Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2025 All Rights Reserved

Still following into the Lucky Man’s footsteps

БНР Новини
Photo: archive

In 2015, Bulgaria marks the 120th anniversary of writer Aleko Konstantinov’s Invitation, introducing for the first time the famous tourist slogan "Get to Know Bulgaria In Order to Fall in Love with It". After that invitation on 27 August 1895, a total of 300 people climbed up Cherni Vrah /Black Peak/ in the Vitosha Mountain near Sofia. Thus, the start of Bulgarian hiking tourism was given. Poet Ivan Vazov wrote his Na Cherni Vrah /At Black Peak/ poem devoted to that event. The excursion was also mentioned as the beginning of Bulgarian organized tourism in some of his travelogues.

Who wouldn’t opt for a free day in the mountain? There might be such people, but my personal experience says that one can definitely find peace and tranquility, along with inspiration across the grass-covered and rugged terrain of Vitosha. Slight breeze and the odor of pine trees caress the senses of anyone who has dared to try the beauty of mountain walks. The climbing of Cherni Vrah in the 4th grade will remain as one of my most unforgettable experiences. I wasn’t aware at that time that I was following the footsteps of Shtastlivetsa (the Bulgarian for Lucky Man, as Aleko Konstantinov was nicknamed), but I did know that the nice and tiring walk would remain a memory for good. The feeling of fatigue couldn’t stop me, as I wanted to reach the top of the mountain, the top of my dreams back then.

This year nature fans have the chance to join the marking of the 120th anniversary since the start of organized tourism in this country. The event will take place on 30 August 2015 at Cherni Vrah, where the National Tourist Congregation is going to take place.

Some more good news related to a healthy lifestyle: Sofia has been recently selected to be European Capital of Sport 2018. The city is a good example for the development of mass sports events. The initiative mainly aims at the popularization and development of the active way of living, along with sports infrastructure with good facilities, programs and activities.

English version: Zhivko Stanchev




Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

The Bulgarian National Radio and the Bulgarian News Agency teach a lesson in cooperation and unity

Exactly a month after the Bulgarian National Radio solemnly celebrated its 90th anniversary, history continues its dialogue with us, its authors. With a special event on February 25, the exhibition "90 Years of the Bulgarian National Radio - The Radio..

published on 2/26/25 12:59 PM

Three years later – about the war in Ukraine, peace and the future

Exactly 3 years ago, on February 24, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine began – an event that woke up Europe 77 years after the end of World War II and called into question one of the main goals of the EU – preventing a new armed conflict on the continent...

published on 2/24/25 12:45 PM

Consecration of the new Bulgarian church ''St John of Rila'' in London

The festive service for the consecration of the new Bulgarian Orthodox church in London is led by His Holiness  Daniil , Patriarch of Bulgaria, who also officiated at the Ressurection Vespers on Saturday. Hundreds of lay people-official guests and..

updated on 2/23/25 1:06 PM