Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2025 All Rights Reserved

Celebrating 129 years of organised tourism 

Cultural events on Vitosha mark first mass ascent of Cherni Vrah

On the 27th of August 1895, 300 people followed Aleko Konstantinov's call to climb the highest peak of Vitosha - Cherni Vrah.
Photo: Archive

The first mass ascent of Cherni Vrah on Vitosha Mountain 129 years ago is being celebrated today with a series of events, including several cultural ones as part of the "Green Libraries" campaign, the Sofia Library has announced.

The hike was led by writer Aleko Konstantinov (known as Shtastlivetsa, or "The Fortunate One") and marked the founding of the organised tourism movement in Bulgaria.

Photo: BGNES

The exhibition "Contemplation of Shtastlivetsa" with quotations from the works of the writer Aleko Konstantinov and photographs of the Vitosha Mountain from the beginning of the 20th century will be opened in front of the Aleko Chalet. Visitors will also be able to see publications by foreign travellers and Bulgarian explorers dedicated to the mountain and its surroundings. 

Aleko Konstantinov
At the same place Petar Tchouhov and Ivan Hristov will recite their poems and play ethno-folk music. The mobile library "Bibliobus" will also be there. 



Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

Attracting the world with nature and WiFi – Bulgaria with a visa for digital nomads

Bulgaria has established itself as a leading destination for digital nomads in Eastern Europe with the fastest internet connection in the region – over 100 Mbps even in some remote mountain huts. The monthly accommodation rent is less..

published on 8/4/25 1:56 PM

Thousands expected to attend Ardino Days in the Rhodopes

The Rhodope Mountain is pure magic to anyone who has ever laid eyes on the its scenic views or has ever heard any of the legends about it. August 4-10 is a good time to plan a visit to the Western Rhodopes, and more specifically the region of Ardino..

published on 8/3/25 9:45 AM

Bulgaria getting ready for major presentation at World Travel Market in London

The Ministry of Tourism is once again organizing Bulgaria’s presentation at the World Travel Market in London. At the 45 th edition of the event, November 4-6, 2025, Bulgaria will be presented at a pavilion covering a record area – 399 sq. m...

published on 8/2/25 3:55 PM