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

Bringing harmony between water and the urban environment: Varshets with a new singing fountain

In the centre of Varshets a new singing fountain now rises. The modern landmark has transformed the central square, quickly becoming a favourite venue for the locals and for the guests to the town. The installation immediately attracts the attention..

published on 6/29/25 3:30 PM

Small, wild and furry: New additions to European bison herd in the Eastern Rhodopes

Three European bison calves were born in the Eastern Rhodopes during the past few weeks, the Rewilding Rhodopes foundation has announced. They are the first additions to the herd for the year and are already accompanying their mothers as they walk..

published on 6/29/25 7:35 AM

"Cultural Alternative Tsaribrod" motivates Bulgarians in Serbia to write in their native language

Earlier this week the parliamentary Committee on Policies for Bulgarians Abroad examined the case of the association "Cultural Alternative Tsaribrod" - a Bulgarian organization in the Serbian town of Tsaribrod (or Dimitrovgrad), which publishes a..

published on 6/28/25 3:05 PM