Adventure to Bulgaria

Bulgaria often not being noticed by tourist visiting Europe. In fact, with it being located beside Romania in the Balkan region, the capital of Bulgaria (Sofia) is blessed with surrounding mountains. During winter, the weather can be quite harsh as I experienced myself during a trip in early December.

How to Enter Bulgaria? 

I had explored Romania before deciding that I should head to this amazing country, Bulgaria. In the capital of Romania (Bucharest), there are basically 2 ways to enter Bulgaria, either by train or bus. I decide to visit the town of Veliko Tranovo in Northern Bulgaria first before reaching the capital Sofia. As the bus schedule departing to Veliko Tranovo either early morning (7am) or late at night (11pm), I decide to take the day train departing at 1230pm from Bucharest.

There is no direct train into Veliko Tranovo. Thus, one need alight at Ruse (the border town located at Bulgaria side) ans take the next train to Gorna Oryakhovitsa. A good point to note is to exchange your currency at Bucharest train station into some Bulgaria Lev so that you could use it to buy drinks/food or use the washroom. To buy international tickets, head to counter 1 or 2 which says “International”. Show the counter “Veliko Tranovo” if you had language barrier, or rather that is what I did.

Crossing border from Romania into Bulgaria involves first stop at Romanian last city, Giurgiu Nord. Boarder control officer from Romania will board the train and collect your passport before going back to their office for check & stamp. Once done, the Romania immigration officer will return your passports and off you head into Bulgaria. The first and also the stop to alight is at Ruse. Likewise, officers from Bulgaria will board the train and have it returned to you once it has all been stamp. Once you collected your passport, please do alight and await for the next train departing to  Gorna Oryakhovitsa. Do be mindful that the train board will have only words written in non English language. Look at your train timing and determine the platform. Always make sure by asking the information counter, showing them your ticket. When you arrive at Gorna Oryakhovitsa, take a taxi into the town of Veliko Tranovo which is just 11km away.

Veliko Tranovo

142 miles away from the capital of Bulgaria, Veliko Tranovo is best visited when one cross from Romania into Bulgaria as it is situated in between both country capital. This small town is built on three hills, standing at 220 meters above sea level. It can be very hot in summer yet when it comes to winter, it can be extremely cold. The best time is to visit during spring. I make my visit in early December, the start of winter and got a reality check on how harsh the winter can be. Roads are slippery, one have to navigate slowly and very carefully through the slippery passage ways. Beware of the icy walkway!

The Tsaravets Fortress is the highlight of this little town. Beside that, the charming old cobblestone old town filled with souvenirs shops & restaurants, orthodox churches along the way and museums. I feel this town is a good break and able to recharge one soul completely when perched high up the hills.

Sofia 

A trip to Bulgaria would not be complete if one did not visit the capital, Sofia. Sofia, a city influenced by Russian from the number of parks they have in the city and the many sculptures.

 The iconic attraction of Sofia is the Aleksander Nevski Cathedral. Being the symbol of Sofia, this church was built in memory for 200,000 Russian soldiers who died fighting for Bulgaria independence during Russo-Turkish War.

Beside it, there are Russian Church “Sveti Nikolay Mirlikiiski”, built in 1914 featuring colourful tiled exterior and onion shaped domes, typical of the Russian style.

The regional history museum of Sofia is another tourist attraction featuring from ancient to present times & cultural events.

The Saint Sofia Monument is another iconic symbol of Sofia situated at the busy road intersection.

The Monument of the Unknown Soldier is just opposite road of Aleksander Nevski Cathedral.

There are also mosques in Sofia, depicting the roots of the Turkish community in the city.

Another place not far from Sofia that you should not miss include 7 Rila Lakes and Rila National Park. It is a paradise for skiers during winter and good break from the heat during summer.

I was there at the start of December and the Christmas market in Sofia is such a joy to stroll through. Why not time your trip to Sofia in early December to enjoy the Christmas season as well and be ready to spoil with many delicious looking food.

Categories: Europe Region