6 Outstanding One Day Hikes From Bansko (With Map)

What are the best one-day hikes from Bansko? Wondering if you can hike from Bansko? You want to plan your hikes in Pirin? I grew up hiking in the mountains and in this post I’ve collected some of my most favourite one-day hikes, easily accessible from Bansko. It’s a mix of easy and some more challenging hikes, but all of them offering mesmerising views in Pirin National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so let’s dive right in!

This post contains links to Google Maps, as I’ve linked all the starting points, car parks and points of interest I mention in the article.

In case of an emergency or if you suffer an accident, you can get in touch with mountain rescue services by dialling 112.

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For more information on the essentials:
👉 Check out our post: Hiking in Bulgaria? Everything you need to know!

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1. Vihren Peak

Vihren is the second-highest peak in Bulgaria and the third on the Balkans. This is a challenging trail, involving a climb of almost 1000 meters from the starting point, Vihren Hut. The hike is clearly separated into two parts—reaching the peak and then descending. Each part takes about 3–3.5 hours, so this is a full-day hike.

It’s definitely worth it! You’ll get spectacular views of the surrounding marble and granite peaks. So, if you’re up for it (fitness-wise), give it a go! When you finish, you can stop at one of my favorite ‘restaurants’ in the mountains (it’s more like a shack, but the food is amazing, and the portions are huge!).

Route Details:

Your hike starts at Vihren Hut. You can drive there via a well-maintained asphalt road or take a shuttle from the Bus Station in Bansko. Alternatively, ask your host if they offer a ride or know someone who can. Check the signs that point to the peak at the beginning of the trail and take note of the colour for that path so that you know what to follow. When you reach the peak, you have two options: you can either return the same way or descend from the other side (the marble side). This is what I always do and is the route I’ve plotted on the map below. Just be careful as some stones can be slippery.

Once you start climbing, you won’t stop until you reach the peak. If you choose to descend from the marble side, you’ll experience the marble wonder of Vihren, but be cautious—it’s a rocky and slippery path. After the initial steep descent, the rest of the trail has a lesser incline, making for a more pleasant walk.

❗Note that there is no shelter or hut along this trail, so make sure to pack lunch.

2. Sinaniza lake

Sinaniza Lake is one of the most beautiful spots in Pirin. This hike starts at Vihren Hut (follow the advice above on how to get there). Unlike Vihren Peak, this is an easier hike, though it still takes about 3 hours in each direction.

The trek ends with a magnificent view of a pristine mountain lake, with a marble peak behind it.

Route Details:

The trail begins with a walk along a river until you reach Muratovo Lake—an alpine-style lake and a great spot for an outdoor lunch. After that, there’s a climb up to Bunderishka Porta (Gate), also known as Muratov’s Gate. The next stage is a walk across a meadow, and without further climbs, you’ll reach Sinanishka Gate.

At this point, you have three options:

1. Go back to Vihren Hut.
2. Descend to Sinaniza Lake and Sinaniza Hut, where you can enjoy a beverage with a magnificent view.
3. Continue and climb up to Sinaniza Peak (about 30 minutes from Sinaniza Gate). The terrain is more rugged here, so if you’re just looking for a pleasant walk, this might not be for you. But if you’re looking for a little more adventure, it’s worth it.

On my map, I’ve plotted the route for option 2.

Day trips from Bezbog hut

The next four hikes start from Bezbog Hut, which is easily accessible by lift. To get there, drive from Bansko to the town of Dobrinishte (about 10 minutes). Regular bus and train services connect the two towns. Once in Dobrinishte, drive up to the lift station (about 10 km on a well-maintained road). You can leave your car at the lift station, or if you don’t have a car, you can arrange a private transfer at the bus/train station in Dobrinishte.

For summer 2024, a single lift ticket costs 20 BGN (9 EUR) for adults and 13 BGN (6.5 EUR) for kids. A return ticket costs 30 BGN (14 EUR) for adults and 18 BGN (9 EUR) for kids. The lift ride takes about 25 minutes and ends at the top station next to Bezbog Hut. The opening times vary each season, so it might be wise to check them ahead of time here.

You could also walk up from the car park to Bezbog hut, it takes about 1.5-2 hours.

3. Tevno Lake Shelter

Tevno Lake Shelter is one of the most magical spots in the Bulgarian mountains. The shelter feels cut off from the rest of the world, and yet it’s just 3 hours from Bezbog Hut. Along the way, you’ll pass several alpine lakes. The first is Popovo Ezero (Priest’s Lake), with its clear waters and single island in the middle. After it, you will slowly begin climbing towards Tevno shelter.

Then, you’ll walk past the Kraledvorski Lakes (The Royal Courtyard Lakes). The real ascent towards Tevno Shelter begins, with the highest point being the Left Kralevdvorska Porta (Left Royal Gate). From there, it’s a short walk to Tevno Lake and the shelter.

You can enjoy your lunch there, as the shelter offers food, or you can just picnic outside near the lake. You return the same way you came.

👉 Tip: Go up behind the shelter to the highest point of the ridge for a breathtaking view!

4. Bezbog peak

This is a short hike but still exciting. It’s also not very challenging, making it ideal for those with a lower fitness level or for families with kids. You’ll have two main climbs—one immediately before the peak and another at the start. There aren’t many signs on this trail, so it can be a bit tricky to follow. A rule of thumb is to keep right at forks in the trail. If you veer left the first time, you’ll get on the trail to Popovo Ezero. And if you go left the second time, you’ll end up on Polezhan Peak. You can take a more detailed look at the embedded map below.

It should take about 1.5 hours to reach the peak, and you can expect to descend somewhat quicker—around 1 hour.

❗Note that there’s no fresh water along this trail, so be sure to bring enough with you.

After your hike, you can have lunch at Bezbog Hut or relax by the lake before taking the lift back down.

5. Polezhan Peak

This is a more challenging version of the Bezbog Peak hike. Polezhan is another 200 meters higher than Bezbog, so you’ll climb more. The last part of the hike involves a rocky path.

Starting from Bezbog Hut, head right around the lake and keep right at the first crossroads. At the second fork, bear left. There might not be clear signs, but you should be able to follow the trail or look for rock towers marking both paths.

Once you begin the final ascent to Polezhan Peak, it should take about 45 minutes to an hour. When you reach the top, you’ll be surrounded by stunning views—take a break and enjoy it!

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can continue a bit further along the ridge and on your left side you will see the Upper Polezhan Lake — one of the highest lakes on the Balkan Peninsula. There isn’t a clear path to the lake, but you will be able to climb down on the rocks to it.

Alternatively, if you continue along the ridge for another 20–30 minutes, you will reach the Upper Gazey Lake

6. Popovo and Kremenski Lakes

This trail takes you to three glacial lakes. The first is Popovo Lake (Priest’s Lake), the largest and deepest lake in Pirin. After that, you’ll visit both Kremenski Lakes (Kremena’s Lakes).

If you want a shorter version of this hike, just head to Popovo Lake and turn back. It’ll take a little over an hour, with the only major climb right at the start. You’ll start again from Bezbog hut, only this time at the first trail split you’ll keep left.

There, you can have lunch or just relax by the lake for as long as you want before heading back.

For the full loop, continue to Kremena’s Gate and then descend to the Kremenski Lakes. When you head back, take a different path along the lakes to Bezbog Hut.

Whichever version you choose, these are magical spots in Pirin!

Conclusion : One-day hikes from Bansko

There are countless more hikes you can embark on from Bansko, ranging from shorter to longer hikes, each offering something unique and beautiful. If you’re in the area, you must hit the trails for some spectacular views of Pirin!