Welcome to BULGARIA
Bulgaria, which was founded in 681 A.D., is the oldest state in Europe, but its roots reach far deeper into the past. In tombs adorned with frescoes and bas-reliefs in the Valley of the Kings, archaeologists continue to discover beautifully worked golden objects buried with Bulgaria's Thracian forebears, some dating to 3000 B.C. Uncovering the countless burial mounds that dot central Bulgaria is a process started in earnest just a decade ago. In that short time, it has become clear that Bulgaria once was home to the world's most sophisticated goldsmiths. The discoveries also have prompted local claims that it was here, in the shadow of the Balkan Mountains, that Europe's first civilization was born.
One of the largest winter resorts of Bulgaria is situated on 925 meters above the sea level at the foot of the Pirin mountain – at a distance of 150 km from Sofia and 96 km from Blagoevgrad. Over the years, Bansko gradually established itself as one of the leading winter ski resorts in the country and the region, which attracts many Bulgarian and foreign tourists.
Without a doubt, Bansko is famous among tourists basically as a skiing and a snowboarding destination. The total length of the ski tracks is 75 km, as the longest of them is 16 km long. About 90% of all 16 tracks are equipped with canons for artificial snow for high-quality and long-lasting snow cover. There is also a track equipped with lights for night skiing in the region. A cabin lift is available for the tourists. It takes them from the starting point of the ski lift station in the town of Bansko to Banderishka Polyana.
Bansko is the one
There are multiple museums and landmarks in the town. 130 architectural and historical monuments of culture are registered, seven of which are of national significance. The architecture of the typical houses in Bansko from the period of Revival (18th – 19th century) can be seen in the rest of the museum complex on the territory of the town.
Bansko falls into the territory of the National Park Pirin, which makes it an appropriate place for winter, as well as summer tourism. Since 1983 the park had fallen under the protection of UNESCO. The town is a starting point for tourist routes to the following huts: Banderitsa, near which is situated the Baykusheva Mura (a white fir) (the oldest tree in Bulgaria – more than 1300 years old), Demyanitsa, Vihren, as well as the shelter of Tevno lake, etc. There are multiple protected sites in the park.
The Bansko region is famous for its mineral waters, which turns the resort into an attractive SPA destination. Many of the large hotels in the town have swimming pools and contemporary SPA centers, which offer a large number of wellness procedures. Very typical for Bansko are the traditional taverns, in which dishes from the region of Bansko are served.
For more information, you can visit: http://www.banskoski.com/en/
Hotel Complex Zara Bansko
Hotel Zara is situated Beneath the snowy Todorka Peak – one of the most romantic and beautiful places in Bulgaria. It is a four-star hotel, offering friendly and cozy atmosphere. All the participants will be accommodated in double or triple rooms. Meals will be served in the restaurant of the hotel. Special meals will be served to people who are vegetarians or vegans. If you have other dietary regimes, please, let us know in advance. For holding various events, like this training course, Hotel Zara offers a fully equipped conference room with daylight. There is WIFI in the whole hotel.
Getting there
By Plane:
Participants should arrive latest 4 pm EET in Bulgaria
(SOF airport), reach the city center of Sofia and get on a specially hired bus which will transfer everyone to Bansko.
The journey to Bansko takes 2 hours 30 minutes.
From SOF airport to Sofia center - how to:
By Metro (underground): Sofia Metro Line 1 connects the Airport Terminal 2 to the city center (Serdica Station). The journey takes 18-20 min.
The metro station at Sofia Airport is located in the eastern part of Terminal 2. Sofia Airport provides free-of-charge transportation between the two terminal buildings T1 and T2. The shuttle bus stops located in front of the terminal buildings are designated by signage and pavement markings. The cost of one trip is 1.60 BGN, approximately 80-euro cents. Tickets can be bought from ticket machines at the Metro entrances or inside the Airport. Important: Any piece of baggage exceeding 60х40х40 cm requires a separate ticket.
Meeting point on 31 August 2022 will be at 16:00h at the open-space parking, in front of the National Art Gallery in Sofia, which is located really close to the main metro station Serdica (1 and 2) and in the heart of Sofia Center. Our team and the minibus will meet all participants there. We will stop at the big car-parking, across the gallery and on the site of the small park.
In case you are lost or late, please, call Radoslav at +359 888 577 520 (also Viber) and he will be helping you!
In case there is a more serious event, you can approach Diliana at +359 894 62 11 23 (also Viber) and +359 889 655 178 (also WhatsApp)!
The emergency number in Bulgaria is 112!
In case a participant is not able to arrive by the suggested time, he/she should contact the organisers to receive help to schedule his/ her arrival. Please, contact at: digitalyouthworkcommunity@gmail.com or any of the partner coordinators.
On the way back:
On 8th September 2022 all those who have flights to Sofia will altogether start the way back from Sofia early in the morning. You can use the same directions to the Airport and Sofia city center.
About Sofia, the capital
Sofia is the capital and largest city of Bulgaria and the 15th largest city in the European Union with a population of around 2 million people. It is in western Bulgaria, at the foot of Mount Vitosha and approximately at the centre of the Balkan Peninsula.
Prehistoric settlements were excavated in the centre of the present city, near the royal palace. The well-preserved town walls (especially their substructures) date back before the 7th century BC, when Thracians established their city around a mineral spring, which exists to the present day. The city has had several names through its history. Its ancient name, Serdika or Serdica, derives from the local Celtic tribe of the serdi who inhabited the region since the 1st century BC.
Serdica was a Roman capital during the tetrarchic system of government. During the Middle Ages, it was one of the major commercial centres of the Bulgarian Empire, along with Tarnovo. Sofia's population remained small until 1879, when it was declared a capital of the Principality of Bulgaria after the Liberation of Bulgaria from Ottoman rule.
Depending on the time of arrival, you can have a free time, exploring Sofia. There you are just 5-10 min far away from any sightseeing place of our beautiful capital. For more information visit: http://www.inyourpocket.com/Sofia and http://www.sofia-guide.com/
Monument of the goddess Sophia - Wisdom
St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral in Sofia