Published on
August 31, 2025
In 2025, Bulgaria celebrated a remarkable milestone: the 130th anniversary of organised tourism in the country. This significant occasion was marked by a series of events that remembered the very first organised hikes to the highest peaks of Bulgaria’s mountains, especially those leading to Mount Cherni Vrah. These celebrations held special meaning, as they not only honoured the work of Aleko Konstantinov, the famous Bulgarian writer, but also celebrated the ongoing love for nature and the outdoors that shapes Bulgarian tourism today.
The anniversary celebrations started with a ceremonial program in Sofia on August 27 and lasted several days. They featured a mix of cultural, sporting, and ceremonial events. Participants were invited to reflect on the progress made in mountain tourism since Konstantinov first inspired Bulgarians to join organised treks through the country’s beautiful mountains.
A Historical Start: Memorial Ceremonies and Cultural Processions
The first part of the celebrations, which began on August 27, included a heartfelt memorial service at the Ivan Vazov National Theatre in Sofia. This theatre is one of the most iconic cultural landmarks in Bulgaria, and its selection for the ceremony was fitting given its cultural significance. More than a thousand members of various tourism organisations, alongside nature enthusiasts, gathered to honour the start of Bulgaria’s modern hiking movement. They laid flowers at a plaque dedicated to the monumental achievement of Aleko Konstantinov, who, on August 27, 1895, led the first organised hike up Cherni Vrah, the highest peak of the Vitosha mountain range, just outside Sofia.
Following the ceremonial proceedings, a procession was organised to honour Konstantinov’s legacy. As a brass band and a troupe of majorettes led the way, the crowd made its way from the National Theatre through the streets of Sofia to the Aleko Konstantinov monument located on Vitosha Boulevard. This celebratory march highlighted the strong cultural connection between Bulgaria’s history and its natural environment. It underscored the deep ties between tourism, the outdoors, and the country’s national pride.
The evening celebrations continued with a festive concert held at the National Palace of Culture in Sofia. The concert featured prominent Bulgarian musicians, including Desi Dobreva, a celebrated pop singer, and the rock band Diana Express. The music echoed through the streets of Sofia, energising the public and amplifying the sense of national pride that these celebrations were designed to foster. The fusion of tradition and contemporary culture made for an unforgettable evening that brought together people of all ages and backgrounds to celebrate the 130-year-old heritage of Bulgarian tourism.
The Vitosha Run 2025: Conquering the Peaks of Bulgaria
The celebrations reached their peak on August 31, when the highly anticipated “Vitosha Run 2025” took place. This challenging mountain running event, a symbolic tribute to Bulgaria’s rich history of tourism and outdoor activity, was a central feature of the anniversary celebrations. The race started at 9:00 a.m. from the National Palace of Culture, a cultural hub located at the heart of Sofia, and traced a route up Vitosha Mountain, culminating at the summit of Cherni Vrah.
The event was not just a race but a symbol of endurance and dedication to Bulgaria’s natural beauty. More than 400 athletes took part, drawn from across the country and beyond, all of them eager to conquer the challenging 18-kilometre route with an elevation gain of more than 1,700 metres. Participants ranged from professional runners to enthusiastic amateurs, all sharing a common goal: to reach the summit of Cherni Vrah, just as the first organised tourists did 130 years ago.
The race attracted significant attention, with athletes and spectators alike celebrating the bond between sport, nature, and tourism. The runners who completed the course were rewarded with a sense of achievement and the stunning panoramic views from the summit of Cherni Vrah, one of the most scenic locations in Bulgaria.
Hiking and Community Engagement: Bringing People Together
In addition to the Vitosha Run, traditional mountain hikes also took place on the same day. Participants set off from several locations, including Zheleznitsa, the Golden Bridges, and Aleko Hut. These routes hold a special place in the hearts of Bulgarians, as they represent some of the most scenic and easily accessible parts of the Vitosha mountain range. These hikes allowed participants to experience firsthand the majestic landscapes that have long been a major draw for tourists and nature lovers alike.
The Zheleznitsa route, for example, is known for its deep forests and tranquil atmosphere, while the Golden Bridges, a unique natural phenomenon where massive granite boulders form narrow paths across a valley, offers breathtaking views of the surrounding wilderness. Aleko Hut, situated just below Cherni Vrah, is a popular resting point for tourists, offering both stunning views and a rich history tied to Bulgaria’s mountain tourism.
The culmination of these events at the summit of Cherni Vrah provided a space for reflection and celebration. President Rumen Radev of Bulgaria, a known advocate for outdoor tourism, took part in the ceremonies, joining both locals and tourists in commemorating the legacy of Aleko Konstantinov and the enduring appeal of the mountains.
A Day of Cultural Programs: The Sofia Library’s Contribution
The anniversary celebrations also featured a wide array of cultural programmes that engaged the broader community. One of the most notable was the Sofia Library’s mobile unit, the “LibraryBus”, which was stationed near Aleko Hut throughout the day. This unique initiative provided visitors with the opportunity to explore literature and educational resources related to Bulgaria’s rich history of tourism, hiking, and environmental conservation. This mobile library proved to be a perfect companion for the hiking enthusiasts, offering them a chance to expand their knowledge about the history of Bulgarian tourism while enjoying the natural beauty surrounding them.
The day also saw an award ceremony where winners of the Vitosha Run were recognised for their remarkable achievements. The atmosphere was filled with joy as tourists and locals alike cheered for the runners and celebrated their shared love for the outdoors.
Additionally, various tourist choirs and local cultural groups performed throughout the day, offering a vibrant cultural experience for all. These performances, held at different locations, included both traditional Bulgarian songs and modern adaptations, reinforcing the deep cultural ties that bind Bulgarians to their land.
Reflections on the Past and Future of Bulgarian Tourism
The 130th anniversary celebrations of organised tourism in Bulgaria reflected on the country’s rich past and looked ahead to its future. Aleko Konstantinov’s pioneering efforts inspired a movement that encouraged Bulgarians to explore their natural landscapes. Modern celebrations brought together thousands to honour these traditions. The legacy of Bulgarian tourism is one of pride and cultural connection.
As Bulgaria develops its tourism industry, there is a growing focus on sustainable practices. The anniversary events highlighted the importance of preserving Bulgaria’s natural treasures for future generations. With more interest in eco-tourism and outdoor activities, the future of organised tourism in Bulgaria looks promising.
[Image Credit: So Sofia Official Website]
