Is Bansko boring? Not at all!

Many people say that Bansko is not much fun outside the high season. The ski slopes and lifts are closed, many restaurants and shops are closed and it is less packed with tourists.

This is all true. But does that mean Bansko is boring? On the contrary!

Instead of skiing, you can enjoy hiking, swimming, spa, mountain biking and even go down the world's longest inflatable water slide! And then the sun always shines and many pavement cafes are just open.

Bansko is not known as an all-season resort for nothing, so there is plenty to do all year round!

Of course, Bansko is a bit cosier in winter, when there is snow on the ground and all the aprés-ski bars, ski lifts and tents are open. This is therefore the time when most tourists come to Bansko, mainly for skiing.

But just because winter is the high season does not mean there is nothing to do in summer. That's why in this article you will discover the best summer activities in the Bansko region!

These are the 7 most fun summer activities in Bansko!

1. Rila Fun Park and Bear Park Belitsa

Located in Belitsa, Rila Fun Park is an amusement park located in the Dedovo area of the Rila Mountains 12 kilometres from Belitsa.
There are slides, gazebos where you can sit comfortably, swings, climbing frames, climbing walls, sandboxes and a toboggan run that is suitable for children from 7 years old and, of course, adults. There is also a special track for younger children.
A toboggan run is a kind of long slide that you go down in a kind of sledge. Toboggan runs are a bit similar to a bobsled run.

Opening hours are every day from 10:00 to 18:00, including weekends, all year round. Children between 3 and 12 are 10 BGN (€5) and adults and children over 12 are 15 BGN (€7.50).

The bear park in Belitsa is a sanctuary for brown bears that were forced to 'dance'. It consists of seven large outdoor enclosures where the bears live in pairs or groups.

Bears that have experienced terrible events, such as forced 'dancing', are taken in here and well cared for to give them a second chance at life. These bears were mistreated for human entertainment and had to spend their lives on a chain. Fortunately, these terrible practices have been banned in Bulgaria since 2007.

It houses not only Bulgarian bears, but also mistreated bears from Albania and Serbia, for example.

As much as possible, the enclosures are designed in a way that resembles the bear's natural environment. There are grassy plains, hills, caves, forests and swimming ponds so that the bear can live a normal and good life!

You can visit this bear park from April to November for 10 BGN (€5) for adults and 3 BGN (€1.50) for children aged 7 to 18. Children aged 6 and under and people with disabilities can enter for free!

And the great thing is: both parks are within walking distance of each other!

2. Hiking, mountain biking and outdoor activities

Bansko lies at the foot of the Pirin Mountains. This mountain range is known for its high peaks, wildlife and many plant species. For instance, the edelweiss grows here and a bear population lives here.

The Pirin is one of the most beautiful natural areas in Europe. Not surprisingly, there are so many hiking trails that you can walk with or without a guide.
Simply put, you only have to step out of your door and you are already standing with your feet in nature.

There are hiking routes up to the highest mountain peaks, but it is advisable to walk these with a guide, as the quality of the paths and steep precipices combined with possible poor visibility or slipperiness can create dangerous situations.
But if you are a trained hiker, this is basically not necessary.

There are also many hiking trails in the valley and lower mountains. Here you can find many historical buildings or ruins worth visiting. There are also many chapels in the region in the most beautiful places.

Some great places to walk to are the mountain lakes, the St Nicholas ruins or the hiking trails around the ski slopes of Bansko.

Mountain huts and (fish) restaurants can be found to get something to eat and drink during your hike.

The international hiking trail E4 also passes through this area. This route runs from southern Spain through Austria and Bulgaria to the Greek part of Cyprus.

But you can not only hike here, but also take a trip towards Blagoevgrad for rafting in the Struma river, for example. Or how about camping on the mountain near Bansko?

Finally, you can enjoy mountain biking. Special routes are marked in the forests. But of course you can also just map out your own route and go cycling.
Don't have a bike? No problem at all. In Bansko there are plenty of shops selling cycling gear and mountain bike rental companies.

3. Relax in spas

Besides being a winter sports destination, the Bansko region is also known as a major spa resort. And that is quite special, as it is the only place in the world (!) where you can both ski and enjoy a spa in one of the many spa hotels, bath houses or swimming pools.

The two main villages in this area are Banya and Dobrinishte. Both villages have been well-known spa resorts since Roman times and the word Banya literally means bathroom in Bulgarian. So it even gets its name from the hot springs and spas nearby!

Swimming pool Dobrinishte

The region is full of big spa hotels with wellness centres and swimming pools.

Both villages have springs everywhere with hot water up to 40˙C! Dobrinishte even has an outdoor swimming pool (with slide!) where you can swim in warm water even in winter.
This village has no less than 17 mineral water springs, all of which offer healing powers for the body.

Apart from the thermal baths, this region is also rich in nature. Forests, moors, hills and, of course, mountains are everywhere.
An ideal destination to unwind!

4. The Rhodopes Narrow Gauge Railway Line

The Rhodopes Narrow Gauge Railway Line is a railway line that runs from Dobrinishte via Bansko, Razlog, Belitsa and Velingrad to Septemvri. This is a total of 125 km through the Rhodopes and Rila mountains.

The railway has been an important link between Septemvri and Bansko since its construction from 1921. It serves many mountain villages.
Today, it has also become a popular tourist attraction, attracting many tourists every year.

It is not just another railway line. What is special about this line and the trains on it is that it goes high through the mountains, with the most beautiful views and sights. In addition, it was built entirely by hand (!) by hundreds of workers and volunteers from Dobrinishte.
The track gauge is also special. Because of the mountainous terrain through which the railway passes, a uniquely narrow track of only 760 mm width was chosen during construction. Hence the name 'narrow gauge railway'.

Due to the narrow track, the trains running on it are also not common. These are special wagons that are thoroughly serviced every five years.
These wagons are equipped with toilets, sockets, tables, padded seats with armrests, LED lighting and windows that you can open to enjoy the stunning views, fresh mountain air and the sound of the train wheels!

The carriages are pulled by old German diesel locomotives by Henschel. This makes you feel like you are going back in time as soon as you see the train standing or moving.

The total journey from start to finish takes just under five hours. This is due to the speed of the train, which is not that high because of the mountainous terrain and many tunnels along the way.

But of course, you don't have to stay seated for the whole ride. You can hop on and off whenever you want.
And will you continue as far as Septemvri or get on here? This is where trains go to major cities, such as Sofia, Plovdiv and Varna.

We have driven this route several times ourselves and it is definitely recommended! The nature and views are stunning, the staff are nice and the old trains, villages and little stations take you back in time.
It is known as one of the most beautiful railway lines in Europe. This makes for a unique experience for young and old alike!

Want to know more about this train? Then read this article with information on tickets, prices and more.

5. Go up by cable car!

As Bansko is a winter sports resort, there are of course ski lifts. Most of them (on top of the mountain) are closed in summer, but the Gondola is usually open. This comes out at 'Banderishka Meadow', which includes a restaurant, a shooting range for biathlon and a slide.
At the top of the Gondola every summer is the world's longest inflatable water slide. It is no less than 400 metres long!
There are also fun activities and play equipment for the kids.

But of course, you can also go for some great walks here. You can follow the (green) ski slopes up (or down) the mountain or one of the many hiking trails that depart from here.
Here, for instance, is Baikuchev's Den, an ancient tree you can only get to on foot. It is located next to Banderitsa Camping, some 15 km from Bansko.

Finally, this is a wonderful place to have a picnic, for example, overlooking the mountains and nature.

Tickets for a ride on the Gondola cost a minimum of BGN 40 per person for adults in summer. This is for a return trip.
For children, this is 25 BGN.
Please note that these were the prices for 2023. Prices may vary every year.

6. Discover the diverse Bulgarian culture and cuisine

Bansko is known for its rich history and culture. For example, an accent of Bulgarian is also spoken in Bansko, which can make it difficult to communicate even if you speak a little Bulgarian.

Walking through Bansko, you will immediately notice the traditional Bulgarian architecture. Many houses are old and built in typical Bulgarian style. This can make for great photos.

There are also many restaurants and cafes all over the city. Mostly typical Bulgarian restaurants, which is called 'Mehana'. These are the perfect places to discover and taste Bulgarian cuisine and culture.
But you will also find Greek restaurants, for example.

Kavarma stew dish

An example of a typical Bulgarian dish you can get in many restaurants in Bansko is kavarma. This is a kind of stew with meat, vegetables and herbs.
Shopska salad can also be found in literally every restaurant. This is the national dish of Bulgaria, which is also reflected in the colours of the salad, which form the Bulgarian flag: white cheese (white), lettuce (green) and pepper and tomato (red).
It is a wonderfully refreshing salad that is particularly popular in summer.

Furthermore, Bulgarian cuisine is particularly known for its meat and yoghurt.

But it is not only in terms of food that Bansko is versatile. The city is also home to several museums, such as the Neofit Rilski Museum and the Museum Velyan House.

In short: there is plenty to do in Bansko!

7. Take a city trip!

Have you already seen everything in Bansko or are you ready for some shopping in a bigger city? Then you can always hop in the car (or take public transport) and drive to Blagoevgrad. This is the centre of the province and is known as a student city because of its high schools and universities.
It is 'only' a 45-minute drive on an excellently maintained road.

Blagoevgrad is a beautiful city with many shops, restaurants and squares. It also has a professional football club in Bulgaria's Premier League: OFK Pirin Blagoevgrad.

You can also take a day trip to Sofia, Velingrad or Plovdiv, for example. And you can even spend a day at the beach in Greece. The Greek coast (Thessaloniki) is only just over 2.5 hours away!

Bonus activity: a unique quad safari through the mountains

Have you always wanted to ride a quad bike through the mountains? Then this is your chance!
Hop on a quad, drive through the beautiful surroundings of Bansko and enjoy the view.

This quad safari will take you to places you wouldn't otherwise go. It will take you to the most stunning places you can only get to by quad.

Quads prices may vary depending on the group size, the duration of the tour and the type of tour. Keep in mind prices of at least BGN 150 (so about €75) per ATV for at least an hour's ride.

Before the tour starts, everyone gets a short driving lesson and important information in a safe environment, outside tour time. This, of course, to avoid accidents.

These safari tours are organised by Bansko ATV. This company has very good reviews and offers you an off-road experience like no other in the Bansko region.

Want more information about the quad safari? Then check out Bansko ATV's website and contact John or Chris.

Conclusion: is Bansko worth visiting in summer?

As you have read in this article, Bansko is anything but boring in summer. Because of course, the activities we have mentioned here are not even all of them. There is so much more to do in this beautiful region!

So it is definitely worth heading to Bansko in summer. Swimming, hiking, mountain biking, outdoor activities, city trips, museums, cures: you will find it all in Bansko!

When will you discover this wonderful area?