Balkan Mountains Self-Guided Trek Bulgaria Balkan Mountains Walk Bulgarian man Balkan Mountains Walk Monastery in the Balkan Mountains The stunning Balkan Mountains in Bulgaria

Self Guided Walking Holidays in Bulgaria

Discover the Balkan Mountains on our Bulgarian self guided walking tour

With rich history, culture and nature rolled into a compact area, Bulgaria is a surprising destination that should be on your radar. Blessed with forest-clad mountains and sunny white-sand beaches, vibrant cities and historic villages, rich folk traditions and countless churches and monasteries, this is an exciting, welcoming and photogenic country waiting to be explored.

Start off in the laid-back capital of Sofia, where you can explore museums and parklands and immerse yourself in Bulgarian arts, entertainment and cuisine. From there, you’ll want to head out of town and start exploring the history, culture and scenic beauty of Bulgaria’s countryside.

Hike through the pristine scenery of the Balkan Mountains, famous for lush green valleys, gentle rolling pastures and quiet roads dotted with traditional villages and historic monasteries.

Explore the history, art and architecture of the Glozhene Monastery; visit hidden villages brimming with traditional culture and stay in charming guesthouses, enjoying the warm welcome of friendly locals.

Our unique self-guided walking holidays are designed to get you deep into the heart of this gem of the Balkans, so start planning your Bulgarian adventure!

Find your Bulgaria trip

Popular self guided walking holidays in Europe

Why travel with us

Self Guided Walking Specialists in Bulgaria

We have have been operating active self guided walking holidays for over 45 years. We handle all the necessary logistics so that you can relax and explore Bulgaria at your own pace. Many of our tours depart daily, giving you even greater flexibility.

Great Value & Quality Trips in Bulgaria

Our well priced trips offer great value for money. Included in your package are comprehensive route notes, maps & guidebooks along with bag transfers and locally run accommodation. We take the stress out of organising your self guided walking holiday in Bulgaria.

Personal Experiences

We've been walking and cycling the planet for over four decades and are passionate about delivering exceptional service. Combined, we’ve travelled to virtually every corner of Europe, and are eager to share the many benefits of travelling on foot.

Responsible travel

Walkers' Britain is committed to responsible travel and true sustainability. We take travellers to many countries which are home to challenging wilderness, rich biodiversity, and fragile environments. It is the travel choices we make while visiting these environments that reduce the negative impact. This is the essence of responsible and sustainable travel - something we take very seriously. View our award winning Responsible Travel Guidebook here.

Accommodation

Hotels

Often family run, these charming hotels range from 2 to 4 stars and provide access to local living thanks to your hosts. The hospitality is generous and their local knowledge is invaluable. Where possible, we choose locations that add to your experience.

Meals

Continental breakfasts are included and will often consist of breads, spreads, yogurts, cheese, tea, coffee & juices.  Where evening meals are included, these will generally consist of 3 courses with a mixture of local and international dishes.  Local dishes may include Shopska salad, a simple mix of tomatoes, cucumber, onion, peppers topped with soft white Bugarian sirene cheese. Test your tastebuds with Shkembe, tripe soup and try Buhti, a yogurt and cheese doughnut fried into puffy bites.

Trip reviews

Country information

Currency

Bulgarian lev

International Dialing Code

+359

Electricity
Type C plug

Electricity in Bulgaria is 220 Volts, at 50 hertz. The most common pin type is C. (2 round prong).

Visas

In the first half of 2025 it is expected that the ETIAS travel authorisation will be introduced requiring online application before travel. See https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias_en for more details.

Until then, visas not required for citizens of Australia, Canada, USA and New Zealand for up to 90 days in a period of 180 days for all Schengen countries (see https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/schengen-borders-and-visa/visa-policy_en . Please ensure your passport is stamped on arrival in the Schengen area – note that a new entry/exit system will be introduced in 2025. See https://travel-europe.europa.eu/ees_en for more information. For all other nationalities and for longer stays in countries covered by the Schengen Agreement (Australian New Zealand, Canadian and US passport holders), please contact the relevant embassy. Stays of longer than 90 days in the Schengen area require a long stay visa for the country you are spending most time in. However long stay visas are unlikely to be issued unless there is a valid reason (eg. studying in country). Unfortunately we cannot assist in obtaining visas for long stays due to individual country visa requirements.

Safety

Your safety is our number one concern. Our safety track record is exemplary thanks to careful management and thorough consultation with local partners. Our industry leading risk management procedures have become a skill that we continue to refine. Our leaders in the field are highly trained and have safety as their number one priority. Expert leaders, risk assessments, quality inclusions and your financial security all come standard when you travel with us.

Please refer to our Travel Advisory page for updates on recent events, travel warnings and advice.

We strongly recommend that all clients take out travel insurance at the time of booking to cover against sickness, accident, loss of baggage, unexpected alterations to travel arrangements and travel disruption, emergency evacuation, cancellations, etc. Insurance information is enclosed with your pre-departure information. Please contact us if you would like to obtain a quote for your trip duration.

We suggest that you consult your doctor, local government inoculation centre or a travel medical specialist in order to get the most current advice regarding vaccination requirements.

Money and valuables should always be stored safely when travelling. Keep your passport with you at all times and do not leave it in your main luggage. You will need it to change money and check into hotels. Where safety deposit boxes are available, we recommend that you use them. Keep jewellery and valuables to a minimum.