Samokov

Samokov is a destination in Sofia, Bulgaria. It offers visitors a range of attractions and experiences in a distinctive setting.

By bus

There are multiple buses daily between Sofia and Samokov, but they start at the tiny and not very tourist-friendly Bus Station South (signs are in Bulgarian, the staff doesn't speak English). The line is served by a number of small private companies, so intervals between buses can be as short as half an hour. Travel time is around an hour, depending on traffic.

Bus Station

( directly north-west of the pedestrian main square (Zahari Zograf Sqr) ).

Also the starting point of an hourly shuttle bus to Borovets.   ( updated Mar 2024 )

By car

From the north ( Sofia ): head east from the city centre on the large Tsarigradsko Shose Blvd. In the city outskirts, after passing through the large junction that leads to the airport, look on the south (right) side for an exit with signs to Samokov and Borovets. Follow Samokovsko Shose Rd south-east. On crossing the Sofia Ring Road it turns into National Road 82, which will take you to Samokov after passing by Lake Pancherevo and the Iskar Reservoir. Drive carefully - it's a mountain road and rockfalls are possible. Distance is about 60   km (37   mi) , but it may take an hour depending on traffic and how carefully you driv

The town centre of Samokov is compact and walkable. Local buses connect the main districts and nearby attractions. Taxis are available from the train station.

The town itself is attractive in and around its centre but there's a few ugly tenement blocks that remind you of the communist past. The town is nicely isolated from the surrounding villages which include Dospei, Reliovo, Rayovo, Shipochene, Beli Iskar, Govedatsi and the spa village of Belchin Banya.

History Museum ,

ul. "Prof. Vasil Zahariev" 4

( you may have to ring the doorbell ).

Tu-Sa 08:30-12:00, 13:00-17:30 (closed Su M) .

Exhibitions include ancient and medieval artefacts, Samokov's past as metalworking and artisan centre (incl. glassmaking), early 20th century military history, an ethnographic collection of folk costumes and 19th century city clothing, and the Samokov Art School. It also has another, less-touristy website , but it's in Bulgarian. There's a statue of Zahari Zograf in front of the museum. The other sites managed by the museum are the Bayrakli Mosque, the town's Art Gallery, and the Petar Esov House (modern art gallery/atelier in an old house).

Single site (e.g. the museum): adults 6 лв, children (6+ yrs) and pensioners 4 лв; daily pass for all sites (incl. Internet-based audio guide to Samokov sights): adults 8 лв, children and pensioners 6 лв;

Motocross Circuit

Ski

Fishing, boating and other lake-related activities on the Iskar Reservoir

Play golf in Ihtiman

Hiking

Borovets is the starting point of one of the routes to

[... truncated ...]

Local restaurants and trattorias serve regional cuisine featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients. Traditional dishes reflect the local culinary heritage.

Cafes and bars in the town centre serve coffee, wine, and local beverages. Regional wines and spirits are worth sampling.

Hotels, guesthouses, and bed-and-breakfast establishments offer accommodation. Advance booking is recommended during peak season.

Local shops offer regional products, handicrafts, and everyday necessities. Markets may be held weekly in the town square.

• Berlin — Germany's capital city, reachable by regional train
• Nearby towns in Sofia — explore the surrounding region