Visit Sofia, in partnership with the Bulgarian Tourist Union (BTU), is organising a group hike to Cherni Vrah, the highest peak of Vitosha Mountain, for students in grades 5 to 12. The event will take place on Friday, 9 October 2026.
Once again, students from schools across Sofia Municipality will have the opportunity to spend a day surrounded by nature, enjoying outdoor activities, adventure and learning experiences. The hike combines mountain tourism, educational activities and interactive challenges, encouraging young people to stay active and discover Vitosha in a new way.
During the event, participants will learn essential mountain safety rules, discover how the meteorological station at Cherni Vrah operates and test their navigation skills. Special attention will also be given to the students’ ideas and messages about Bulgaria’s future.
Programme – 9 October 2026
7:30 am – Meeting point at 9 Yanko Sakazov Boulevard, near the Embassy of Slovakia (opposite the Hyatt hotel). Free transport to Aleko Hut will be provided by a licensed bus operator.
8:00 am – Departure for Aleko Hut.
9:00 am – Meeting point outside Aleko Hut. Mountain safety demonstration and briefing by the Mountain Rescue Service.
10:00 am – Start of the hike towards Cherni Vrah.
12:00 pm – Meeting point at the summit of Cherni Vrah.
At the summit, students will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of educational and interactive activities:
- Navigation Maze – a practical outdoor orientation challenge.
- “Cherni Vrah Weather Station” – an introduction to the work of the meteorological station and the importance of weather observations, presented by the meteorologists on duty.
- “Children and Their Messages for Bulgaria” – a special board inviting students to complete the sentence “I want Bulgaria in 2030 to be…” with their ideas and wishes for the country's future.
- Drone Video Recording – a group video featuring the students and a short choreographed performance.
All planned activities are subject to suitable weather conditions.
1:30–2:00 pm – Start of the return hike to Aleko Hut.
4:00 pm – Meeting point outside Aleko Hut.
4:30 pm – Departure from Aleko Hut to 9 Yanko Sakazov Boulevard.
Important Information
The ascent to Cherni Vrah takes approximately two hours. Participants should wear suitable mountain clothing and footwear appropriate for the weather conditions. Bringing water and food is strongly recommended.
The organisers reserve the right to change the event locations and schedule in case of unsuitable weather conditions.
How to Participate
The event is open to up to 600 students, with places allocated on a first-come, first-served basis until capacity is reached.
Registration deadline: Wednesday, 7 October 2026, at 3:00 pm.
Registration email: vitosha@visitsofia.bg
Applications must specify the number of participating students to help organise the free transport.
A list containing each participant’s full name and Bulgarian personal identification number (EGN) must also be submitted for mountain insurance purposes.
Additional Information
Maria Yanakieva Senior Expert, Marketing, Advertising and Information Department, Visit Sofia Phone: +359 885 264 704
Boyka Popova Chief Expert, Marketing, Advertising and Information Department, Visit Sofia Phone: +359 878 789 669
Let's reach the summit together! Join us on Vitosha Mountain for a day filled with outdoor adventure, learning and unforgettable experiences in nature.
