Hotel Saint George → Cherni Vrah

The first part – from the hotel towards Vitoshko Lale

The initial part follows the already familiar route from Hotel Saint George towards the higher parts of Vitosha.

The trail passes through forested terrain, by the intermediate station of the Simeonovo lift and Severina Hut, and in some places it is rocky, requiring sturdy hiking shoes.

After Severina Hut, the route becomes gentler and reaches the area at the base of the Vitoshko Lale ski slope.

This is the first important intermediate point on the long hike towards the summit.

From Vitoshko Lale to Aleko Hut

After the base of the ski slope, a more serious ascent begins.

The trail gradually gains elevation and leads out of the forest zone towards the more open parts of Vitosha.

After approximately 6.4 km from the start of the hike, you reach Aleko Hut, located at around 1800 m above sea level.

This is a good place to take a longer rest, assess the weather and your own condition before continuing towards Cherni Vrah.

For less prepared hikers, Aleko Hut itself is a completely suitable final point for the hike.

From Aleko to Cherni Vrah

After Aleko Hut, the character of the route changes.

The forest zone remains behind and the hike continues through the open high-mountain part of Vitosha.

The terrain is different from the lower parts of the route, and the wind, temperatures and visibility can change much more quickly.

The ascent continues towards the highest point of the mountain — Cherni Vrah, 2290 m.

This final section requires more endurance, especially after the kilometres and elevation already gained from the hotel to Aleko.

Cherni Vrah – 2290 m

Cherni Vrah is the highest peak of Vitosha and the fourth highest mountain peak in Bulgaria.

Reaching it on foot directly from Hotel Saint George is a serious mountain experience — you start at around 1020 m and gradually climb almost the entire northern side of Vitosha up to 2290 m.

In clear weather, wide views towards Sofia and the surrounding mountains open from the higher part of the mountain.

After a rest at the summit, the long descent back to the hotel follows the same route.

Who the route is suitable for

This hike is suitable for:

• people with good physical preparation;
• hikers with mountain experience;
• people used to full-day hikes;
• hikers who can comfortably cover around 20 km with significant elevation gain;
• guests who want to dedicate the whole day to Vitosha.

This route is not an ordinary walk. The accumulated elevation gain of around 1270 m, the distance and the time spent in the higher part of the mountain require good preparation in advance.

What you will see along the route

The hike passes through:

• the forested slopes above Hotel Saint George;
• rocky mountain trails;
• the intermediate station of the Simeonovo lift;
• Severina Hut;
• the Vitoshko Lale ski slope;
• Aleko Hut;
• the open high-mountain part of Vitosha;
• Cherni Vrah – 2290 m.

This is the route that most fully shows the different faces of Vitosha — from the shaded forests to the open terrain around the highest point of the mountain.

Useful tips

Quality hiking boots are strongly recommended for this hike.

Bring enough water, food, and a windproof and waterproof outer layer. Even in summer, the conditions around Cherni Vrah can be significantly colder and windier than those around the hotel.

Start early in the morning and check the weather forecast and conditions in the higher part of Vitosha in advance.

In fog, thunderstorms, strong wind or sudden worsening of the weather, it is reasonable to shorten the route and leave Aleko Hut or Vitoshko Lale as the final point for the day.

Do not underestimate the way back either — although it is mostly downhill, after several hours of walking it also requires concentration and physical strength.

From the hotel room to the highest point of Vitosha

Few hotels in Sofia can offer an experience like this — leaving the hotel in the morning and, without a car, lift or transfer, starting a hike directly towards Cherni Vrah.

From around 1020 m at Hotel Saint George to 2290 m at the summit, the route passes through almost all characteristic zones of Vitosha.

This is the most challenging route in our selection, but also the one that offers the fullest mountain experience.

After the long day in the mountain, rest and the restaurant at Hotel Saint George await you.