Vitosha Nature Park is the first protected area of its kind in Bulgaria and on the Balkan Peninsula. It was declared on 27 October 1934 and today covers about 27,079 ha, almost the whole of Vitosha above Sofia. How to reach the mountain, which lifts run and the main trails are covered in our travel guides below.
In 1934 it was declared over about 6,410 ha. In 1952 it was re-designated a people's park and enlarged to 22,725 ha. In 2000 it became a nature park, and its boundaries were last changed in 2004. It is run by the Vitosha Nature Park Directorate under the Executive Forest Agency and covers land in three provinces and four municipalities.
The Bistrishko branishte reserve was created together with the park in 1934 and later became a biosphere reserve. The park's second reserve is Torfeno branishte, with the peat bogs around Cherni vrah.
Around 1,490 species of higher plants, 805 species of fungi and 236 bird species, 120 of them breeding, have been recorded in the park. Red deer, roe deer, brown bear, wolf, otter and wildcat live here, along with 13 bat species. For children there is the Belite brezi eco-station, with museums of owls, dragonflies and the bear.
Pernik region
0.5 km away
Pernik region
2.6 km away
Pernik region
2.8 km away
Sofia City region
3.1 km away
A guide to Bulgaria's three national parks and eleven nature parks — Rila, Pirin, Central Balkan, Vitosha, Vrachanski Balkan, Strandzha, Persina and the rest — what the categories mean and which to visit.
How to hike Cherni Vrah (2,290 m), the summit of Vitosha above Sofia — the route from Aleko, bus 66, the lifts that still run, difficulty, and season.
Discover the best of Bulgaria in winter beyond the slopes: hot thermal spa towns, quiet snow-covered monasteries, the Kukeri mask festival, and winter hiking.
Vitosha Nature Park is located in Sofia City, Bulgaria.
Vitosha Nature Park is most easily reached by car. Use the coordinates above to navigate, or open the location in OpenStreetMap or your preferred maps app for turn-by-turn directions. Public transport options vary by region — for remote destinations a rental car gives the most flexibility.
Vitosha Nature Park is best walked from May through October, when the trail is clear of snow and weather is generally stable. Summer middays can be hot at lower altitudes — start early. Winter walking requires proper gear and route knowledge.
Suitability depends on the specific route. Bulgarian trails range from paved family-friendly paths to multi-day high-mountain crossings. Check the length, elevation gain, and surface before setting off. Sturdy footwear, water, and a basic map (offline or paper) are essential even on short walks.
