Bansko – The Charm of Pirin

Bansko municipality is located in Southwestern Bulgaria and covers Pirin, parts of the Razlog valley, the gorge Momina gorge in Mesta and the Dabrazh part of the Rhodope Mountains. The municipality includes 8 settlements: Bansko, gr. Dobrinishte, Mesta, Filipovo, Kremen, Obidim, Osenovo and Gostun. 

Bansko is the administrative center of the municipality. It is 56 km from Blagoevgrad, 145 km from Plovdiv and 160 km from Sofia, 120 of which are highways. 

The Glazne River flows through Bansko. Near the town begins the Pirin National Park, recognized by the UN as one of the territories in Europe of global importance. 

Bansko is a starting point for access to over 50 mountain peaks with a height of over 2500 m, for climbing to Vihren Peak (2914 m) – the second highest in Bulgaria and third in the Balkans, to reach 170 lakes, including the famous Banderishki, Vasilashki, Prevalski and Popovi Lakes, for a walk to picturesque waterfalls, visiting reserves with unique biological and plant diversity. 

The unique natural sites, the numerous landmarks, music festivals and events, the unique atmosphere, cuisine and atmosphere make Bansko an attractive place for connoisseurs-travelers from all over the world. 

Activate the pulsating icons on the map to learn more about the selected cultural and natural sites in Bansko. 

  • 1
    Holy Trinity Church
  • 2
    The House Museum Paisii Hilendarski
  • 3
    Velyanova House
  • 4
    Arch. Museum of St. Nicholas
  • 5
    Vaptsarov House Museum
  • 6
    Baykusheva fir

Natural sites

The natural sites in Pirin are a great place for hiking, climbing, mountaineering, hiking and walking. They offer visitors a unique opportunity to enjoy the beauty and challenges of nature. Among them are undoubtedly Vihren peak (2915 m) and Kotelo peak (2908 m) - second and third highest in Bulgaria, Karst edge Koncheto - a real test for the brave and Mount Sinanitsa - one of the most beautiful Bulgarian peaks. 

Vihren Peak and Kotelo Peak

Rock edge Koncheto

Sinanitsa peak

Cultural attractions

Bansko is one of the oldest towns in Bulgaria with centuries-old history and culture. The town is famous for its Renaissance houses, churches, architectural monuments and museums. They offer visitors a unique opportunity to get acquainted with the rich historical heritage of Bulgaria. Among the most popular cultural attractions in Bansko are: Trinity and its rich frescoes, the House-Museum Paisii Hilendarski, the exquisite Velyanova House, the Archaeological Complex "St. St. Nicholas" fortress with an early Christian basilica and a necropolis, the House-Museum of the poet Nikola Vaptsarov, the Baykusheva fir - the oldest coniferous tree in Bulgaria more than 1300 years old.

Church of Sv. Trinity – Bansko

House-Museum P. Hilendarski

Velyanova House

Archaeological complex St. Nicolas

House-Museum N. Vaptsarov

Baykusheva fir

Festivals and Events

Many tourists come to Bansko especially for the various international festivals, competitions and cultural holidays that are organized throughout the year. Among them are the Bansko Jazz Festival - one of the largest and most significant music festivals in Bulgaria with the participation of world-famous jazz musicians, the Ballet Festival in Bansko, presenting the best ballet companies from Bulgaria and the world, the Opera Festival, the Festival of Balkan Music and Culinary, the Festival of Arts and others. Especially attractive for foreigners and Bulgarians is the Kukeri Festival, filled with music, dances and rituals related to fertility and health.

Jazz Festival

Ballet Festival

Kukeri Festival

Atmosphere

Bansko offers everything you need for an unforgettable holiday. The city has a unique atmosphere that creates unforgettable memories. The rich opportunities for various experiences - from winter sports and tourism to cultural events, culinary delights and nightlife, friendly and hospitable people and diverse conditions for recreation turn Bansko into a city with soul, attraction and irresistible charm. The numerous local entertainment and attractions, modern hotels and cozy guest houses, restaurants and taverns with culinary delights, shops and markets satisfy every taste and tempt visitors to come back again and again here.  

Ideal conditions for skiing

Various opportunities for recreation

Modern hotels, shops, restaurants