Today, the Bulgarian Tourist Union (BTU) is organizing a National Tourist Gathering at Cherni Vrah, marking 131 years since the beginning of the organized tourist movement in Bulgaria. According to information from the organization, the climax of the events is scheduled for 12:00 PM.
The celebration is linked to the historic date of August 27, 1895, when, on the initiative of Aleko Konstantinov, 300 nature lovers climbed Cherni Vrah. The BTU reminds us that the last Sunday of August is traditionally celebrated as Tourism Day in Bulgaria. The organizers emphasize that the founders' ideas for developing spiritual potential, humanity, and camaraderie remain timeless, just like the eternally relevant call of Vazov and the 'Happy One' (Shtastliveca): "Get to know your homeland so you can love it!"
The gathering is also dedicated to another milestone – the 60th anniversary of the National Movement 'Get to know Bulgaria – 100 National Tourist Sites.' The three-day festive events, which started on Friday, include officials, representatives of tourist societies, many Sofia residents, and foreign guests. The gathering is being realized by the BTU in collaboration with the 'Sofia – European Capital of Sport' Foundation, the 'Marathon' Association, the Vitosha Nature Park, and the Sofia Library.
We recall that President Rumen Radev previously joined the hike to Cherni Vrah from the 'Aleko' hut as part of a series of events with which the Bulgarian Tourist Union marked 130 years since the beginning of organized tourism in Bulgaria.
Program of the gathering at Cherni Vrah
- 07:00 AM – Start of the hike to ascend Cherni Vrah from the starting point of Zheleznitsa village.
- 08:00 AM – Start of the hike to ascend Cherni Vrah from the 'Kumata' hut on Vitosha.
- 09:00 AM – Start of the hikes to ascend Cherni Vrah from the 'Aleko' hut and from the Golden Bridges (Zlatnite Mostove) along the historic route used by Aleko Konstantinov and Dr. Nikola Tantilov when they climbed the peak for the first time.
- 09:00 AM – Start of 'Vitosha Run 2026' – a mountain running competition with a route from the NDK ticket center in Sofia to Cherni Vrah.
- 11:45 AM – Finish and awarding of the first competitors of 'Vitosha Run 2026'.
- 12:00 PM – Laying of flowers at the bas-relief of Aleko Konstantinov, located on the moraine next to Cherni Vrah.
- 12:10 PM – Start of the festive program.
- 01:00 PM – Awarding of tourists who have climbed the 10 mountain peaks of Bulgaria and official presentation of certificates to tourist societies.
- 03:00 PM – Official closing of the National Tourist Gathering.