What to see and do in Bansko

• Trinity Church

The church is located in the Old town of Bansko and is announced as a monument of culture. Its construction began in 1835 and was completed in 1837. In 1850, a large stone bell tower was built in the churchyard, which also serves as a clock tower.

15-17 min walk

• Spiritual-historical center “St. Paisiy Hilendarski”

The museum is located on the site which, according to historical sources, was the birthplace of the first writer of the Bulgarian national revival. The building is а replica of the cell in Hilendar Monastery (Athos, Greece) where Paisiy Hilendarski started to write the first Bulgarian history, also known as Slavo-Bulgarian history.

12-14 min walk

• House of Velyan

“House of Velyan” is officially a national cultural heritage. It was built in the XVIII century and is one of the oldest house fortresses with thick stone walls, underground hideouts, inner and outer towers, and small windows with iron fences.

18-20 min walk

• House-museum of Neofit Rilski

The house, where was born the activist of the Bulgarian Renaissance – Neofit Rilski, is a cultural value with national importance today. It is a typical house of the traditional architectural style of Bansko from 18th century. It was built almost entirely of stone and wood, with yards surrounded by high walls and a solid front gate.

20-22 min walk

• House-museum of Nikola Vaptsarov

The home in which the great Bulgarian poet and son of Bansko grew up, was opened for visitors in 1952. Visitors can learn more about the poet and his life work via specially selected videos.

17-19 min walk

• Baikushev’s Pine

Тhe Baikushev’s Pine is an important specimen of the black moura species. It is named after the forester Konstantin Baikushev, who discovered and described this specimen in 1897. It is located in the Pirin Mountain at 1930 meters above sea level. It is located near the Vihren hut. It is estimated to be over 1300 years old, making it the oldest in the country and one of the oldest trees in the world.

• Vihten Hut

Vihren Hut is located at 1950m above sea level and is the starting point for hikes to all Banderishki lakes: Frog Lake, Long Lake, Fish Lake, Muratovo Lake and The Eye.

Around Bansko

• Thermal springs

The village of Banya, which is located only 6km from Bansko, has numerous mineral pools with a temperature of 37C to 57C. You can enjoy spectacular views of the Pirin, Rila and Rhodope Mountains.

Interesting fact: In Bulgarian the word “banya” means bath or bathroom.

The town of Dobrinishte is situated 6km south of Bansko at the foot of the Rila, Pirin and Rhodopes mountains. The town has 17 mineral pools with temperatures from 30C to 43C. There is a Public Mineral Baths in the town centre which are open to visitors.

• Bear Sanctuary Belitsa

The bear sanctuary is situated in Rila Mountain, 33 kilometers from Bansk. The region is spread with natural forests, valleys and water areas. Here you can see bears living in a natural habitat. On the way back, you can take a detour through Rila Fun Park, a mountain amusement park, or treat yourself to a relaxing fishing trip.

We recommend that you plan your time in Bansko according to the weather conditions and the opening hours of the mentioned sites.