Borovets

Yastrebets Lift

The Yastrebets Lift is located in Borovets, in the Rila Mountains. It is a six-seat gondola lift with a capacity of 1,200 people per hour and includes one intermediate station. The lower station is at an altitude of 1,315 m, while the upper station reaches 2,369 m. The total length of the route is 4,827 m. The lift services the ski slopes in the Yastrebets area.

Martinovi Baraki Lift

The Martinovi Baraki Lift is a four-seat chairlift located in Borovets, in the Rila Mountains. It covers a vertical drop of 313 m and has a capacity of 1,560 people per hour. The total length of the lift is 1,209 m.

The chairs are equipped with individual footrests, ensuring greater safety for children and shorter passengers. They also feature comfortable width, high backrests, and, of course, the elegant design of this modern lift.

Sitnyakovo Lift

The Sitnyakovo Express or Sitnyakovo Lift is 2,050 meters long and covers a vertical drop of 439 meters in about 7 minutes. Its capacity is 2,400 people per hour. The system is a four-seat detachable chairlift.

The lower station is located in the Borovets resort, and the upper station reaches Sitnyakovo Rock at an altitude of 1,780 meters. From there, it can serve as a starting point for:

• Sitnyakovo Palace – about 6–7 minutes

• Maritsa Hut – 2 hours 50 minutes

• Musala Hut – 3 hours 20 minutes

• Zavrachitsa Hut – 3 hours 50 minutes

• Sitnyakovo Ski Center

The Black Rock

The Black Rock is located above the source of the Maritsa River, near the Borovets resort. It was declared a natural landmark in 1974. Its name comes from the fact that the rock had darkened under the influence of weather conditions. The site is a tall cliff above the Maritsa River, close to its springs, offering stunning views of the nearby slopes of the Rila Mountains and the Maritsa Valley.

The rock carries a rather somber reputation. It is said to have been used as a place of terror and violence during the Ottoman rule. Historical accounts also suggest that before and after September 9, 1944, many people inconvenient to the ruling authorities from nearby villages met their death here.

Today, a metal cross stands on the rock in memory of the victims. At the trail turnoff, there is a sign pointing the way. Visitors will also find benches, a table, two additional signposts, and a gazebo nearby.

Beli Iskar Eco Trail

The Beli Iskar Eco Trail is located in the village of the same name, 70 km from Sofia and 9 km from the town of Samokov. The trail lies right at the border of Rila National Park. At the starting point, there is a parking area where visitors can leave their cars. The trail is 7.5 km long, takes about 3 hours to complete, has a slight elevation gain of 300 m, and is easily accessible with plenty of resting spots along the way. It is also suitable for small children.

Along the trail, there are eight large and five small bridges, each with its own name. The longest one is Bridge No. 4, aptly called “The Long One.” Crossing the first bridge, visitors can see the Eagle Rocks area straight ahead, with its highest point being Mount Sokolec (2021 m). On the right side (east), the Beli Iskar Valley reveals some of the river’s tributaries — each giving its name to a small valley in the area, such as Pastrumski Dol, Eremin Dol, Dolen Sukhar, and Goren Sukhar. After Bridge No. 6, the rocky areas Samokovishte and Vidnishte rise before you.

Lago Eco Trail

The Lago Eco Trail begins as an extension of the Tourist Garden, located in the southern part of the town, in the direction of Borovets, offering beautiful views of the Rila Mountains. The trail winds along the eastern bank of the Iskar River, passing through pine trees and shrubs. Benches and small bridges complement the natural beauty of the surroundings.

The eco trail is a wonderful spot for a walk and relaxation, both for the people of Samokov and for their guests.

Rido Park

In the middle of the Samokov Valley rise several tectonic hills, one of which — Rido — has been turned into a suburban park that continues toward Mount Dubova Glava (1127 m), one of the foothills of the Rila Mountains. This once bare peak used to be covered by a dense oak forest, from which it takes its name. Nearby is Mount Boricho (1100 m), while on the opposite side of the town lies the Prodanovski Ridge.

Rido is a wonderful place for walks and relaxation amidst the peace and coolness of the pine forest, just a short distance from the urban area. Rido Park also provides opportunities for sports, not only along its walking paths but also on the football field and the luge track. In addition, the Rido Motocross Track, established in the late 1970s, was the first motocross track in Bulgaria and has hosted numerous motocross competitions.

Pesako Eco Trail – a light and pleasant route in the heart of Borovets

Pesako is a very easy and enjoyable eco trail that starts from the old center of Borovets and ends just minutes away from the parking lot of the Sitnyakovo Express lift, located in the southeastern part of the resort. The trail itself is a long and wide alley, perfect for an unforgettable walk or a bike ride for every guest of this beautiful resort.

Along the alley, several sports zones with outdoor fitness equipment are set up, as well as rest areas with charming gazebos. A key highlight of the trail is that it is fully illuminated — at night it glows with the lights of hundreds of small lamps. The natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere of Borovets make a walk along the Pesako Eco Trail a truly unforgettable experience.

Tsarska Bistritsa

Tsarska Bistritsa is a former royal palace of the rulers of the Third Bulgarian Kingdom, located above the Borovets resort in the Rila Mountains. It was built between 1898 and 1914 and served as a hunting lodge for Tsar Ferdinand I and Tsar Boris III. The architectural style is influenced by traditional Bulgarian Revival design, combined with European elements.

Tsarska Bistritsa holds an important place in the history of Bulgaria’s last royal dynasty. On August 28, 1943, Queen Giovanna was informed here that her husband, Tsar Boris III, had fallen ill with a mysterious disease. It was also in this palace that six-year-old Simeon and nine-year-old Maria-Luisa saw their father alive for the last time.

The hydroelectric power plant supplying electricity to the palace was built in 1912 with Siemens parts. Remarkably, it still operates in its original form, and locals say it even provides power to the Borovets resort.

The park surrounding the palace is beautifully landscaped and features many rare tree species, collected by Tsar Ferdinand from his travels around the world. The Bistritsa River flows through the estate, tamed and terraced, with a small bridge and walking alleys that make it a perfect spot for romantic strolls.

Opening hours: Thursday to Sunday – from 9:00 to 17:00.

Sitnyakovo Palace

The Sitnyakovo Palace was the winter hunting lodge of Tsar Ferdinand. It consists of a residential section along with quarters for servants and guards. During the socialist era, the residence was used as a retreat by the Union of Bulgarian Writers and was even visited by Todor Zhivkov.

The palace was built in 1914. In the early 21st century, Simeon Saxe-Coburg-Gotha and Maria Luisa Hrobok laid claims to the property. In 2003, they received ownership documents from the Sofia Regional Administration.

Wooden Church of the Transfiguration

The Wooden Church of the Transfiguration is located in Borovets and was built in 1934. The initiative for its construction was taken by prominent public figures, scholars, and villa owners in the then-resort of Chamkoria (the old name of Borovets).

An Austrian architect was invited to design the church, which is why the Transfiguration of the Lord Church has such a unique and unusual appearance for this region.

Belyova Church

Belyova Church is the oldest Christian temple within the boundaries of Samokov. It was built on the foundations of a late antique basilica from the 4th–6th century. The church takes its name from the nobleman Belyo, who, according to legend, founded it around 1389.

The temple, dedicated to the Nativity of the Holy Virgin Mary, was buried with soil during the 17th century. The lower layer of frescoes dates back to this period. By the mid-19th century, the murals had faded and grown moldy, so between 1867 and 1869, local guild organizations undertook a major renovation of the church. The frescoes, as well as part of the icons, were painted by Nikola Obrazopisov with the assistance of Dimitar Hristov and Hristo Zografski. The iconostasis was carved by renowned Samokov woodcarvers, including Stoycho Fandukov.

Between 1879 and 1891, the fountain, holy spring (ayazmo), and the western part of the church — the narthex — were constructed. Belyova Church was traditionally the site of large gatherings on Easter and on the Feast of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary. Today, it also preserves the relics of St. Simeon of Samokov.

Church of the Assumption of the Holy Virgin

The Metropolitan Church of the Assumption of the Holy Virgin, seat of the Metropolitan of the Samokov Diocese, was built in 1712 as a single-altar church. Between 1783 and 1795, the building was expanded and reconstructed, with the addition of two side altars completed in 1835.

Some of the large icons were crafted on Mount Athos, while the wooden iconostasis was commissioned around 1793 from master Andoniy in one of the Athonite monasteries. Several of the festive icons were painted by Hristo Dimitrov (1745–1819). After the second major reconstruction of the church, the iconostasis was expanded by master Atanas Teladur, and new icons were painted by Dimitar Zograf, Zahari Zograf, Ivan the Icon Painter, Nikola Obrazopisov, and other representatives of the Samokov Art School.

After the Liberation, the narthex with its colonnade was added, and in 1892 the bell tower was built. The fountain in the churchyard dates back to 1870.

Bayrakli Mosque

The Bayrakli Mosque, located in the center of Samokov, now functions as a museum. A restored cultural monument, it is the only preserved mosque from the time of Ottoman rule. Known as the Old Mosque, it was extensively renovated in the mid-19th century and decorated around 1845 by Samokov painters Ivan the Icon Painter, Kosta Valyov, and Hristo Yovevich in the decorative style of the Samokov Art School.

Today, the mosque houses the photo exhibition “Samokov Through the Lens”, which reflects the changes in the urban environment at the end of the 19th and the first half of the 20th century.

Tsari Mali Grad

Tsari Mali Grad is a Late Antiquity Roman fortress and fortified settlement in Southwestern Bulgaria, Sofia Province, Samokov Municipality. It is located on St. Spas Hill in the Verila Mountain, above the village of Belchin. Archaeological excavations were carried out between 2007 and 2010.

The Tsari Mali Grad Cultural and Historical Complex was officially opened on July 18, 2013. It includes the Late Antique fortress, a church ensemble, and recreation and sports areas on St. Spas Hill. The southern, northern, and eastern fortress walls have been preserved and restored. The tower of the southern wall and two towers of the northern wall have been reconstructed. The church ensemble has also been preserved and restored, including the reconstruction of a 15th-century church.

The reconstructed northern towers house museum exhibitions on Prehistory, Daily Life in Late Antiquity, Ceramics, Numismatics, and Military Life.

Two tourist trails lead to the site from the village of Belchin, along with a cable-driven passenger transport facility.