Walking Tours
Hiking is a perfect way to explore the beautiful surroundings of Bansko. Find the way to some of the most beautiful places in Pirin mountain and the area above Bansko.
Daily walking tours from Bansko are available for you to embark on, there are various routes from easy, moderate right through to strenuous, you choose depending on your experience. All the tours are led by highly qualified staff and available from mid March to mid November.
Included: Transport and guide.
Not included: Chairlift tickets and church entrance fees.
Prices: 120 BGN for 1-2 people. Additional walkers pay 30 levs per person, the maximum group size is 8.
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Guided Walking Tours from Bansko
Dobarsko Valley Loop
A circular valley walk following forestry trails up this secluded valley to the picturesque village of Dobarsko on the edge of the Rila National Park. We stop in the village for a guided tour of the church of St Teodor Tiron & St Teodor Stratilat. This hidden gem is a UNESCO heritage site famous for its unique and perfectly preserved frescoes. Our return routes takes us along a gentle ridge, enjoying 360 degree panoramic views of the Pirin, Rila and Rhodope mountains.
Terrain: easy
Distance: 8 miles
Walking time: 4 hours.
The Priest’s Lake
A scenic 30 minute drive takes us to the Gotse Delchev Hut and chairlift. We ride the chairlift (13levs) up to Bezbog Lake, 2240 metres above sea level, where our hike begins. Our route takes us round the lake before climbing the ridge for breathtaking views into the heart of the Pirin mountains, a land steeped in history and folklore. We follow a rocky mountain trail down to Popovo Lake (the priest’s lake), the largest lake in the Pirin. Our return route retraces our steps with more glorious views while Bezbog and Polejan peaks tower above us.
Terrain: rocky and steep in places
Distance: 5 miles
Walking time: 5 hours.
Three Bunderitsa Lakes
Driving up out of Bansko we cross the ski slopes on Mt. Todorka’s northern flank, on our way to the Vihren Hut, 1915 metres above sea level. Our hike starts here as we follow a circular route round three of the picturesque Bunderitsa lakes; Okoto (The Eye), Ribnoto (The Fish) and Muratovo (White Fir). We walk along rocky mountain trails which wind up the Bunderitsa valley, below the rugged Pirin peaks offering breath taking views.
Terrain: rocky and steep in places
Distance: 3.5 miles
Walking time: 4.5 hours.
Godlevo Valley Walk
A gentle and picturesque valley walk from the pretty village of Godlevo. From the village, we ascend the ridge with beautiful views of the surrounding Pirin and Rila mountains. Following the ridge up the valley brings us to the foothills of the Rila National Park and a peaceful lake with stunning views back to Bansko and the Pirin Mountains, an ideal lunch spot. Continuing down cart tracks, we reach the painted chapel of St Ilya hidden in the pine forest., before a gentle descent brings us back into the village.
Terrain: easy
Distance: 8 miles
Walking time: 4 hours.
Rila Mountains Walk
A higher altitude circular walk through the forests of the Rila National Park. Starting from Georgi’s trout farm above Dobarsko village, we follow steep forestry trails up to the Dobarsko Hut where a viewing platform gives unparallelled views across the valley to Bansko and the Pirin mountains. Our return route takes us down winding tracks between rocky outcrops and mountain streams.
Terrain: moderate, steep in places
Distance: 6 miles
Walking time: 4 hours.
Ascent of Mt. Vihren
Our starting point for this hike to the highest peak in the Pirin mountains (the third highest in Bulgaria) is Vihren Hut. We take the shorter, easier, southern approach to the summit, climbing steeply out of the valley up rocky mountain paths. Amazing views across to Todorka and back into the Bunderitsa valley give the perfect excuse to stop and catch your breath. If you’re lucky you might glimpse the elusive Wild Mountain Goats which live here. The final ascent to the peak is steep and rocky but the indescribable views from the top make it all worthwhile.
Terrain: steep and rocky
Distance: 4 miles
Walking time: 5.5 hours.
Two Valleys, Seven Lakes
A stunning linear mountain walk from Vihren Hut to Damyanitsa Hut. Following rocky mountain trails, we ascend the rugged Bunderitsa Valley passing three of its lakes. The ascent to Little Todorka pass is steep but 360° stunning views from the top make it worth the climb. We descend into the Damyanitsa valley, leaving behind the dramatic rugged scenery and entering a gentler, more verdant landscape of tranquil lakes and majestic pine forests.
Terrain: steep and rocky in places
Distance: 11 miles
Walking time: 8 hours.