring warm layers at any time of year, as the summit is often windy.
With forests, peaks and city views all within easy reach, Vitosha is a refreshing counterpoint to a day in Sofia.
