Sofia

The architecture of the capital Sofia is on the 4th Century BC and back is full of examples of Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Bulgarian and Turkish architecture. Numerous theaters, museums (including the Archaeology and Ethnology Museum), opera houses, art galleries (especially the National Gallery in the former Royal Palace), the University, weekly markets, more than 300 parks and sports stadiums provide variety. The gold domes of the imposing Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is visible from afar. It was the beginning of the 20th Century after the end of the Russo-Turkish War, in gratitude for the liberation from the Turks built and is considered one of the most important buildings in the Balkans. In the crypt, hang beautiful icons, the church also has an excellent choir. The Byzantine church of St. Sophia is the 6th Century. In the 5th Century built St. George’s Church has great frescoes (14th century). The Sveta Petka Samardshijskakirche was in the 14th Century erected. In the interiors of Boujouk Mosque (the largest in Sofia and is known for her nine domes), an archaeological museum is housed. Particularly impressive is the Banya Bashi Mosque,. An example of modern architecture is the Batemberg square with the government buildings. Very close to one is encountered during excavation of a tunnel on Roman ruins.

Excursions

121 km away from Sofia, the Rila monastery, high in the mountains and surrounded by dense coniferous forest. To visit, there are wall paintings, wood carvings, old coins, weapons, written on parchment bibles and manuals. Founded by the hermit and monk Ivan Rilsky it in the 10th Century. During the Turkish occupation (1396-1896), the building served as storage for masterpieces of Bulgarian art. The majority of the buildings was in the 19th Century, destroyed by fire and rebuilt, only the Hrelioturm from the 14th Century has been preserved. On the outskirts of Sofia is the Vitosha Mountains Nature Reserve, good for hiking and winter sports opportunities. Chair lifts and cable cars run on the 2000m high mountain peaks. There are several ski resorts. Moreover, the medieval Boyanakirche be visited here. Its frescoes dating back to 1200 should be the oldest in Bulgaria.

Plovdiv

Plovdiv, the second largest city in the country, was founded in 342 BC. Which flows through the old Marica. The modern business center provides an interesting contrast to the Renaissance buildings of the old town. In the narrow streets of picturesque houses from the Middle Ages, whose upper floors are prone to such an extent that they touch the opposite houses nearly. There are many Roman ruins and an ancient amphitheater. The Archeological Museum offers an excellent collection of Thracian gold art objects and utensils. The Ethnographic Museum and the churches of St Marina and St Nedelya are also worth seeing.

Excursions

8 km from Plovdiv is the monastery Batchkovo (11th century). Wall paintings, icons, old manuscripts and coins can be seen here. The monastery is located in Thrace, which also includes the Rhodope mountain chain. During archaeological excavations here are including numerous Thracian gold objects were found.

In Kazanluk there is a museum of the rose oil production. Here today, rose oil, one of Bulgaria’s most important export product is manufactured. Throughout the valley are ruins from Greek, Roman, Thracian and Turkish times.

In the 13th and 14 Century Turnovo was the capital of Bulgaria. Interesting collections of historical works of art can be viewed here. Near the town are the monastery Preobrazhenski and the open-air museum of Etur.

Black Sea

The resorts on the Black Sea are ideal for family holidays. The coastline consists of miles of sandy beaches. Behind inviting bays rise thickly wooded mountains. Many tourist destinations are ideal for children because there are no tides and the beach falls flat. Even 150 m from the shore, the water often reaches shoulder height. Where there are currents, these are clearly marked on the beach. The Black Sea is one of the clearest and cleanest waters in the world. The salt content is only half as high as in the Mediterranean. Swimming areas for children are equipped with playgrounds. In most tourist areas all sorts of water sports are offered.

Seaside resorts

Due to its excellent climate are Druzhba (the oldest seaside resort) and Varna as a very popular place on the sea. Albena, Bulgaria’s newest resort, was named after a village beauty and lies on the edge. This classic example of modern Bulgarian architecture offers excellent restaurants and nightlife. 15 km from Varna is the golden beach, the second largest resort on the Black Sea. The hotels and entertainment facilities are excellent. The sun beach is ideal for families with small children. There are also eco-tours offered in natural areas. Nearby is the fishing village of Nessebar, in the 7th Century was founded. Wooden fishermen’s cottages and 48 Byzantine churches can be visited here.

The Southern Bulgarian Sandansky on the Greek border keeps the sunshine record.

Nightlife

The choice of restaurants and mehanas (local taverns) is big in Bulgaria. Characteristic of the lively Bulgarians are the friendly service, excellent food and excellent wine. There are discos, cabarets and bars for every taste and budget. The tent of the Khan at the sun beach is worth visiting, as is the Gorski-Zar (Forest King), Albena.

Winter sports resorts

Bulgaria’s popularity is steadily increasing as a winter sports area. There are excellent trails for adults and children.

In just 70 kilometers from Sofia Borovets Ski Championships have been held. Borovets is located in the Rila Mountains at an altitude of 1300 m. From November to April are skiers the slopes of the 2400m high Yastrebets (hawk’s nest) is available. Half-timbered houses (up to 6 people) can be rented. The nightlife takes place mainly in hotels. The Mousalla has a disco in the hotel bar bands occur, there is also a wine bar and taverns. A special attraction are rides with sleigh.

Pamporovo, south of Plovdiv has in the Rhodope Mountains, one of the best ski schools in Europe. Below the summit Snejanka begin the major slopes. Pamporovo is Europe’s southernmost ski resort. From the restaurant, the TV Tower in Pamporovo can be taken to Greece and the Aegean sea view.

Vitosha in the 1800 m high, overlooking the capital, Sofia, is the national ski school.

The small town of Bansko in southwest Bulgaria lies at the foot of Pirin. Slalom and Giant slalom runs and a 5 km cross-country ski trail is available. All ski resorts have been designed so that they fit well into the mountain and forest scenery.

In the months from December to April it snows hard. Despite blue skies and bright sunshine in these southern reaches some tour operators even give a guarantee of snow. The Bulgarian ski resorts are perhaps not quite as extensive as the traditional winter sports destinations, but the existing slopes are perfect for beginners and advanced players and are among the best in Europe. Cross-country skiing is becoming increasingly popular, cross-country routes are marked by high pine forests.

Special Tours

Especially recommended are the Danube cruises on one of two modern luxury liners (for each 236 passengers) who go down by seven countries of the Danube. The journey begins in Passau or Vienna and ends in Ruse (Eastern Bulgaria). Shore excursions are also offered. After completion of the Danube trip can be done either by bus or one round trip Bulgaria on the Black Sea or in the mountains to continue his vacation.

Walking holidays are very popular. One can also travel by horse and cart or the narrow-gauge railway on land. In Plovdiv, Koprivshtitsa town museum and in the (east of Sofia), painting and photography classes are held.

Aside from the obvious tourist attractions there are in Bulgaria also recognized spas and over 500 mineral springs with rich heritage, offer themselves for a Kurlaub.

World Heritage

Bulgaria has nine sites that were included in the UNESCO list of world cultural heritage. These include, among other things, the Madara horseman, a rider carved into the rock, the stabs of a lion with a spear. This is on the Madara Plateau in the Danube plain.

In the vicinity of Boyana, a suburb of Sofia, there is the famous wall paintings, which also includes replicas of icons from Constantinople.

The Ivanoho rock monasteries near the city of Ruse extend for more than 5 km and consist of cells of the convent, churches and chapels of hermit monks between the 11th and 14 Century were dug into the rock.

The nature reserve at Sreburasee located near the Danube, 16 km west of the town of Silistra.