Discover the ultimate guide to Bansko in the summer, Bulgaria’s hidden mountain paradise. From cultural immersion to high-altitude adventures, here are the best things to do in Bulgaria’s most surprising summer destination.
Those who have heard of Bansko in Bulgaria, know it mostly as a ski destination. But what a lot of people don’t know is that summer is an amazing time to visit Bansko too.
Bansko is surrounded by Pirin National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site with some of Europe’s most dramatic alpine scenery. Despite this, Bansko remains relatively unknown to most travelers.
While the Black Sea coast gets all the attention, the summer in Bansko quietly offers something far more special. Here you will find authentic Bulgarian culture combined with epic mountain adventures, all without the crowds or inflated prices of more famous European destinations.
There’s no doubt this remarkable corner of the Balkans deserves serious attention from anyone seeking genuine cultural experiences and outdoor adventures.
I was really lucky to be able to visit Bansko with the HipTraveler House, a collective of creators that focus on immersive storytelling and a very cool trip planning tool.
So here’s everything you need to know about what makes Bansko the perfect summer mountain getaway.
Table of Contents
About Bansko
Bansko sits at 925 meters elevation in southwestern Bulgaria, surrounded by the towering peaks of the Pirin Mountains.
This UNESCO World Heritage region has been inhabited for over 1,000 years, with the current town developing into a major trading center during the Bulgarian Revival period of the 18th and 19th centuries.
Today, Bansko perfectly balances its historical heritage with modern amenities, transforming from Bulgaria’s premier ski destination in winter to an adventure playground in summer.
The town’s cobblestone streets, traditional Revival houses, and authentic mountain culture are the perfect base for exploring some of Europe’s great wilderness areas.
But this isn’t just a stunning natural setting. Real Bulgarian mountain life is still the norm here, which creates opportunities for not just outdoor experiences, but also authentic cultural exchanges that are increasingly rare in Europe.
Where to stay in Bansko in the summer
The best place to base yourself is in or near the Old Town for an authentic atmosphere, and easy access to restaurants, cultural sites, and convenient activity pickup points.
Family House Oreha
I stayed in Family House Oreha, a cozy family run guest house in the heart of the Old Town. The rooms are spacious and although they’re not luxurious, they’re very comfortable and have everything you need. The best thing is the location, close to pretty much everything.
Grami Hotel
If you are looking for more of a boutique hotel experience, Grami Hotel is located near the Bansko Gondola. This lovely hotel has outdoor and indoor heated pools with hydro-jets, jacuzzi, sauna, steam bath and facilities that are perfect for relaxing after a day of exploration.
Kempinski Hotel Grand Arena Bansko
For a more luxurious stay, the Kempinski Hotel Grand Arena Bansko is located in the heart of the mountain resort, right across from the Bansko Gondola. It has spa facilities, six bars and restaurants, and breathtaking views of the mountains.
Things to do in Bansko in the Summer
Cultural and Historical Experiences
Walking tour of Bansko Old Town
The best way to explore Bansko Old Town is just wandering around and getting lost in the narrow cobblestones. But if you are interested in the history of the town, I would recommend joining a walking tour.
If you do prefer to discover the Old Town at your own pace, start at the Holy Trinity Church with its impressive stone bell tower. Wander through the surrounding streets, where you will find traditional fortified houses built in the National Revival style.
During the 18th century Bansko was an important trading center between Western Europe and the Ottoman Empire. This made the town really wealthy and a target of robberies, so rich merchants ended up building fortified houses in a style unique to Bansko.
Stop at the House Museum of Nikola Vaptsarov, a Bansko-born antifascist poet and one of the most popular Bulgarian poets of the 20th century.
The museum is a great example of Bansko architecture and it includes an ethnographic collection of personal belongings and artifacts that help tell the story of his life.
What I loved about exploring the Old Town is how it reveals itself slowly. Each narrow street was a new discovery, with hidden courtyards, traditional stone walls, and glimpses into Bulgarian mountain life.
First thing in the morning was my favorite time to walk around and explore the quiet streets of the Old Town, while locals were opening up their businesses or on their way to the market.
Bulgarian Folklore Experience with world famous grannies
One of the highlights of my trip to Bansko was an immersive Bulgarian Folklore experience that goes far beyond typical tourist experiences.
Baba Deshka (Grandmother Deshka) and her Granny friends welcomed us into their traditional home for what feels like joining a Bulgarian family celebration.
We started by learning how to make banitsa, Bulgaria’s beloved layered pastry, mastering the delicate art of stretching filo pastry until it’s paper-thin before rolling it into a spiral.
While our creation baked, we tried on authentic Bulgarian folk costumes with intricate embroidery that tells stories of each family.
The experience continued with Bulgarian folk dancing lessons, learning traditional horos (circle dances) to the rhythm of folk music. These weren’t performance pieces: they’re living traditions still practiced at Bulgarian celebrations.
The evening culminated with a feast featuring our homemade banitsa alongside other traditional dishes, paired with homemade rakia, a strong local spirit, and songs about Bulgarian mountain life.
It was a really memorable evening that gave me a genuine insight into Bulgarian heritage and traditions, and made me realise how warm and welcoming Bulgarians are. We arrived as strangers and by the end of it all we felt part of the family.
Mountain Adventures
Ride the Bansko Gondola for spectacular views
The Bansko Gondola takes you through some of Europe’s most pristine alpine wilderness, with pine forest covered slopes, rugged ridges, and dramatic peaks all around.
As you ascend, the views over the Pirin Mountains and the valley below become absolutely spectacular. The panoramic vistas reveal the full scale of this UNESCO World Heritage landscape, with peaks stretching as far as the eye can see.
You go from 925 meters to approximately 1,600 meters of altitude in just 25 minutes.
The top station, Banderishka Polyana, is the gateway to high altitude adventures, from hiking and bike trails to mountain huts and the longest outdoor water slide in Europe.
E-bike adventure to Vihren Hut
From the gondola’s top station, you can rent an e-bike and embark on an adventure to Vihren Hut at 2,000 meters high. This is one of the most rewarding ways to explore the Pirin Mountains.
The electric bikes make challenging mountain inclines accessible, while still being excellent exercise and a way to enjoy constantly changing mountain views. The ride passes through pristine landscapes that really show Bulgaria’s natural beauty.
There are photo opportunities at every turn, and the satisfaction of reaching one of Bulgaria’s most spectacular mountain settings is really rewarding.
Make sure you stop along the way to admire Baikushev’s Pine, one of Europe’s oldest trees at 1,300 years old.
Hike to Okoto Lake (The Eye Lake)
The starting point for this short but really rewarding hike is by Vihren Hut, which is easy to reach by car or e-bike. However, if you don’t have your own transport, you can take a bus from Bansko during the summer.
Lake Okoto is a stunning glacial lake sitting at 2,440 meters elevation, and it’s one of the Pirin Moutains’ crown jewels. This picture perfect lake may be small, but its deep blue waters make every step of the rocky ascent worth it.
Lake Okoto gets its name from its distinctive eye-like shape, and the pristine alpine setting makes it one of Bansko’s most photographed natural landmarks.
This 1 hour-ish hike involves some scrambling over rocky terrain, but it’s not too strenuous, and the views along the way are a good excuse to stop and catch your breath if you need to.
At the top, take a seat on the grass with a snack to take your surroundings in. It’s a pretty special place to take a moment for yourself.
Adventure Activities
White Water Rafting on the Struma River
The Struma River has some of Bulgaria’s most exciting white water rafting, with Class II-IV rapids, without being too overwhelming for beginners.
Professional guides give you all the equipment you need and go through a detailed safety briefing before going off to tackle rapids with names like “The Washing Machine”. But it’s not really as scary as it sounds.
Between the exciting rapids, peaceful sections allow you to appreciate untouched wilderness areas only accessible by river. And while you glide down, guides share local knowledge about the region’s natural history and conservation efforts.
The crystal-clear mountain water and surrounding forest are a truly stunning backdrop for this 2-3 hour adventure.
Just make sure you don’t forget your swimming costume and a waterproof pouch for your phone.
> Book your White Water Rafting adventure on the Struma River here
ATV Safari through the Pirin foothills
Another way to explore remote areas that regular vehicles can’t reach is on an ATV safari through the Pirin Mountains’ foothills.
We rode through forest trails, across mountain streams, and to viewpoints offering spectacular views of the Pirin National Park.
This adventure was perfect to combine adrenaline with nature. You’ll stop at waterfalls and mineral hot springs, so don’t forget to pack your swimming costume.
We came local shepherds tending sheep and cattle along the way, so it’s a good way to witness some of Bulgaria’s mountain life.
You can either choose to drive one of the ATV vehicles, or, like me, be someone else’s passenger and enjoy the views.
Horse riding through pine forests and meadows
A slower way to experience the Pirin foothills and to connect with this stunning landscape is on a horse riding adventure.
Your guide will match you with a horse suited to your experience level, so it doesn’t matter if you are a complete beginner or an accomplished rider.
The mountain horses are very gentle and perfectly trained for exploring the beautiful countryside surrounding Bansko, so this is the perfect opportunity to try horse riding if you’ve never done it before.
We rode through beautiful shady pine forests and open alpine meadows at a pace that allowed us to take it all in. It was both exhilarating and relaxing at the same time.
Unique Experiences
Journey on the Rhodope narrow-gauge railway
If you enjoy train travel like I do, then this railway journey is a must.
Known as Bulgaria’s most scenic railway, the Rhodope narrow-gauge line was built in the early 20th century.
This historic railway winds through breathtaking landscapes at a leisurely pace, perfect for photos, and for appreciating the changing landscapes. It goes past beautiful dense forests and open valleys dotted with traditional villages.
I traveled on this vintage train from Bansko to Yakoruda, and back, and it really felt like I was traveling back in time through stunning Balkan mountain scenery.
Unwind at Pulse Therme
The best way to end my mountain adventures in Bansko was spending an afternoon at Pulse Therme, Bulgaria’s largest thermal spa complex. Taking in the mineral waters was perfect to recover after days of exciting outdoor activities.
There is one Pulse Therme in Bansko, but you’ll want to go to the one in Banya, which is much bigger.
The luxurious facilities include multiple indoor and outdoor pools, steam rooms, saunas, and relaxation areas. There’s even a salt room, a rain room, and an interactive storm pool.
Floating in warm mineral rich waters surrounded by mountain views, was a great end to my Bansko adventure. And, of course, the perfect way to soothe my tired muscles and process the previous days’ unforgettable experiences.
Where to eat in Bansko
Castello Restaurant
True to its name, this castle-shaped restaurant serves traditional Bulgarian cuisine with a modern twist.
Among other local dishes, we ordered bohcha, a local Bansko specialty. This chicken, pork and mushroom stew served inside a big loaf of bread, was absolutely delicious and enough food for a small army!
Station Bansko by Tsakiris
If you are looking for something fast but still really tasty, Station Bansko bu Tsakiris is the place.
They serve Greek staples like gyros and souvlaki alongside burgers and falafel wraps. I had the pork gyros and it was just perfect for a quick lunch before hitting the mountains again.
The Chef’s House
The Chef’s House has a cozy mountain lodge feel and, despite it not being that small, it felt very intimate.
I loved the food here. The Iberico pork ribs were so tender that the meat fell off the bone and it just melted in your mouth.
The only downside that I feel I should mention is that the restaurant manager was not very nice to our waiter and it made us all feel a bit uncomfortable with the way he spoke to him.
FAQs about visiting Bansko in Summer
Absolutely! While Bansko is famous as a ski destination, summer reveals an entirely different character that many argue is even more spectacular.
With the mountains completely open, you can explore high-altitude lakes, alpine meadows, and hiking trails that are inaccessible in winter. The combination of adventure activities, cultural immersion, and stunning natural beauty makes summer the perfect time to discover Bansko.
Mountain weather can change quickly, so layering is essential. Pack sturdy hiking boots for mountain activities, comfortable walking shoes for Old Town exploration, and waterproof jacket and pants for sudden weather changes.
Don’t forget swimwear for thermal pools and sun protection, as the altitude makes UV rays stronger than you’d expect. Also, bring a small daypack for hiking and your camera for incredible mountain scenery. The key is being prepared for everything from warm valley temperatures to cool mountain conditions.
I spent 4 action-packed days, which gave me time for cultural experiences like the Bulgarian folklore session, mountain adventures such as the gondola and the Lake Okoto hike, one or two adrenaline activities like rafting or ATV tours, and relaxation at the thermal spa.
However, if you’re really into hiking and want to explore multiple mountain trails, or if you’re interested in day trips to nearby attractions, 5-7 days would allow for a more leisurely pace and deeper exploration of the region.
Final Thoughts
Bansko represents everything I love about responsible travel – authentic cultural experiences, incredible natural beauty, and genuine local connections. All this while supporting a community that hasn’t been overwhelmed by mass tourism, particularly in the summer.
One thing I really loved about Bansko is how it manages to offer world-class outdoor adventures, while it’s maintained its authentic Bulgarian character.
This isn’t a destination that’s been sanitized for international tourism. Bansko is a real mountain town where Bulgarian culture thrives alongside incredible wilderness access.
Bansko as a summer destination won’t stay secret much longer, so visit sooner rather than later to experience this incredible corner of the Balkans at its most authentic.
Have you been to Bansko or are you planning a visit?
Let me know in the comments below!
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Disclosure: This post has been created as a partnership with HipTraveler as part of the Hiptraveler House. As always, all views are my own.