Bansko

Introduction to Bansko

2007-12-30T10:14:00.000-08:00

Bansko (Bulgarian: Банско) is a town in southwestern Bulgaria, located at the foot of Pirin at an altitude of 1936 m above sea level. It is considered to be the most developed Ski and Winter Resort in Eastern Europe, and is one of the best in Europe.

Bansko is the birthplace of 20th century Bulgarian poet Nikola Vaptsarov and Bulgarian enlighteners Paisiy Hilendarski (sometimes disputed) and Neofit Rilski.

Legends
There are several legends about who founded Bansko. According to one of them, Bansko was founded by people who lived in Dobarsko, a village in Rila, itself according to a legend founded by the blinded army of Tsar Samuil.

Another legend claims that Bansko was founded by an Italian painter by the name of Ciociolino, thus the existence of the name Chucholin in Bansko.

Still according to another version it was a Slavic tribe called the Peruns, who lived in Pirin and adored Perun, that founded the village later to become a town. There are a number of ethnographic texts, legends, prayers and oratories, which lend credence to this legend.

History
The archeological traces of the inhabitants of Bansko and the Razlog Valley in general date to the early periods of the Roman Empire.

There are several housing structures at the outskirts of the town, which date to 100 BC. However, there is no consensus nor credible theory on who these people were.

The Bulgarian Evangelical Church Community, the first Protestant church in Bulgaria, was founded in Bansko on 6 August 1868.[1]

Until 5 October 1912, Bansko was a part of the Ottoman Empire, but enjoyed a quasi self-rule autonomy granted by the sultan. The town was ruled by an assembly of the elders, while justice was administered by the Turkish judge in Razlog. It was incorporated in Bulgaria in 1912 as a result of the First Balkan War.

Bansko today
Bansko, once mainly a stockbreeding and travelling merchant community, has nowadays become a center of winter and summer tourism. The mountain peaks near the town, the numerous lakes and the old pine woods make it a popular site for recreation. In recent years, the town has gained international popularity after the start of the annual Bansko Jazz Festival and consequently the annual Bansko pop-star concert featuring top pop stars. The nearby village of Banya, located only 5 km from the town, is known for its 27 thermal mineral springs.

A new gondola lift was built in 2003 to replace a minibus ride up to the ski slopes of Todorka. Several other gondolas and ski lifts are in the process of being built. These developments, along with the construction of extensive housing and recreational facilities around the gondola (which is on the southwest end of the town by the river), have made Bansko a popular and growing destination.

The town is served by a scenic narrow gauge railway from Septemvri to Dobrinishte.

Facilities

2007-12-28T12:05:00.000-08:00

News! The oldest Bansko ski runs, Chalin Valog 1 and Chalin Valog 2 situated just above the town, are re-opened connected the with the middle Gondola station. To reach them you have to take off at the middle Gondola station. A newly built 4 chair lift by Dopelmeyr runs there independant from the Gondola station.

Ski run	Difficulty	Length [m]	Inclination [m]
9. Tomba	difficult ski run	2567	925
4. Shiligarnika	Beginners	2047	487
10. Shilingarnika 2	Beginners	2047	487
6. Todorka	medium	1690	470
17. Chalin Valog-west	medium	1429	310
3. Plato-south	Beginners	1148	320
11. Plato-north	Beginners	1015	300
7. Old piste	medium	970	205
16. Chalin Valog-east	medium	775	75
4. Balkaniada	medium	0	0
2. Bunderitsa	light piste	0	0
Bunderitsa 2		0	0
1. Bansko	light piste	0	0
Ski way Band. polyana-Bansko		0	0
Ski way Shilingarnika-Band Polyana		0	0
Ski way Shilingarnika-Chalin Valog		0	0
8. Ulen	medium	0	0
12. Strajite	medium	0	0

Pirin Mountain and the town of Bansko provide fascinating conditions for all kinds of winter sports such as alpine skiing, snowboarding and cross-country along with extreme sports such as high mountain climbing, ice climbing and hiking. The northern mountain slopes of alpine character, looming over the town, offer a 5 month long winter season. The 15 pists with a total length of 70 km comply with the standards of FIS and are maintained in excellent conditions. They provide the best opportunities for ski enthusiasts of all levels, from the absolute beginner to the extreme high performer. A number of national and international skiing events, including the Extreme Races have been held there.

A pleasent ski run suitable for first week skiers takes you from the upper Gondola station to the first Gondola station.

The average temperature in January, the coldest month, is -1,9 C. Snow falls are abundant, providing a constant perfect snow cover up to 2 m thick. The ski season on Pirin slopes starts in the middle of December and ends in the end of April.

Bansko is situated at 936 m

The altitude of the ski runs is 1100 - 2560 m
The highest ski point is 2560 m
The marked ski runs are 70 km long
The slopes exposure is north
There are 7 four chair lifts by Dopelmeyr
There are 6 drag lifts
The longest ski run is 16 km long and run from the upper Gondola station to the first Gondola station
The cross-country skiing course is 9 km
The new Gondola lift (launched in the summer of 2003) carries passengers from the outskirts of the town up to the ski runs.

Climbing

2007-12-27T03:35:00.000-08:00

The history of climbing in Bulgaria dates back to 1930s when the first pioners Georgi Atanasov, Konstantin Savadziev and Encho Petkov made their premiers in Vratca, Maliovitza, Vihren and many other tours. There are challenging routes with diverse rates of difficulties in almost all parts of the country. The region of Maliovitza peak in Rila Mountain is the place of the longest tradition in climbing in Bulgaria. There is also a National Mountain School with courses in climbing and sports orienteering.

Attractions

2007-12-27T02:55:00.000-08:00

Para-ski

You really don’t want to miss this! Flying a tandem with a professional paraglider you’ll catch the sky, having one of the most tremendous experiences in your life. Look for the shield “Tandem Taxi” at the upper part of the ski tracks Todorka and Plato.

Heli-ski

The Fans of high adrenaline adventures can use a helicopter to drop them on some of the surrounding peaks.

This downhill is without a doubt the lifetime experience. Booking enquiries: +359 749 88911

Snowmobile Rental

Take with the motorbike on the slope. Exciting show! Booking enquiries at the Upper Station of Gondola lift and at the Ski and Snowboard School.

Ice rink

The best way to warm up before you let it go wild at some of the Bansko clubs and discos. The Ice rink is located between the Happy End pub and hotel Strazhite. Working time is 6 pm to 10 pm.

Ski wardrobe

2007-12-27T02:51:00.000-08:00

Equipped with 3500 pairs of Atomic and Salomon ski, more than 670 Atomic snowboards, ski and board boots of all sizes.

The advanced wardrobe allows a comfortable gearing up every morning – a nice and easy start to a trilling day on the slopes. You receive your ski/snowboard gear dry and clean. The storage racks dry out and warm up the ski/snowboard boots to avoid the unpleasant and freeze moment when wearing on.

Transport to Bansko

2007-12-27T02:40:00.000-08:00

Sofia (Sofia Airport)- Bansko, distance 170 km
By car (1-3 persons), one way: 82 € EUR
By car (1-3 persons), return trip: 156 € EUR
By van (4-8 persons): 132 € EUR
By van (4-8 persons), return trip: 250 € EUR
By small bus (9-14 persons): 150 € EUR
By bus (15-19 persons): 160 € EUR
By bus (20-30 persons): 275 € EUR

Bansko Apres Ski

2007-12-27T02:31:00.000-08:00

Bansko provides lots of traditional atmosphere and very lively Apres-Ski.
LEISURE-TIME FACILITIES: Tobogganing, mountain trips.
VARIED EVENINGS ENTERTAINMENT
Bansko offers a wide variety of choices among old-style pubs and taverns,restaurants, disco clubs and coffee shops in the old town. The DEDO PENE TAVERN offers the delicious Bansko cuisine in a historical house built in 1820. In MILUSH TAVERN you can try "chomlek", "Banski staretz", "sudjuk"(Bansko specialties). There are still many other opportunities to have a nice time in Bansko, but you have to find them by yourselves! Do not miss the chance to visit a Bansko family and enjoy their sincere hospitality.
TRIPS AND EXCURSIONS
Bansko offers many interesting trips: to Melnik and the Rozhen Monastery, to the Rila Monastery, to Sofia, Plovdiv and the Monastery of Bachkovo, to Sandanski and Velingrad, and a package tour to the Semkovo ski center in Rila Mountain ( 40 minutes by car), or to Borovets (20 minutes by helicopter) for a day's skiing in another resort.

The Eyes of Pirin

2007-12-27T02:23:00.000-08:00

More than 180 alpine lakes with a total area of about 180 000 decares are situated on the bottoms and terraces of the circus slopes. At Papazgjol circus, the waters of Popovo Lake appear blue. It is the biggest lake in Pirin, like a small sea inside the mountain, with an area of 123 hectares. Even higher, hidden amongst rocks and silence are the secluded Samodivski lakes. Situated to the east is the circus of the charming Kremenski Lakes and the one which is in the middle is the second biggest in Pirin with an area of 98 decares and a depth of 25 m.

Pirin National Park

2007-12-27T01:59:00.000-08:00

“National Park Pirin” is situated in the South- West part of Bulgaria between the valleys of the rivers Mesta and Struma. This is the most beautiful, glorious and most visited part of the mountain. The park has been enlarged several times and presently it is spread on a territory of 40 356 hectares.
The landscape on the territory of the park is mostly with alpine character and has been sculptured by the nature for millions of years. More than 80 mountains have latitude higher than 2500 meters. In the granite sector of the mountain there are more than 180 alpine lakes.
The flora and fauna of the park are actually its wealth. More than 1300 species of higher plants are being preserved on its territory and 15 of these can be seen just here and nowhere else in the world. The invertebrate species are around 2019 and 216 of these are endemics i. e. they can be seen only in Pirin. Amongst the vertebrates, there are two species of birds and 40 species of mammals that are very rare and precious, and need special care. One of the oldest nature reserves in Bulgaria “Bajovi Dupki- Djindjiritsa” is situated in the territory of the National Park. In 1977, UNESCO’s Bureau of the International Committee of the “Human and the Biosphere” Program, endorsed it as a biosphere reserve. “Yulen” natural reserve takes a territory of 3200 hectares and was established in 1994.The Natural Park is being managed by the Inspectorate. The main goals of the Inspectorate are the creation of opportunities for development of tourism and environmentally friendly way of life for the population of the contact zone. An integral information system is being developed, to help the tourist infrastructure.13 tourist routes have been marked and one of them – the E4 is an international one. The length of the marches covering the routes varies from 2, 5 up to 8 hours. Apart from the maintenance of the existing routes, the inspectorate has developed new ones plus paths, some of which are suitable for people with specific needs. Thus the tourists are able to communicate with nature and get acquainted with its beauty.The alternative tourism incorporates the presentation of the natural resources of Pirin itself and the cultural and historic heritage of towns and villages in the adjacent territories.
Presently, mountain trekking is the most widely practiced way of tourism in the park.

Information center for tourists can be found in Bansko, 4 Bulgaria str.

Rock Climbing- for the last ten years this extreme sport has been practiced only by professionals with a lot of experience and their presence in the park is very limited. Routes for rock climbers provided with all utilities have been developed have been developed on the north face of mount Vihren and the mounts Samodivski and Glavnishki Chukar.
Speleology- as there are no caves, equipped with all necessary utilities, this type of tourism can be practiced only when following strictly the safety rules, following the requirements towards the equipment and in the presence of a professional guide.

Cycling and horse riding- due to the characteristic features of the relief and the origin of the paths (they are all rocky and dangerous), this type of tourism can be practiced only on the periphery of the park and within the adjacent areas.
Ecotourism- as a brand term the ecotourism is a form of communication with nature and it provides a connection between the territory of National Park Pirin and the nearby towns and villages. The nature cognitive tourism, the culture- cognitive tourism and the hobby tourism are part of the ecotourism.

Rural tourism- the main virtues of that type of tourism are connected with the opportunities for thorough relaxation and silence, peace and quiet, and contact with the intact environment. The villages around Natural Park Pirin offer diverse and attractive products of rural tourism.
The town of Bansko is the entrance door of Pirin, which is hospitably open for everybody at all times of the year. It is a town that gives a hint about its past and authenticity of architecture, way of life and customs. The cobbled streets, the houses with thick walls that look like fortresses with long eaves made of black fir- everything suggests secrecy and inaccessibility.
The “Sveta Troitsa” church- it is an architectural monument of a national importance comprised of the clock tower, the bell tower and the wall of the cult ensemble. This is a large pseudo basilica with a nave and two aisles- the second biggest in Bulgaria after the Christian temple st. Alexander Nevski in Sofia.

The Holy Trinity church in Bansko

2007-12-27T01:52:00.000-08:00

The Holy Trinity Orthodox church in the town of Bansko in southwestern Bulgaria is considered the largest Orthodox temple in the Balkans dating back to 1835, when Bulgaria was still under Ottoman domination.

Lazar German was a wealthy Bansko resident, who contributed the money and the land for the construction of the Holy Trinity church. A civic association after his name co-organized the celebrations on the 170th anniversary of the completion of the construction of the church two years ago. The association held also a social gathering of the descendants of the clans who had donated funds for the construction of the church and released a leaflet with the names of the donors. The full list numbers 270 families and 1081 personal names, and bears no details as to the amount of individual donations. The association aims at preserving the authentic atmosphere of the town of Bansko and the local arts and crafts, as well as the traditional values of the people from the region by means of studying the local history.
The temple is the symbol of the deep faith and the love of Bansko residents for their fellow Bulgarians, but also the sacrifice they did to preserve the Bulgarian spirit and nation. In Christian tradition a temple has always stood for the unity of the people inhabiting the town or village, and who, in the words of Jesus Christ, “become one”. It is to this effect that the church of the Holy Trinity in Bansko sends us back in time tracing our roots, and presents us with an occasion to pay homage to the lifetime of Bulgarian patriots, who carried the free-spirited creative spark in their souls. Lazar German, a wealthy banker, whose business had offices all over Europe, inspired his fellow townsmen to donate money and manual labour to the construction of the Holy Trinity church. If this was possible in the time of Ottoman domination, then present-day Bulgarians should be adamant to bring their cultural heritage to the treasury of European heritage.

Local craftsmen carried out the construction of the temple all by themselves: the interior decoration, the iconostasis with the icons, the clock tower and the clock on the belfry, and even the bells were cast in the local foundry. Bulgarians residing abroad have already made donations for the restoration of some of the church plate and the frescoes on the ceiling and the walls.
The merchants of Bansko had been touring the great temples of Europe in search of a sample to build their own church on. Their choice had fallen on St. Stephen’s cathedral in Vienna. And they make the holy ritual of burying a cross and an icon deep under ground on the site of the would-be church. The story about how the residents of Bansko got the permission for the construction of the church from the Ottoman authorities is very interesting. The residents of Bansko needed a special occasion to ask permission, so when a son was born to the pasha (governor) of Thessaloniki, Bansko residents sent a delegation to offer gifts to the mother of the child. And when the pasha asked them what he could do to please them they asked for permission to build a church. And it was not before long that the sultan granted his approval and issued the ‘ferman’ (edict) to this effect. At that time it was forbidden for Orthodox churches to exceed mosques in size. So, the residents of Bansko decided to add two crescents to the cross and when the Ottoman authorities said the church was obviously exceeding the allowed size, they produced the argument that they were building a temple for both Jesus and Mohammed.

Lazar German mortgaged his real estate, and contributed his savings to the construction, which began in 1834. But then the money was all used up. Lazar German went to a high-ranking Ottoman official to borrow money under the pretext of trading in sheep. But he spent the loan on the construction of the church. However, somebody betrayed his secret and the Ottoman authorities arrested him and threw him in jail. It is not known whether he died there or was executed, but one thing was certain: no one heard from him ever again. Two years after his disappearing the church was consecrated. It was not before another 15 years elapsed that the clock tower was erected, and the Veleganov brothers in Plovdiv cast the bells in 60 years’ time.

But then again a trick was very much needed to fool the Ottoman authorities and what they came up with this time was the inscription ‘cast during the reign of Sultan Hamid the Second’.

The Holy Trinity church in Bankso never fails to amaze visitors with the enormity of the space, the three massive wooden doors cast with iron and the many arched windows. Woodcarver Velyan Ognev has turned the wooden ceiling into a night sky populated by clouds and angels, and the graceful expression of the saints on the large iconostasis is to the credit of icon painter Dimiter, the Moller. The women’s section at the far end of the temple has two floors and an exquisite grated wooden knotwork.

Bansko Museum Town

2007-12-27T01:07:00.000-08:00

Here, at the foot of the Pirin Mountains, the houses look almost like monasteries - just as austere and inaccessible, with high stone walls and small latticed windows, The true Bulgarian spirit is hidden behind the solid walls and heavy gates - in the spacious rooms with friezes and bay windows, carved ceilings and doors, pretty rugs and embroidered cushions, in the murals, icons and amazingly carved iconostasis of the Holy Trinity Church (1832-35).

Ski school

2007-12-26T11:57:00.000-08:00

There are various opportunities for all level skiers and snowboarders. We at www.banskotravel.com offer highly proficient Bulgarian, Russian, English, German and French speaking instructors. We are professionals with over 10 years expirience in ski schools and mountain guiding.

There are small groups (up to 6 persons) as well as individual training for 1 or 2 persons available. A kinder garten from 4 to 7 year old offer 4 hour daily program and entertainment in the special children area.

For booking a private ski or snowboard instructor send your request to: info@banskotravel.com or call to: +359886396401.

Don't forget to mention the time of your visit and your level of skiing or snowboarding.

We can help you to hire equipment from our rental shop.

Prices

Currency rates: 1 EUR ~ 2 LEVA (lv.)

	Group training	Individual
1 hour	15 lv.	25 lv.
2 hours	30 lv.	50 lv.
3 hours	40 lv.	75 lv.
4 hours	50 lv.	100 lv.

All prices are per one person. Group training is for up to 6 persons in a group. Individual training is for 1 or 2 persons.

	Group training	Individual
1 day	50 lv.	100 lv.
2 days	90 lv.	180 lv.
3 days	130 lv.	260 lv.
6 days	250lv.	480 lv.

Ski pass prices for season 2007/2008

Lift pass price list in BGN (Bulgarian levas)
Currency rates: 1 EUR ~ 2 LEVA (lv.)

Period	Adults	Children up to 12 years old
1 day	50 lv.	30 lv.
2 days	95 lv.	53 lv.
3 days	145 lv.	82 lv.
6 days	280 lv.	155 lv.
9 days	390 lv.	255 lv.
13 days	540 lv.	310 lv.
1/2 day	35 lv.	23 lv.
Gondola (go and back)	16 lv.

Renting ski and snowboard equipment

Period	Adults	Children up to 16 years old
1 day	25 lv.	20 lv.
3 days	70 lv.	55 lv.
6 days	130 lv.	100 lv.
9 days	180lv.	130 lv.

Discounts!
For longer period more discounts are available on request.

Medical and Dental Service

2007-12-26T11:44:00.000-08:00

The Emergency SKI PATROL service is available 24 hours a day. Ambulance and clinic (with doctor and nurse) are available, as well as first aid, on all ski slopes. Fully equipped and functioning hospitals is available in Bansko. Highly qualified dentists are available at the resort too.
Pharmacies are also available at the resort.

Some medical and all dental services must be paid in cash to the doctors (clinics). They should provide the necessary bills, receipts and invoices describing the service and the cost, so that you can claim back the expense to your insurance company. It's advised you call your insurance company and inform them in case of injury. Please follow their instructions.

Trekking

2007-12-25T07:27:00.000-08:00

Bulgaria is situated in the hearth of the Balkan Peninsula. The country is rich in virgin nature that can offer an exotic bite for the adventurer looking for uniqueness, age-long preserved traditions and rest. The most beautiful orthodox Christian monasteries combined with the local folklore are the true anti-stress mixtures with Bulgarian taste.

We can take you to different sights in this country, a journey through the ages far from the main tourist routes.

We begin our journey in the Rhodope Mountains in the South East part of Bulgaria and continue through the Pirin and Rila Mountains. During this time we visit mountain challets, villages and small towns where the foreign tourists are still rare visitors and we will be welcomed by the locals with a genuine joy and friendliness.

3 day trekking routes in Rila

Rila is the highest Bulgarian mountain. The origin of its name comes from the Slavic word RAULA which means 'water mountain' and which describes exactly this largest source of water in the region with over 200 lakes on its territory.

Our 3 day route includes trekking through the most picturesque areas: the valley of the 7th lakes, the valley of Maliovitza and trekking to the highest peak in the Balkan peninsula Mussala (2925 m.)
The treks have duration of 3 to 7 hours and an average change in altitude of 1000 m.
The price is 210EUR per person for a group of 4 persons.
The price includes: transport, a mountain guide, accommodation and food for 3 days, all included.

The price does not include: drinks and museum taxes.

3 day trekking routes in Pirin

The origin of the name of Pirin mountain is hidden in the ancient times but it is considered that it comes from the Het's word Perunash, meaning rock.

The route we offer starts from Bansko and includes trekking to the highest peak Vihren (1913 m.) and finishes in the picturesque town of Melnik (a museum town well known for its wine traditions from ages).
The treks have duration between 3 and 7 hours and a medium displacement of 1000 m.
The treks have duration between 3 and 7 hours and an average change in altitude of 1000 m.
The price is 210EUR per person for a group of 4 persons.
The price includes: transport, a mountain guide, accommodation and food for 3 days, all included.
The price does not include: drinks and museum taxes.

14 day trekking route in the Balkan Mountains or Stara Planina (The Old Mountains)

The Balkan Mountains, or Stara Planina as we Bulgarians call it, is the longest mountain in Bulgaria. It begins from the Serbian border to the east crossing the whole Bulgarian country reaching the Black sea. It has alpine character in the middle part where the highest peak is Botev vruh (2376 m.).
There are 2 national parks, the East Balkan and the Central Balkan. Various protected species such as wolfs, bears, eagles, falcons, lynxes, deer are part of its nature. The Balkan is a natural wall between the south and the north and played significant role in the history of the Balkans, where Thracians, Celts, Romans, Slavs, Bulgarians and various other tribes have follows their road through history.

The routes we offer pass trough the most beautiful and interesting places of the Central Balkan.
The treks have duration of 3 to 7 hours and an average change in altitude of 1000 m.
The price is 410EUR per person in a group of 4 persons.
The price includes: transport, mountain guide, accommodation and food 13 nights, all included.
The price does not include: drinks and museum taxes and accommodation for the last night in Sofia.

14 day trekking route in Rhodopes, Pirin, and Rila Mountains

The treks have duration of 3 to 7 hours and an average change in altitude of 1000 m.
The price is 510EUR per person in a group of 6 persons.
The price includes: transport, mountain guide, accommodation and food 13 nights, all included.
The price does not include: drinks and museum taxes and accommodation in the last night in Sofia.

The ski runs

2007-12-17T03:29:00.000-08:00

Ski run	Difficulty	Length [m]	Inclination [m]
9. Tomba	difficult ski run	2567	925
4. Shiligarnika	Beginners	2047	487
10. Shilingarnika 2	Beginners	2047	487
6. Todorka	medium	1690	470
17. Chalin Valog-west	medium	1429	310
3. Plato-south	Beginners	1148	320
11. Plato-north	Beginners	1015	300
7. Old piste	medium	970	205
16. Chalin Valog-east	medium	775	75
4. Balkaniada	medium	0	0
2. Bunderitsa	light piste	0	0
Bunderitsa 2		0	0
1. Bansko	light piste	0	0
Ski way Band. polyana-Bansko		0	0
Ski way Shilingarnika-Band Polyana		0	0
Ski way Shilingarnika-Chalin Valog		0	0
8. Ulen	medium	0	0
12. Strajite	medium	0	0

Bansko Burton Fun Park

2007-12-12T10:49:00.000-08:00

The Bansko Burton Fun Park was built in the area of Piste No.11 (see photo below). The Park area is ca. 400 long and 80bright. The area offers spectacular background with Todorka Peak.

The Fun Park includes a line of 3 jumps (kickers) as well as a line of 6 railboxes (see fig.1). Both lines can be freely combined by the riders.

With the right maintenance and beneficial weather conditions, the Fun Park offers possibilities for winter sports long after the pists of the resort are no longer operating. Therefore, the Bansko Burton Fun Park has all the premises to become Bansko's main attraction in the late winter, and gather significant attention from the media, resort visitors and spectators.

The design of the Park is made by Erich Bellini (www.geckoman.ch), one of the most experienced Park Designers in Europe. Bellini is head shaper of the Fun Park in Laax, CH and the European Snowboard Open contest. Besides designing the Park, E.Bellini will arrive in Bansko to supervise the building of the Park personally.

Perun Hotel

2007-01-04T06:44:00.000-08:00

PERUN hotel offers - 3 stars luxury summer vacations. The hotel is on the south beach of Nessebar (the new town region). The hotel has 4 floors, an elevator, restaurant, lobby-bar, children's play-site, summer terrace, underground parking place, safe.

Capacity Doubles with no extra beds. Doubles with one extending couch. Doubles with two extending couches. Doubles with one double extending couch (140sm. width). Apartment with one double extending couch (140sm. width).

Each room and apartment has its own WC, phone, TV set (cable), mini-bar, room-service. The price includes breakfast and beach sunshade.

Hotel Shatev

2007-01-04T06:33:00.001-08:00

Hotel Shatev, Razlog,
The region Betolovoto , Tel: 0747 80351, 073 885099, fax: 0747 80952 , 073 885075, GSM: 0898 647702

Hotel Shatev has 41 beds in a double and tripple bedrooms and a apartment. Also a restourant, cafe and bar, tavern,swimming pool, sauna and large parking lot. Every room have own bath, with a tub and toilet. Also TV set and central heating.

pool,For free time of our guests, the hotel offers comfortable sauna, table-tennis and many other games.

Delightful view of the mountain, south of the hotel, provides guests with great pleasure and satisfaction.

The restourant has 60 seats, but in summer season it can accommodate up to 120 seats. Offer"s a varied menu, including traditional native meals and specialties. Also a great variety of drinks.

Cafe-bar is well-appointed with comfortable furniture (40 seats), which predispose to rest and relaxation by the fireside. The tavern is appointed in tipical Bansko-Razloshki style, that creates cordial atmosphere tipical for the region.

Conference hall provides opportunity for meetings, seminars, presentations and more, for 40 - 50 participants.

Bansko International Jazz Festival

2007-01-03T06:04:00.000-08:00

01 Aug 2008 - 31 Aug 2008 Date to be confirmed

Under the snow-capped peak of Mount Vihren, the ski resort of Bansko extends its holiday season into the summer with the help of its well established jazz festival. The objectives at Bansko are to give aspiring Bulgarian musicians a stage alongside German, American and other foreign artists, and to lay out a festival that welcomes, as they say, "the free people". The first festival was held in 1998 and Bansko has been winning new friends each year ever since. The format includes events on the main stage in the middle of town and informal jazz cafe sessions and jamming at local hotels and venues

In 2008 the Bansko International Jazz Festival celebrates its 11th anniversary

Times
Various. A full programme is available from the festival website prior to the event

Where?

Various venues in Bansko
Main stage on Nikola Vaptzarov (main square); other performances in hotels Bander, Rodina and Kempinski

Getting There

Road: All venues are in the centre. Bansko is in the Rila Mountains approximately 150km (100 miles) south of Sofia

How Much?

TBC

For More Information

Bansko International Jazz Festival
c/o Katy Petrova
50 Yanko Sakazov Boulevard
Sofia
Bulgaria

Tel +359 (0)2 944 6183
Email management@bgsoundstage.com