With temperatures reaching the low 30s Centigrade at times, in summer Bansko becomes an outdoor community. Café awnings proliferate and the old ladies dressed in traditional style sit along benches gossiping awaiting the cows who in the evenings amble their way along the roads to their individual homes.
On Sundays there is a large market and every year there are a variety of festivals including folk and beer festivals as well as the popular international Jazz festival in August.
Summer Activities include:
Walking/hiking in the mountains: Many marked paths (some long distance) wind their way through the national park with one starting from almost outside Mountain Dream. By turning off the Mountain Dream access road just before passing under the gondola one accesses the 'Blue' route and within seconds can be enjoying the mountain forest atmosphere. The Blue route may be followed up a beautiful river to a high mountain hut but alternatively, one can branch on to one of many side paths making ones own circular walk or perhaps just simply enjoy a picnic at one of the many prepared areas.
The Vihren hut, reached either by car or a very reasonably-priced mini bus (time table available at the Hotel Strazhite), is a start point for high level mountain hiking including the assault on MountVihren which at 2914m is the highest peak in the Pirin mountains. A pleasant short walk is from the Banderitsa hut which is on the route to the Vihren Hut and has more parking up to the Vihren hut and back (about 30minutes each way). A short distant up and beyond the Vihren hut are some small lakes.
Alternatively take the car up the 11 km road above the next village, Dobrinishte, to the chair lift at Gotse Delchev (open during the summer 8am until 4pm) which opens up other walking possibilities. Don’t forget to stop at the Trout farm on the way back down to Dobrinishte for either a fish or a drink.
BearPark: Referred to as the DancingBearPark it is actually a well laid out sanctuary for all the 23 former dancing bears that were once exploited in Bulgaria. The 15km route up the mountains from Banya is ‘interesting’ as much of the road is in need of re-making but the effort is well rewarded. On entering the park turn right for a further 2.8km to reach the best parking and viewing areas. The BearPark is funded by two charities and currently charges no admission fee merely seeking donations. We recommend you to take your own refreshments with you as we found only limited drinks available and no food. There is, however, a pleasant room with tables, chairs and displays. For those without a car trips can be arranged from Bansko.
Hot Mineral Springs: This natural spa is in Dobrinishte and we are told it is reasonably priced and well worth a visit.
Edelweiss Garden: This garden in Dobrinishte is the only one in Bulgaria.
Razlog: This is the nearest town to Bansko being just six kilometers away. It has a delightful town square, park and lake.
Other Activities: Horse riding, mountain biking, rock climbing, rafting, off-road jeep safaris, paintball. Link to www.banskosummer.com for further ideas.
Further a field: Rila Monastery another UNESCO World Heritage Site is about a two hour drive as is Greece.
In Bansko, Bulgaria our 4* 2 bedroomed, beautifully appointed apartment sleeps up to 6 adults and a child. Perfect for renting for winter ski holidays and also in the summer vacation when self catering accommodation allows you to fully enjoy the many and varied pursuits that abound in the Pirin mountain area.
