Bansko is a town in South-western Bulgaria, Blagoevgrad province, near the town of Razlog. It lies at the foot of Pirin Mountain and it is a favourite tourist destination to both Bulgarian and foreign tourists. А museum-town, where old and new live together – the modern centre passes into cobbled streets with typical houses with wooden balcony, secluded behind strong double gates. Popular as a centre for skiing and mountain sports with modern skiing facilities and newly built gondola lift. The contemporary Bansko is a unique mix of old customs and traditions and modern style where buildings are separated from a hundred years old houses with great ethnographic value by only a small cobbled street.

HISTORY:

According to many legends, some of which claim historical authenticity, the establishment of Bansko belongs to the period after the Turkish invasion (15-16 c.). The first mention of Bansko as a centralized settlement is from that period when it is mentioned in an official document (Turkish register from 1576). Before that the population lived in several scattered neighbourhoods. Thanks to the archaeological excavations and studies, information about Bansko does not appear surprisingly, but has its centuries of development. Findings are various and include all historic periods from prehistory to antiquity and Middle Ages. Today the town is the centre of a "necklace" of ancient settlements and apparently originated from their residents.

The enterprise of the people of Bansko, their ambition to innovate are the basis of the unprecedented economic and spiritual revival of the town in the late 17th and 18th century.

The development of art, literature, education, material affluence of the local residents raised the Pirin Mountain town to its heyday, and accord it a leading role in the formation and strengthening of the Bulgarian nation. Here was born the founder of the Bulgarian Revival Paisiy Hilendarski. A worthy follower of him is another great son of Bansko, the patriarch of modern Bulgarian education Neofit Rilski.

Bansko is actively involved in the movement for public education - one of the clearest manifestations of our Renaissance. In 1838 school premises were built in the churchyard, training was initially monastic, but in 1847 it developed into the new Bulgarian secular school. The activities of many prominent and less known Bansko citizens determined the settlement as an influential cultural - educational and literary centre.

In the dark years of five centuries of Ottoman rule, Bansko became famous as a nest of the Bulgarian spirit, an outbreak of faith and national consciousness, where the hope of deliverance from oppressors never vanished.

Bansko is a town with an enviable past, worthy present and stable future, transferred, preserved and developed the distinctive and eternally seeking Bulgarian spirit throughout the centuries.

CLIMATE:

The climate is transitional-continental with Mediterranean influence, in the higher parts – mountainous. Summer is short and cool, and the winter is snowy, mild and long. The average January temperature is - 1.9°C, the snow cover in the resort stays six months of the year on the average, and the summer temperatures are about 25 – 35°C.

TOURISM CONDITIONS:

However, Bansko remains the most preferred destination in winter. The resort has ski slopes for all categories of visitors - from beginners to masters. A good network of ski tows is at service. The slopes are safe and well-maintained.

Sixty-five kilometres perfectly prepared and efficiently secured ski slopes, Half pipe, Winter fun park, extreme skiing, para-skiing, ice skating, cross-country skiing track, shooting ground for biathlon, fast and comfortable lifts, kindergarten, ski & snowboard school - all that you can find in Bansko resort.

Twenty-two kilometres modern lifts with high capacity transport the tourists quickly and comfortably to the beginning of each track.

The team of Bansko Winter Centre takes care of the perfectly prepared slopes and impeccable facilities that the tourists find each morning.

The geographical location, the altitude and the technical capabilities of Bansko Ski Centre provide sufficient snow cover from December to May.

Of the 65 km runs, 35% are for beginners, 40% - for advanced, and 25% for experienced skiers.

The highest point of the ski centre is 2560 metres, and the lowest – 1000 metres. Equipped with snow machines are 80% of the tracks, which guarantees sufficient snow cover from December to May.

The Ski Centre offers a wonderful 16 km ski route, equipped with snow machines and lighting, connecting the higher parts of the resort with the town of Bansko.

LOCATION:

Bansko is situated 150 km from Sofia, 150 km from Plovdiv, 60 km from Blagoevgrad and 40 km from Gotse Delchev. The transport between the towns is by bus. The railway Dobrinishte – September passes through the municipality, which is connected with Sofia - Plovdiv railway.

Twelve kilometres asphalted and repaired road Bansko - Vihren hut and a modern gondola lift connects the town with the high mountains and the ski area.

TRANSPORT:

How can we get to Bansko resort?

By car: There are two routes you can choose - the quickest or the shortest. The quickest route (distance: 152 km, time: 2:38 hrs) - from Sofia you should take the first-class road E79 with direction Simitli (Sofia - Pernik - Dupnitsa - Blagoevgrad – Simitli). After Simitli you take the second-class road 19 towards Razlog. The road passes through Predel col with a branch in Bansko.

The shortest route (distance: 146 km, time: 3:39 hrs) - from Sofia you should take the first-class road E80. Then you take a third-class road in order to reach the second-class road 82 for Samokov. After Samokov you continue to the third-class road towards Yakoruda. Then you take the second-class road 84 and drive towards Razlog. At the exit to Bansko you should take the second-class road 19.

By bus: You can check the timetable of the buses to Bansko in the Central Bus Station in Sofia.

By train: You can take a train from Sofia to Bansko. In order to do that you need to buy a ticket up to 5 days prior to your travel date. You need to change the train in Septemvri because there is no direct railway Sofia – Bansko.

ATTRACTIONS:

Para-skiing

This should not be missed! Together with a professional paraglider you will ascend to heaven, and will have one of the most extreme and most wonderful experiences in your life. Look for Tandem Taxi plate on top of “Todorka” or “The plateau”.

Heli-skiing

The high adrenaline lovers have at their disposal a helicopter to lift them up to one of the nearby peaks of Pirin Mountain. From there the drop should remain memories for a lifetime.

Motor sledges

With a motor on the snow, you should try this show! Inquiries in the upper lift station or the Ski school.

Ice rink

The ice rink offers pleasant moments on the ice and the ability to "rock" a little before you rush to the dance floor in one of the nearby clubs. Opening hours: 6 pm – 10 pm every day.

SPORTS ENTERTAINMENT:

During the summer Bansko offers great opportunities for mountain biking. Whether you are looking for relaxing routes to escape from everyday life or you prefer fast, full of adrenaline descents, Bansko will satisfy everyone's wish with a wide variety of mountain biking terrains.

The caves around Bansko with its beauty, underground rivers, stalactites and stalagmites are a tourist attraction that nobody can afford to miss.

A tour with horses is the perfect addition to summer adventure in Bansko. By taking a tour with horses, you will be able to see the beautiful green fields and meadows to incredible rock formations and also the mighty ancient, coniferous forests.

Beside the group walks and individual routes, Bansko offers horse and pony riding, private and group lessons, a walk with a barbecue stop and a tour with a cart.

For the fans of strong sensations Bansko offers several rafting packages for a truly exciting and memorable summer vacation. Struma and Mesta rivers surrounding Pirin National Park are the two major rafting locations in the area.

Rafting trip on the Struma River begins in the quiet waters, then continues on the rapids of the Kresna gorge provides exciting and full of challenges rafting in the sparkling waters of the river. The trip ends in the picturesque valley lying to the sunny town of Sandanski. 

Rafting in the relatively calm Mesta river provides plenty of time to practise different techniques of paddling and navigation and at the same time enjoying the picturesque nature while going deeper into the gorge between Pirin and Rhodopes Mountains.

Rafting in Bansko will be an emotional and physical apex in the summer holiday. Regardless of age and technical ability, you will for sure enjoy an unforgettable experience.

The fans of outdoor adventures can try buggy tour. This attraction is like a safari, where fun and high adrenaline portions are a major component.

RESTAURANTS AND NIGHT PLACES:

Kasapinova Tavern - Bansko

4 Yane Sandanski Str, Bansko, 2770, tel.: 0878 317 555, 0878 555 611. The tavern offers almost 200 seats divided into 3 halls – a main hall, a winery and a fish salon with a fireplace in each of the premises. In Kasapinova Tavern you can try: the most delicious barbecue in the region, either wild game meat, roast pig, rabbit or lamb cooked in the oldest furnace in Bansko. Bansko's specialities such as kapama, chomlek and pork knuckle are also not to be missed. In the winery, you will be pleasantly surprised by the huge range of wines, comprising over 3000.

Dumanova Tavern - Bansko

15 Nayden Gerov Str, Bansko, 2770, tel.: 0896 839 630, 0894 372 220. The tavern offers 160 seats during the winter season and 100 more in the beautiful summer garden immersed in comfort and greenery.

Kabatsite Tavern - Bansko

7 Kiril i Metodi Str, Bansko, 2770, tel.: 0898698747, 0888225385. The tavern offers local delicacies such as delicious roast lamb, seven types of steaks, chicken and pork dishes and shishlitsi, as well as sea and river fish specialities, including fresh fish from Glazne river, several types of squid, shrimp and octopus.

The cosy atmosphere and hospitable staff are a prerequisite for an unforgettable evening. The tavern offers 120 seats, and your good mood is kept by a pleasant musical setting.

Pitsina Pub - Bansko

Tel.: 07498 4052, 0894 014282. The pub offers two separate halls. One is furnished in traditional folk style with 30 seats. The other hall is an image of past glorious years in the faces of revolutionaries and popular educators from the end of 19th century. Heroes like Levski, Botev, Benkovski, Zahari Stoyanov, Slaveikov, Karavelov whose names are holy relic for every Bulgarian.

The cuisine is an interesting combination of Bansko's and Razlog's dishes, combined with fish specialities.

Pitsina Pub is the only place where you will find over 12 types of fish and other seafood. Prepared by the chef, they are a fantasy for your taste.

Tuhlata Tavern - Bansko

5 Byalo more Str, Bansko, 2770, tel.: 0888 741 897, 0899 890 094. The tavern has 50 seats, the tables are beautifully located around the masterly built fireplace and its flames fondle you in the cold Bansko evenings.

With us you can try all Bansko specialities such as kapama, chumlek, knuckle, katino appetizer and many others, made with fresh products and above all – with great desire.

Fish delicacies, widespread on the south coast may be tried as well. Over 15 species of fish in the hands of our experienced chefs will impress even the most demanding.

Lobby bar – Grand Arena Hotel

1 Sgrada Str, ground floor. Eighty seats, 24-hours open. Menu: light breakfast meals, cakes and croissants selection.

Bella Vista – Grand Arena Hotel

One floor above the lobby bar. Eighty seats, Bar & salon type, working hours: 9 am – 1 am. Menu: light breakfast meals, variety of cocktails and drinks.

Gallery – Grand Arena Hotel

Ground floor between buildings 2 and 3. 240 seats, cuisine: local and international. Working hours: 7 am – 11.30 pm. Menu: buffet, breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Come Prima – Grand Arena Hotel

Ground floor, building 4. Forty-five seats, cuisine: Mediterranean, working hours: 6.30 pm – 11.30 pm. Menu: typical Mediterranean specialities, made in front of you.

HEALTH & BALNEOLOGY:

Here are some hotels in Bansko and the region offering variety of Spa procedures:

Kempinski Hotel Grand Arena

The hotel is situated opposite the avant-garde ski lift station, with which you climb to 2600 meters to the highest snowcapped slopes, facilities and freestyle biathlon track.

Bansko Hotel

It is here among the genuine sense of Bulgarian traditions and comfort you should become guests of Bansko Hotel - opened on December 6, 1996.

Pirin Hotel

The hotel is located in the centre of Bansko. Near the Post Office, the pedestrian street and town park. The slopes are 10 minutes drive. The hotel offers to its guests free transportation to the lifts.

Strazhite Hotel

The four-star hotel is located on the outskirts of Bansko, a quiet location in the heart of Pirin Mountain.

Mura Hotel

Mura Hotel is one of the newest hotels in Bansko. It is situated next to Glazne river, in close proximity to Bansko's centre.

EXCURSIONS AND SIGHTSEEING AROUND BANSKO RESORT:

The town is part of the “100 Tourist Sites of Bulgaria” of the Bulgarian Tourist Union. Among the attractions are: Velyanova House, Neofit Rilski Museum, Nikola Vaptsarov Museum, permanent exhibition “Bansko Art School”, St. Trinity Church.

Other monuments of national importance are:

Church of the Assumption - built probably around the middle of the 18th century on the foundations of the destroyed during the Ottoman invasion medieval church. Most valuable in it is the unique wood-carved iconostasis.

Todeva House – an old museum-house, combining the typical atmosphere and spirit of Bansko, bringing comfort and warmth. Located in the heart of Bansko, the winery is part of the Renaissance style of the city in the heart of Pirin Mountian.

The home house of Toma Vishanov-Molera – icon-painter and muralist, founder of the Bansko School of Art.

Cultural monuments of local importance are: Sirleshtova House, Pumpalova House, Molerova House (Vlado), Strakova House, Evangelical Church, Gechkova House, Toporilova House, "Vatopedi" Convent, Sabeva House, Vakanova House, remains of the church of St. Iliya - 500 meters east of Bansko, consecrated ground "St Dimitar" – 3 km southeast of Bansko, remains of "Palitoden" Church – 2 km west of Bansko, remains of "St Georgi" Church – 2 km east of Bansko, the Old Turkish Post ("Tumbeva House"), consecrated ground "St Tekila" – Dabovets area, consecrated ground "St Vlas", "Fox Hill" tomb, the place where the house of Father Otets Paisiy has been, Ancient settlement, necropolis and sanctuary in Karagonsko area 4 km to the west.

The natural attractions are numerous: Baykusheva fir - one of the oldest trees in Bulgaria (1200 years old), a representative of relict species black fir. Located in the northern Pirin Mountain, on the territory of Pirin National Park, near the Banderitsa Hut.

Interesting ethnographic objects are the “valevitsa” for washing rugs, blankets and other tissues. The “valevitsa” is a kind of a tank made of rigid boards in which a strong stream of water falls from a high level on steep chute. Hit by the water vortex formations tissues stay 1 or 2 days. In the past the “valevitsa” are widely distributed in the Pirin Mountain region - near the mountain villages. Bansko has 5 existing, including 3 urban and 2 departmental located as follows: one above Bansko Hotel (Glazne Str), 10 minutes northwest of the centre of the town, with preserved in authentic form small private water-mill that does not work; one in the Gurovitsa area, 20 minutes southeast of the center towards Dobrinishte; three at “Izgrev” toy plant, from which one is urban and two - departmental (Pirin Str), 30 minutes southwest of the center towards Shiligarnika.

Along with beautiful scenery and unique architecture, Bansko boasts of many names of memorable Bulgarian people, who began their journey from the small town.

The town is the birthplace of many national educators, writers, poets, revolutionaries, painters and artists, including: Nikola Vaptsarov, Paisiy Hilendarski, Neofit Rilski, Nikola Furnadzhiev, Mile Bizev, Lazar Kolchagov, Toma Vishanov, Dimitar Molerov, Simeon Molerov, Ivan Popstefanov, Mile Rahov, Terzi Nikola, Asen Todev, Blago Todev and others. Monuments are erected of Vaptsarov (1956, sculptor Iliya Iliev) and of Paisiy Hilendarski (1976, sculptor Stoicho Todorov).