Bulgarian Tourist Union marks 130 years of tourism

The Bulgarian Tourist Union (BTU) announced the start of a large-scale series of events dedicated to the 130th anniversary of the first organized hike to Cherni Vrah. The initiative, led by the distinguished Bulgarian writer and public figure Aleko Konstantinov, is considered the birth date of organized tourism in Bulgaria. On this occasion, from August 27 to 31, 2025, hundreds of nature lovers will gather in the capital and on Vitosha mountain to follow the path of the pioneers.

The five-day program has been carefully structured to honor the historic event and popularize mountain tourism. The jubilee celebrations will combine commemorative ceremonies, cultural events, sports challenges, and concerts featuring prominent Bulgarian artists.

Solemn start and festive procession

The official start of the celebrations will be on August 27, when at 5:30 p.m., a solemn laying of flowers will take place at the memorial plaque in front of the "Ivan Vazov" National Theater. Just half an hour later, at 6:00 p.m., the Military Club in Sofia will host the official opening of the event, where the full program will be presented.

The celebration will continue in the heart of the capital on August 30. In the afternoon, at 4:30 p.m., wreaths will be laid at the moraine of the National Theater. Later, between 5:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., a festive procession will take place, heading along "Vitosha" Boulevard to the monument of Aleko Konstantinov. The procession will be led by the brass band and majorette squad of Botevgrad, creating a solemn atmosphere. At 6:30 p.m., as a sign of respect for Shchaslivets, flowers will be laid at his monument. The cultural part of the day will conclude with a big concert in front of the NDK (National Palace of Culture), with the participation of established names from the Bulgarian music scene such as Desi Dobreva and "Diana Ekspres".

Culmination on Cherni Vrah

The culmination of the jubilee is scheduled for August 31, when the actual ascent of Cherni Vrah will take place, recreating the historic hike. Between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m., the traditional "Lavchi hikes" will start from three different starting points – the village of Zheleznitsa, "Zlatnite Mostove" (The Golden Bridges), and the "Aleko" hut, which will gather thousands of enthusiasts. At the same time, at 9:00 a.m., the "Vitosha Run 2025" mountain race will start in front of the NDK, with its finish line on Cherni Vrah itself.

The Bulgarian Tourist Union encourages all nature lovers to join the celebration, calling out: "Come and let's celebrate 130 years of love for the mountain, freedom, and Bulgarian nature!".

Before the official ceremonies at the peak, starting at 11:00 a.m. at the "Aleko" hut, the "Bibliobus" (Bookmobile) of the Sofia City Library will open its doors, offering visitors the opportunity to experience the richness of Bulgarian literature. Around 11:15 a.m., the first competitors from the "Vitosha Run" are expected to finish. At 11:30 a.m., another commemorative ceremony will be held with the laying of flowers at the bas-relief of Aleko Konstantinov on Cherni Vrah.

Exactly at 12:05 p.m., the national anthem of the Republic of Bulgaria will be played, and five minutes later, at 12:15 p.m., the National Tourist Gathering will be officially opened. Afterward, at 1:00 p.m., the winners of the mountain race will be awarded. The program will continue with a concert by tourist choirs and artistic performances from 1:30 p.m., which will create a festive atmosphere. The event will officially conclude with the closing of the gathering at 2:30 p.m.

Significance of the event

Last year, the BTU organized a three-day celebration on the occasion of 129 years of organized tourism in Bulgaria. With this year's expanded program, the Union emphasizes the significance of tourism for Bulgarian culture and heritage, paying tribute to the work of Aleko Konstantinov and his followers.