Like a sentinel, watching over Sofia valley and the capital - Vitosha Mountain is crowned by a high peak, known as Cherni vrah (eng: the Black peak). It is the highest point of the mountain at 2290 m. and the weather there is quite windy. At the top, there is a meteorological station, with a small tearoom and the headquarters for the Mountain rescue team. Cherni vrah offers an incredible view to  Sofia valley, the Balkan and Rila Mountains. The peak is part of the „Hundred National Tourist Sights” initiative and you could get the collectible stamp or the individual seal for the landmark at the station.

 

Vitosha is declared a Natural park and is often called “the Capital’s lungs". The mountain is a favorite place for recreation and relaxation and in winter - for winter sports. A number of hiking trails “crisscross” the mountain and the marking is well maintained. Chalet Aleko is the starting point for several hikes: to Cherni vrah, Goli vrah (eng: Naked peak) and Uhoto (“the Ear”).  It was named after the famous Bulgarian political writer, novelist, tourism enthusiast and passionate mountaineer - Aleko Konstantinov ,  a.k.a “The Lucky man”. He led the first ever to lead an organized climb to Cherni vrah.

 

Another popular route starts at “Zlatnite mostove” (“the Golden Bridges”), goes through the “Torfeno branishte” Reserve (eng: “Peat reserve”) and leads to Cherni vrah.