There are many beautiful and significant natural landmarks in Bulgaria, but few manage to make such a deep impression that they are noticed in national literature.
“It seems to you that this waterfall does not come from the top of Vitosha, but somewhere from the heights of heaven, carrying with it the rays of blue and the noise of their storms.”
– Ivan Vazov, The Waterfall
This is how the writer describes our current destination – Boyana Waterfall + bonus Boyana Lake. These are two famous landmarks that are visited many times by Sofia residents and visitors of the city, because not many capitals in the world can say that they have this type of attraction just next door. And the waterfall as a natural landmark is one of the most beautiful, and that is why I decided this year to pay attention to this place in my article “One place – Two seasons“.
Boyana waterfall
Boyana Waterfall is located on the territory of Vitosha Mountain and is its highest waterfall – 25 m. It originates from the waters of Boyana River and is located at 1260 m above sea level. Only about 4 km southwest of Boyana neighborhood and is the perfect one-day escape from the big city.
With that in mind, I visited the waterfall impulsively in the summer, and from yesterday to today I decided to go. It happened on June 10, when the weather was nice, with very light, roaring rain, which did not interfere in any way with the walk. My journey started from the Boyana district of the capital, where both the most famous paths start. One is longer but sloping (takes 1:30 – 2:00) and is marked with green markings, and the other is shorter but steeper (takes 1:00) with red marking.
During the summer walk I walked through the green markings, which also passes near Boyana Lake, which we will talk about shortly. The good thing about the trails is that they pass through the forests of Vitosha Nature Park and give you the opportunity to fully enjoy nature, as well as various and interesting views of Sofia.
In winter, one should not underestimate Vitosha Mountain. I took the winter walk on February 14 and my new and faithful friend, my dog Yuki-Doro, accompanied me on this adventure. (This article is his official debut in my blog) Then I took the red path to the waterfall as a challenge. With it, the situation was more complicated, but with the right equipment and preparation, one can easily get through it.
Boyana waterfall is truly magical, most “watery” in the spring, it does not dry out all year round, delighting visitors in the summer. Autumn is beautifully combined with the golden colors of the surrounding trees, and in winter, on the coldest days, the waterfall freezes due to its location in a swampy and deep valley, thus providing the opportunity for extreme tourism – winter climbing.
Useful information:
The starting point is the northern part of Boyana at the entrance to Vitosha Park;
If you have a car you can park in the neighboring streets or in the square of the neighborhood;
By public transport you can travel by buses 64 and 107, and the stop is Boyansko Hanche, 10 minutes from the starting point;
I recommend moving on the longer path (green markings). It is safer and more enjoyable. If you want to go through both, it is better to go through the shorter one (red marking) and return through the longer one in order to avoid overload and risky situations;
In the summer I recommend you to wear waterproof and comfortable shoes;
In the winter you have to have good equipment and, above all, the right shoes, because a lot of snow accumulates here and it is slippery;
The route is suitable for all ages in summer, while in winter it is suitable for active people who have suitable mountain equipment;
From here you can continue to Momina Skala hut, Kamen del hut and the area of the Golden Bridges, where bus 63 stops.
Boyana Lake
Boyana Lake is artificial, created during the construction of the Sofia Vitosha aqueduct in 1906. Previously, it was a swamp fed by several springs. Nowadays it has become an indispensable part of Vitosha Nature Park, being home to a number of animal and plant species.
It is located 1.5 km southeast of Boyana. It can be reached by the green marked path I mentioned above. The duration of the walk is about 50 minutes. The lake provides a peaceful atmosphere that everyone can enjoy in the company of melodies from the monasteries here, including: brown toad, large water frog, small and large crested newt.
From the photos you can see the impressive contrast that this place provides. In summer it is beautiful, humble and green, while in winter you can see beautiful blue and white shades that easily paint the whole landscape. Definitely Boyana Lake offers views and emotions for every person and his favorite season.
Useful information:
The starting point is the same as at Boyana Waterfall, the northern part of Boyana at the entrance to Vitosha Park;
Boyana Lake is significantly lower and more easily accessible;
The route is suitable for all ages in summer, while in winter it is suitable for active people who have mountain equipment;
The nature of Vitosha is unique and invigorating, so it is important for us, the visitors, to maintain it as such and to protect it from neglected individuals who do not think about how to coexist all in harmony, but look at our planet selfishly.
Protect Bulgarian nature, because it is nobody’s trash.