Bulgaria, a Balkan nation with a rich heritage, is nothing less than a hidden treasure. Bulgaria is capable of sweeping you off your feet with its natural and enriching beauty, especially during winters. Bulgaria in winter is absolutely magical to experience. From skiing and ice climbing the frozen waterfalls to the dance party on waters of cold biting rivers and having a cozy indoor night by the fireplace, the adventures that the heart of this country beholds can be way beyond your imaginations. Waking up to a snowy paradise is a dream of every traveler, and Bulgaria stands to be the living example to witness the same. So, what are you still waiting for? Scroll down to find out why you must be taking a trip to Bulgaria this winter!
10 Things To Do In Bulgaria In Winter In 2024
We were wondering why Bulgaria should be your ultimate winter destination this year? We’ve shortlisted 10 things to do in Bulgaria in winter. Look at what to do in Bulgaria in winter for a magical and memorable holiday in this European paradise.
1. Go Snowboarding
Bulgaria boasts some of the most divine picturesque mountains of Europe, ranging from the Alps and Caucasus. During the Bulgarian winter, most of the mountains are covered in snow, forming a gorgeous white sheet throughout the country. The capital city Sofia is a home for the most stunning and luxurious ski resorts like Borovets, Bansko, Vitosha or dobrinishte. Bulgaria is the place for you if you’re a big fan of snow-related sports activities. The ski season takes a leap in December start and functions till late March. So if you’re planning a trip to Bulgaria in the winter months, do not miss their extravagant ski and snowboarding activities. After all, no vacation is complete without getting a taste of the adrenaline rush of the outdoors.
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2. Taste Local Cuisine
As the saying goes, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do”. If you’re visiting Bulgaria in winter, make sure to hog on local food. After a rather eventful day on snowy slopes, enjoy the traditional Bulgarian spread in the local restaurants. Situated in the cozy corners of the city, these restaurants are furnished with wooden interiors. Refurnish your taste buds with fresh farm grown vegetables, dried fruits, pickles and minced meat in honey as you enjoy the scenic sights outside your window. Food can connect you to the roots of any place, and the best advisable way to relish the culture and stories of any country is to enjoy a nice meal cooked by locals while listening to them narrate the tales of how a particular dish came into existence. In fact, eating local and staying in hostels in Plovdiv, Sofia, and Varna will actually help you enjoy an economic vacation in Bulgaria.
3. Celebrate Local Festivals
December is the best season to visit Bulgaria. Not only will you find the pristine snow-covered mountains and snow activities, you will also get a chance to have the best Christmas and New Year’s celebration of your life. Around this time, the country resonates with folklore music and a festive spirit. Europe is known to celebrate Christmas in the most stunning way possible throughout the world. As they say, if you get a chance to experience Christmas in Europe, you have achieved eternal happiness in your life. Bulgaria is almost always crowded during this season, and thus it is always advisable to book the tickets, resort accommodation, and sightseeing tickets in advance to avoid the last minute price hike if you wish to enjoy the festivals in Bulgaria.
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4. Go Ice Skating
Ice skating is the most favorite pastime of Bulgarians during the winters in Bulgaria. People from all around the world visit the country to experience one of the best ice skating rinks worldwide. For the young people, this can be an adrenaline rush satisfying activity and is also considered as a go-to activity for honeymooners. The ice skating rink of Ariana is quite popular among the tourists because of its prime location, the enormous area and the unmistakable beauty that it offers and the free entry cost.
5. Attend The Popular Spooky Carnival
The carnival season in Bulgaria in winter comes with a twist. In the deeper parts of Bulgaria, there’s a bizarre ancient ritual followed to spook away evil spirits. The men and women walk and dance around the streets, dressed in scary wild animal costumes, with a large bell around their waist, which is called Kukeri. The Surva festival hosted in Pernik is a unique festival worth witnessing.
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6. Visit Art Museums And Galleries
Winter in Bulgaria is holiday time, and the whole country seems to rejoice in their roots and celebrate the serenity that their hometown has to offer. The country, fortunately, stands rich in heritage and has its share of antique museums and art galleries. There’s nothing like a visit to an art gallery. Some world-renowned galleries and museums remain open in Bulgaria in the winter, like the National Art Gallery and Sofia History Museum. Museums here are less crowded in winter than summer, say Bulgaria in July. Out of all the famous museums, the Muzeiko Museum deserves a special visit as it is a remarkable interactive kids’ museum that is also known to be the largest science centre in the Balkans.
7. Relax In A Spa
What’s better than rejuvenating yourself by indulging in some spa sessions? Winters in Bulgaria can get severely cold. Imagine enjoying the view of snowy peaks as you sit inside a hot sauna tub. You can take a day off from all the outdoor activities and let your body relax. Almost every resort has an indoor spa, making it convenient for the guests to return to their resorts for relaxation after a full day of sightseeing.
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8. Take A Walking Tour
Europe is highly popular for free walking tours. If you want to explore the city and not follow the mainstream path, grab a map from the nearest city centers and start covering Bulgaria’s unseen and unknown parts. During winter in Bulgaria, the country turns into a white wonderland with glittering street lights. A walking tour in the city of Sofia involves encounters with local people, city architecture and even local food. If you don’t want to get lost in the city, hiring a city guide and going with a larger group of people for the city tour is advisable.
9. Connect With Your Inner Self
The famous Rila monastery is a world heritage site against a mountainous backdrop. According to many tourists, the air inside the monastery is so pure and clean that you can almost feel it physically. The interiors of the monastery are a piece of art. Every single element and details inside, starting from galleries to the old kitchen and weapon collections, are a mishmash of different historical eras. Apart from this monastery, the Cathedral Saint Alexandar Nevski is another spiritual place worth visiting. Tourists are not allowed to click pictures inside.
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10. Indulge In Some Wine And Cheese
Christmas in Bulgaria is as beautiful as any other European country. Especially during winter, Christmas markets light the city up. These markets have gained immense popularity in recent years. Age-old shops exhibit their products, gearing up for the pre-Christmas celebration. The top-quality wine collection from the ancient Thracians era is the main attraction. They were the pioneer winemakers in the world. Relish the age-old wines with some delicious homemade cheese as you explore the Christmas market of Bulgaria and make the night worth remembering.
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Bulgaria is unbelievably beautiful in winter. It is also one of the most affordable countries in Europe. The ski and winter resorts offer accommodation at a low price, but the quality of services and adventures is never compromised. The next time you plan a trip to Europe, make sure you include Bulgaria in your itinerary and experience the country without burning a hole in your wallet.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Bulgaria In Winter
How cold is Bulgaria in winter?
The temperature in Bulgaria in winter can go as low as 0 °C (32 °F). So it is safe to say that Bulgaria can get very cold in the winter season.
Does it snow in Bulgaria?
Yes, snowfall in Bulgaria starts in December when the temperatures begin to drop below zero. You can find snow in Bulgaria even up till March.
What is the weather like in Bulgaria in December?
The temperature drops to 0 °C (32 °F) in December in Bulgaria and it starts to snow in late December.
What is there to do in Bulgaria in winter?
There’s a lot that you can do in Bulgaria in winter. You can go ice skating, skiing, sledding, try the traditional mulled wine, shop at Christmas markets, and see the spooky Bulgarian carnival, among other activities.
Do they celebrate Christmas in Bulgaria?
Yes, Christmas is celebrated with just as much vigor and enthusiasm as any country in Europe. There are mass prayers in churches, colourful Christmas markets are set up, feasts are cooked and enjoyed, and much more.
Can you drink tap water in Bulgaria?
Yes, the tap water in Bulgaria is considered safe to drink.
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Gaurav is an entrepreneur by profession and an avid Yoga enthusiast. He loves to explore and know about Varied traditions, arts and colourful cultures of people at different places around the world. He loves to spend time in nature and to read books.
