The Razlog Valley: Europe's undiscovered gem
The Razlog Valley is located between Bulgaria's major mountain ranges: Rila, Pirin and Rodopi. It can rightly be called a special region, given all it has to offer. Viewpoints with beautiful mountain views, countless restaurants, ski resorts, hiking trails, thermal springs, a narrow-gauge railway and a golf resort. The possibilities in this region are endless.
It is no coincidence that the Razlog Valley, with Bansko as its economic and cultural heart, is attracting more and more investors, tourists, entrepreneurs and Bulgarians from all over the country to live, work and relax here.
The Razlog Valley is truly a gem, and on this page you can discover what it has to offer!
Come skiing in the largest ski resort in the Balkans!
In winter, Bansko transforms into the second largest ski resort in Eastern Europe, after Rosa Khutor in Russia. With 75 km of slopes, it is not only the largest ski resort in Bulgaria, but in the entire Balkans.
The resort is served by a gondola lift from the town that takes you halfway up the ski area. From this point (Bunderishka Polyana), you can take other lifts further up or ski down.
In total, there are 14 lifts and various slopes for all levels.
Bansko itself has a lively après-ski culture and offers nightclubs, bars and restaurants. Come and discover winter in beautiful Bansko!
Winter activities: experience winter in the mountains
In addition to skiing, there are many other fun activities to do in Bansko and the surrounding region. Although winters in the valley are usually relatively mild, there is about a month of snow cover in total. Higher up in the mountains, there can be up to a few metres!
And the great thing is: the sun shines regularly in winter, which means Kaiserwetter!
So there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy a real winter.
Discover the best activities in the region and experience it for yourself!
Summer activities: what to do during the warm months?
Bansko is also becoming an increasingly popular destination for summer tourism. There are more and more fun summer activities to enjoy.
In summer, Bansko is a true hiking paradise. With its many beautiful mountain hiking trails, you will never be bored.
And what's more, the Greek beach is also nearby!
Take the chairlift in Dobrinishte or the gondola lift in Bansko up the mountain, go hiking or mountain biking in nature: there is more than enough to do in summer too!
Bansko thermal region: where thermal springs bring healing
The region also has plenty to offer in terms of wellness, because did you know that Bulgaria has the most mineral water springs in Europe after Iceland?
The Bansko region is known as one of the most important spa areas in Europe.
In the many villages in the region, such as Banya and Dobrinishte, there are dozens of water sources with various health benefits and healing properties.
Visit the many spa baths in Banya, Eleshnitsa or Dobrinishte and immerse yourself in the healthy, warm spring water of up to 56 ˙C!
Hiking in Bansko: discover the most beautiful hiking trails in the region
Hiking in the Rila Mountains and the Pirin Mountains means walking through two of Bulgaria's most beautiful and unspoiled natural areas. From wide paths along rivers to true mountain trails with views of peaks, glacial lakes, and valleys – every hike here feels like a new adventure.
We have selected the most beautiful hiking trails for you that we have hiked ourselves. Routes past chapels, to mountain huts, and to mountain peaks.
Discover the most beautiful routes in the region for yourself and enjoy the Bulgarian mountains!
The Rhodope narrow-gauge railway: a unique train experience
The Rhodope narrow-gauge railway offers a unique train experience that takes you back in time. Originally built for mining and forestry, it is now used as a means of transport between mountain villages and as a tourist attraction.
Along the way, you can enjoy the most beautiful views, varied landscapes and vast forests. It is one of the most beautiful train journeys in Europe, yet it is hardly known to the majority of tourists.
Experience this breathtaking train journey for yourself!
Experience the many events in Bansko
Culturally speaking, Bansko is truly an example for many other cities in Bulgaria. With all the events organised here every year, there is always something to do in this beautiful mountain town!
From world-famous music festivals to the World Cup, Bansko is an important stage for many events.
Discover the villages in the region
There are many special places and villages in the Razlog Valley.
Everyone knows Bansko as the tourist and economic heart of the region, and Banya, Dobrinishte and Razlog are also well known.
But there are also lesser-known villages, such as Bachevo, Godlevo, Dobarsko, Gorno Draglishte, Dolno Draglishte and Eleshnitsa.
Each village in the region has its own charms and rich history.
Dobarsko, for example, is known for its remarkable centuries-old church, Eleshnitsa is a typical Eastern Bloc and mining village, and Godlevo and Bachevo are quiet, typical Bulgarian mountain villages with beautiful views and hiking trails.
Discover the diverse Bulgarian culture, specialities and cuisine
There are important holidays throughout the year. Think of the Starchevata festival on New Year's Day in Razlog, St. George's Day on 6 May and Bulgarian Independence Day on 22 September. Bulgarians love to celebrate!
There are also many sights to visit in the region. Think of the many beautiful churches and ancient ruins, for example.
Bulgarian cuisine is particularly known for its yoghurt, which is unique in the world, many types of meat and spicy stews.
Examples of typical Bulgarian dishes are chips with Bulgarian white cheese, kebapche (spiced minced meat sticks) and Kavarma (stew with meat, onion, herbs, etc.).
Be sure to visit the many museums, terraces and restaurants in the valley. There is so much to discover!
Enjoy the vast nature and breathtaking mountains
Bansko and the surrounding region are surrounded by three large mountain ranges: Pirin, Rila and the Rhodopes. All three are national parks and beautiful nature reserves with high mountains and clear mountain lakes.
The Rila Mountains are home to Bulgaria's highest mountain: Musala.
In addition, the Pirin Mountains have beautiful peaks such as Todorka (the ski mountain of Bansko), Vihren and many more.
There are many beautiful hiking trails, mountain huts and mountain bike routes. You can also race along the narrow mountain roads in a buggy.
Finally, the international hiking trail E4 runs through Bulgaria and the Pirin. This route goes from Spain through the Alps, Bulgaria and Greece to the island of Cyprus.
Discover Bulgaria in the Bansko region
Every day in the Bansko region brings something new. In the morning, you can hike among the mountain peaks, in the afternoon, relax in a thermal spring, and in the evening, enjoy a local meal in a charming tavern with a view of the sunset.
Whether you are on holiday, staying in Bansko temporarily as a digital nomad or living here, this environment inspires both digital nomads and travellers time and time again.