In 2015, Bulgaria marks the 120th anniversary of writer Aleko Konstantinov’s Invitation, introducing for the first time the famous tourist slogan "Get to Know Bulgaria In Order to Fall in Love with It". After that invitation on 27 August 1895, a total of 300 people climbed up Cherni Vrah /Black Peak/ in the Vitosha Mountain near Sofia. Thus, the start of Bulgarian hiking tourism was given. Poet Ivan Vazov wrote his Na Cherni Vrah /At Black Peak/ poem devoted to that event. The excursion was also mentioned as the beginning of Bulgarian organized tourism in some of his travelogues.
Who wouldn’t opt for a free day in the mountain? There might be such people, but my personal experience says that one can definitely find peace and tranquility, along with inspiration across the grass-covered and rugged terrain of Vitosha. Slight breeze and the odor of pine trees caress the senses of anyone who has dared to try the beauty of mountain walks. The climbing of Cherni Vrah in the 4th grade will remain as one of my most unforgettable experiences. I wasn’t aware at that time that I was following the footsteps of Shtastlivetsa (the Bulgarian for Lucky Man, as Aleko Konstantinov was nicknamed), but I did know that the nice and tiring walk would remain a memory for good. The feeling of fatigue couldn’t stop me, as I wanted to reach the top of the mountain, the top of my dreams back then.
This year nature fans have the chance to join the marking of the 120th anniversary since the start of organized tourism in this country. The event will take place on 30 August 2015 at Cherni Vrah, where the National Tourist Congregation is going to take place.
Some more good news related to a healthy lifestyle: Sofia has been recently selected to be European Capital of Sport 2018. The city is a good example for the development of mass sports events. The initiative mainly aims at the popularization and development of the active way of living, along with sports infrastructure with good facilities, programs and activities.
English version: Zhivko Stanchev
At 04:00 Bulgarian time on October 26, 2025, we must turn our clocks back one hour. This means one more hour of sleep, but it does not eliminate the stress for the body as a result of the change in the biological schedule,..
A celebration of children’s love of books and imagination will take place on 25 October in Los Angeles, organised by the Bulgarian School “St. St. Cyril and Methodius” , according to the school’s Facebook page. The Parade of Books and Fairy Tale..
Romania renegotiates its National Recovery and Resilience Plan with the EU The European Commission has approved a new version of Romania's National Recovery and Resilience Plan, announced Minister for European Funds Dragos Păslaru, quoted by..
"We cannot escape from modern technologies, but we must think about how we can use artificial intelligence to improve the quality of..
Over 80% of Bulgarians are expected to start using artificial intelligence in the next three years , across all age groups. Today, it is almost..
Serbians around the world mark one year after Novi Sad tragedy On November 1, Serbians abroad will join the call of..
Mostly Cloudy
Partly Cloudy
Clear