Bansko's New Specialist Hospital

Operation Winter Safety | New Rehabilitation Hospital Approved | Savvy eBag Ordering Tips | Earthquake Felt in Bansko

On Wednesday (30th of October), the Council of Ministers approved a 280-bed “Rehabilitation and Continuous Treatment” hospital for Bansko.

Long-term treatment units will serve patients in need of extended care following strokes, surgeries, and chronic conditions, while palliative care units will offer supportive rehabilitation programs for those recovering from chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

The primary goal is to deliver affordable, high-quality medical services that enhance patient quality of life and alleviate suffering. The hospital will focus on maximising patient stabilisation, reducing pain, and supporting psycho-emotional well-being.

The project is expected to be completed by June 2029. More info.

The Chef’s House: A place where food and atmosphere intertwine in harmony, leaving impressions that will be remembered long after your visit. Learn More.^(featured) 

Inside the BNB Group

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How to pay household bills online?
Sue wants information about how to pay her electricity and water bills online. Lots of people recommended ePay. Personally, I use UBBpay because I don’t like paying much in fees.

Drive in Bulgaria? Read about Operation Winter Safety
I posted that we’re now in November, so all four-wheeled vehicles from 15th of November need either winter tyres or tyres with a tread depth of no less than 4mm. Read the post to see why.

Is the football match at 2pm or 4pm?
Tony posted about going to watch FC Bansko play yesterday, but he wasn’t sure if the KO time was 2pm or 4pm.

4 Directions is closed: where do I get good veggie food?
With 4 Directions on a break for a month, Katya wonders where in town she can get some decent vegetarian food. Some people had some suggestions.

Online supermarket eBag introduced themselves to the Facebook group
Didi from the online supermarket company eBag posted about delivering in Bansko. A few people commented that they already order in Bansko. Savvy ordering tips are in the “Before You Go” section below.

Local/Municipality News

5.3 Earthquake off Greek Coast Felt in Bansko
Earlier this evening (3rd of November), a 5.3 magnitude earthquake off the coast of Greece (near Thessaloniki) was felt in Bansko. Apparently, quite a few people felt a little jiggle and movement.

Bansko Municipal Council Invest in Sports, Tourism & Education
Earlier this week, Bansko’s municipal council made key decisions to acquire and develop the stadium in Dobrinishte, allocate funds to support a table tennis tournament, co-fund temporary accommodation for students until the dormitory for high school students is complete, and other financial development decisions for students and the local municipality. More info.

Struma Highway Extension at Simitli in the Planning Stage
Travel to Bansko from Sofia on the road? Then you’ll pass through Simitli along the Struma Highway. They have announced the planning/route selection stage for extending this highway. Speculation is that works will begin in 2025: it will be better when it’s all finished. More info. [translation required]

Banskonian Competing in European Kickboxing Championship
This week, Katrin Gemkova is competing in the European Kickboxing Championship in Athens. She recently took part in two other contests — the European Taekwon-Do Championships and the World Savate Championships — where she won bronze medals. Let’s hope she brings back a medal from this one too! More info.

Golden and Silver Wedding Anniversary Celebrations
Razlog Municipality has announced that 152 couples will celebrate their golden (67 couples) or silver (85 couples) wedding anniversaries this year. On November 23rd, they will all come together to renew their vows and pass under the festive arch, a tradition that started in 1985. More info.

Explore the mountain with confidence and peace of mind by getting mountain insurance from Uniqa. Get a quote & buy online.

Shared transfers from Sofia Airport to Bansko with Traventuria. Get to Bansko quickly and in style during the winter season. Always on time and as low as €11. Check availability.

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Events Next Week

Wedding Expo at Pirin Golf Club
On Saturday (9th) and Sunday (10th of November), Pirin Golf & Country Club will host a wedding expo for soon-to-be newlyweds. There will be cake tasting, cocktail sampling, tips & guidelines for organising a wedding, a folklore dance performance, and tips & guidelines for choosing the perfect wedding dress. More info.

Altspace Friday Beers
On Friday (8th of November) from 5.30pm to 8pm, Alspace Coworking will have their regular friday beers gathering at their space on Gotse Delchev Street (location). This is a good opportunity to meet different types of people. The event is open to everyone — not just coworkers or members — and Altspace asks people to bring their own refreshments.

Bansko Film Fest in November
Coming later this month (20th-24th) is the Bansko Film Fest. The event will be 5 days, 75 film premieres from 39 countries, 16 presentations, meetings and discussions, 10 exhibitions, parties, and musical surprises. More info. [translation required]

Weather Forecast

The first autumn night when the temperature drops to 0°C.
Looks like frosty mornings are coming 🥶.
Check out Meteo Blue for the best forecast in Bansko.