Vitosha, Nature reserve near Sofia, Bulgaria
Vitosha is a mountain range just south of Sofia with a highest point of 2,290 meters at Cherni Vrah peak. The protected area spans around 27,000 hectares and contains numerous hiking routes, waterfalls, cave systems, and forests dotted with mountain huts for shelter and rest.
The area was designated as the first national park in the Balkans in 1934, initially protecting around 6,400 hectares. This designation marked the start of organized nature conservation efforts across the region.
The mountain has long served as a place where people escape Sofia to spend time outdoors. Today you can see throughout the forests and trails how deeply this connection between city and mountain shapes how locals use the land.
You can reach the mountain by public transportation from Sofia or via the dedicated Vitosha Green Line cable car. Multiple trail entrances serve different skill levels, and mountain huts provide resting points and overnight stays throughout the protected area.
The Duhlata cave system, extending roughly 18 kilometers through the mountain, is the longest cave formation in Bulgaria. This underground network is accessible to experienced cavers but requires specialized equipment and guided access.
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