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Bansko: a growing gem in the Bulgarian mountains

Few people in the United Kingdom have heard of Bansko. In fact, few have even been to Bulgaria.
And that's a shame. Bulgaria has so much to offer and is extremely diverse. Beautiful sandy beaches, high mountains, vast moors, the colourful Rose Valley, unspoilt nature, bustling cities and, of course, winter sports resorts.
And did you know that Bulgaria has the most mineral water springs in Europe after Iceland?

The area around Razlog and Bansko is one of the most important spa regions in Europe. The dozens of mineral water springs and thermal baths provide a unique spa experience and ensure that many tourists enjoy a well-deserved, relaxing holiday.

In early 2025, Bansko was named one of the trending travel destinations for 2025 by Lonely Planet, partly because of its affordable prices and combination of traditional and modern attractions.

With its many traditions, historic architecture and friendly Bulgarian atmosphere, Bansko is a real cultural gem. And that's not all; Bansko is the ideal holiday destination in both winter and summer!

These are the 5 best winter activities in Bansko

From hiking through the winter wonderland to sampling Bulgarian cuisine, there is so much to discover in the Bansko region.
Are you coming to discover Bansko in the summer? Then read about the best summer activities in Bansko here!

Read on for the five best winter activities in Bansko.

1. Discover the charms of the old town of Bansko

Bansko is a historic mountain town with a rich culture, traditions and historic architecture.

The old town of Bansko is very photogenic. With its historic buildings and sights, such as the Holy Trinity Church, you really feel like you've stepped back in time.
The historic stone and wooden houses with wooden balconies and cobblestone streets, combined with the many cosy taverns, make the old town of Bansko a must-see for anyone who loves culture, architecture and delicious food.

And in winter, this area is even more charming. With Christmas decorations, a large Christmas tree in the square, coloured lights on the facades and snowflakes fluttering down, walking through Bansko is a real feast for the senses.

Not far from the historic centre is the modern centre of Bansko, where tradition and conviviality come together along the famous Pirin Street.
Pirin Street is the longest street in Bansko and runs from the central square all the way to the Vihren Hut on top of the mountain. Pirin Street is Bansko's main shopping street, where there is always a friendly atmosphere. Fascinating architecture, good restaurants, squares and churches; Pirin Street is the street of Bansko!
This street is home to a huge number of souvenir shops. I bet you won't make it to the end of this street without buying a souvenir!

This street is also home to Bansko's only ice rink. Ice skating is always a fun activity in winter, so why not give it a go when you're in Bansko?

Or discover Bulgarian culture in the many museums located throughout the town. Some examples are: the House Museum Nikola Vaptsarov, Neofit Rilski House Museum or Paisii Hilendarski Historical Centre.

Exploring the old town itself does not take very long. However, if you visit a restaurant, stroll through the shopping street, visit the church and browse the shops, you can easily spend a few hours there. Combined with exploring the museums, you can easily spend a whole day there.

2. Book an unforgettable ride on horseback or in a buggy through the snow

A well-known activity in the region is horse riding or even a buggy safari through nature. Accompanied by an experienced guide, you will venture into the white wilderness and discover the beautiful surroundings in a unique way. On horseback, in a buggy or even in a Jeep.

The fresh mountain air, the crunch of snow under the hooves or wheels and the impressive views of the Pirin Mountains make this an experience you will not soon forget.

For horse riding, you can visit several farms or riding schools, such as Vukovia in Dobrinishte or Kosherina in Bansko.

Expect prices of at least €75 per ATV for a minimum of one hour's driving.
Would you like to know more about the exact rates, the possibilities, etc. of this fun buggy activity? Take a look at the options here.

3. Walking and hiking through the snow

Of course, you can go walking all year round. But how wonderful is it to do this in thick snow on the mountain or in the valley?

You can walk up via the Bansko valley slope (watch out for skiers!) or take the gondola lift. This will take you to Bunderishka Polyana, where there are many walking routes. The conditions here are excellent for snow walking.
You can also take the chairlift up in Dobrinishte and go snow hiking there.

In the valley, there is usually little or no snow on around 80% of the days in winter. However, the sun does shine regularly. Ideal hiking conditions!

Want to do it professionally? Then book a trek and set off with a guide.
Such a trip takes at least 3 hours and shows you a real winter wonderland with breathtaking views and unique natural phenomena.

If you want to do this, it is advisable to have some hiking experience, as walking through the snow is a lot harder than a “normal” hike.

An acquaintance of ours organises these hiking tours in groups or one-on-one, and we would be happy to put you in touch with her!

Do you need inspiration for a beautiful hiking route in the Bansko area, or would you like to go on a trek in the region? Feel free to contact us.

4. Relax in the thermal baths and enjoy the fresh mineral water

The Bansko region is one of Europe's most important spa areas. All year round, you can enjoy warm spring water, mineral water and thermal pools with healing properties.
This is a magical experience, especially in winter. Imagine lying in a public bath filled with warm mineral water from the ground while snowflakes fall around you. It is truly an unforgettable experience.

The villages of Banya and Dobrinishte, just a few kilometres from Bansko, are particularly well known in this area. In these villages, you will find thermal baths with spring water of up to 58˙C that have been used since ancient times.
In total, there are dozens of hot springs. Each has its own composition and health benefits.

Spa hotels with wellness areas and swimming pools abound here to give you a unique spa experience, whatever the time of year.

Even the outdoor swimming pool in Dobrinishte (Alpha Spa & Pool) is filled with this warm spring water, which means it is also open in winter.

There is also a thermal bath from Roman times in Dobrinishte.

Banya is also a real spa resort. It even owes its name to this, as Banya literally means “bath” in Bulgarian. This village is home to some of the best and most impressive spa hotels in the country.
Banya also has thermal springs that have been used for centuries. Among other things, there is an old Bulgarian bathhouse.

These springs and most bathhouses are free to visit. Most are open-air, such as the silver water or Roman bath, both in Dobrinishte.
There are also paid public bathhouses, where you pay a few pounds at most for admission, such as in the park in Dobrinishte.

Finally, you can go swimming at Alpha Spa & Pool in Dobrinishte or at one of the many spa hotels. You pay more for admission, but the facilities are excellent and the water is well maintained and kept clean.

5. A ride on the Rhodope Narrow Gauge Railway: an authentic train experience through the winter landscape

The Rhodope Narrow Gauge Railway is a historic narrow-gauge railway located in the Rhodope Mountains in Bulgaria.
It is one of the most beautiful and unique railway lines in Europe, with a rich history.
Along the way, you can enjoy the most beautiful views, nature and mountain villages.

The line runs from the starting station Septemvri (between Pazardzhik and Kostenets) via Velingrad, Yakoruda, Belitsa and Bansko to Dobrinishte, covering a total of 125 km.

During this magical train journey, you will discover the breathtaking snow-covered nature of Bulgaria in a unique way.

Come skiing in Bulgaria's largest ski resort!

You have already read about fun activities in the region, but Bansko is mainly known as a ski resort. This is why most tourists come to Bansko in winter.

Bansko is Bulgaria's largest and best ski resort and is also gaining popularity in Western Europe.
Bansko offers 75 km of slopes, but due to the closure of the Tsurna Mogila slope and its lift, the total is now “only” 68 km.
Still, this is more than other well-known ski resorts in Bulgaria, such as Vitosha, Pamporovo and Borovets.

The slopes of Bansko are known for their excellent quality because they are well maintained by the many piste bulldozers.
Snow is particularly reliable in the higher parts of the ski area because the resort is located at a high altitude (900 m to 2100 m).

In winter, all bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels and shops are open. There are many après-ski options and Bansko's nightlife is bustling with numerous clubs and bars. Bansko is great fun all winter long.

If you are tired of the hustle and bustle in Bansko or would like to ski elsewhere at a lower cost, there are other ski resorts in the area. Consider Dobrinishte, Semkovo, Kartala, and Kulinoto.

In general, Bansko is cheaper than a skiing holiday in the Alps. A disadvantage for British tourists is that it is a lot further away than, for example, the French or Austrian Alps. However, you can be in Sofia in just 2.5 hours by plane.

Would you like to know more about winter sports in the Bansko region? Then read our comprehensive article about skiing in Bansko! Here we discuss prices, types of slopes, lifts, accommodation, etc. in more detail.

Admire the world's best skiers at the Bansko World Cup

Almost every year, the Ski World Cup is organised in Bansko by FIS (Fédération Internationale de Ski). For one weekend, the world's best skiers come to Bansko to compete for the World Cup and show off their skills to the public.

In January 2025, the Snowboard Alpine World Cup was organised in Bansko. This attracted a few hundred spectators who came to admire the best snowboarders in the world.

The World Cup is always a major event in Bansko, preceded by months of preparation.
During the preparations for the competitions and the competition itself, the competition slope (Tomba) is closed to visitors.

Important information for your winter holiday in Bansko

Here is some practical information for a carefree holiday in Bansko:

• Temperature and weather: The average temperature in winter is around 5 ˙C, with a total of about one month of snow cover (in the valley). At night and on the mountain, the temperature can drop to as low as -20 ˙C.
• Accommodation: From luxury resorts and campsites to cosy guesthouses and bungalows, there is a wide range of accommodation options.
• Food & drink: In Bansko, you can't escape the many traditional Bulgarian restaurants. Try local specialities such as “Banski Starets” (dried meat) and the traditional stew “Kapama”. There are also plenty of Italian, Greek and other restaurants and fast food outlets.
• Culture: Bulgarians shake their heads when they mean “yes” and nod when they mean “no”. When it comes to customer service, staff can sometimes come across as a bit grumpy.
• Safety: Bansko is a very safe destination, but be aware of pickpockets and con artists in crowded places. Slippery or snowy roads are also a possibility, so drive carefully.
• Language: Bulgarian is spoken, but English is widely understood in most places (hotels, restaurants, Gondola, etc.).
• Accessibility: Bansko is located approximately 160 km from Sofia and can be reached by car, bus or train.

From Sofia to Bansko: quick and easy access to the snow

Are you ready for a winter sports adventure in Bansko?
The nearest airport is Sofia Airport, approximately 160 km away. From London, Manchester or Birmingham, for example, you can fly easily with Bulgaria Air, Wizz Air or Ryanair.

Once you arrive at the airport, it takes about 2.5 hours to drive to Bansko – a beautiful route through the snow-covered mountains on motorways and good roads. Watch out for slippery conditions!
There are various travel options to choose from; travelling by car or bus is the quickest and easiest. The train is also an option and offers a unique journey, but with changes, it takes about 8 hours.

Would you rather not drive yourself? Then you can opt for an Airport Transfer: an experienced driver will take you to your accommodation comfortably and safely.

Renting a car in Bulgaria: comfortable and at your own pace

Most travellers choose to rent a car: slightly more expensive, but the most flexible and comfortable way to explore the country.
A reliable provider is Top Rent A Car – Bulgaria's top-rated car rental company for many years. They offer well-maintained cars, clear prices and unlimited kilometres. What's more, you can cross the border with their vehicles if you also want to visit neighbouring countries.

Check the availability and prices of rental cars at Sofia Airport for your desired period below:

We work with reliable partners such as Top Rent A Car. If you book through our link, we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Will you be coming to enjoy Bansko this winter?

With an average of one month of snow cover in the valley, Bansko is a true winter paradise for winter sports enthusiasts and people who love snow and sun. But Bansko is not only known as a ski resort, but also as a spa resort with dozens of mineral water springs, nature and many hiking trails.

In this article, you have read about the best activities in Bansko during the winter season. But Bansko is also an attractive holiday resort in the summer. Discover the best summer activities in Bansko here.