Bansko’s Best: 12 Experiences for Locals & Visitors

12 must-do things in Bansko

Fellow resident of Bansko, Maria Stoyanova, has written a post about Bansko on the Lonely Planet blog. Whether you’ve lived here since before Covid, visit the town often, or know it as your second home, it’s well worth the read.

She highlights some places to eat, key historic places to visit, and other helpful tips, whatever season you are in town.

Inside the FB Group

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Cover photo competition
If you’re an aspiring photographer or think you take a really good photo, then why not enter the cover photo competition for September?

What’s the weather like in Bansko?
Paradi wanted to know what the weather is like in Bansko because she’s interested in moving here. People have shared their experiences.

Final call for Pirin Ultra
The Pirin Ultra, taking place in September, has announced a final date for individuals to sign up to compete.

Finding bright coloured balls near Yavarov Hut
Tony posted that he came across some bright-coloured balls near Yavarov Hut while out walking. What do you think they could be?

Wanting a more comfortable night’s sleep
When your mattress starts prodding you in the back, maybe it’s the time to get a topper to extend its life a little. Discover where people suggested getting one from.

Local/Municipality News

Gondola Runs For Two More Weeks

The gondola in Bansko will run continuously (8am to 4.30pm) for two more weeks. From Monday 9th of September, it will switch back to once up in the morning and once down in the afternoon until later in the year. More info.

Bansko Mayor Wants Feedback on Changes

The mayor of Bansko, Stoicho Banenski, wants feedback on proposed changes to the non-food part of the Sunday Market (brick-a-brack, clothes etc), relocating from the top of the town park area to the bottom close to Moderator. If you have residency in Bansko or are a Bulgarian citizen, then feel free to complete the form (translation required). More info.

Razlog Welcomes Big Band Blagoevgrad

On Saturday (24th), Razlog welcomed Big Band Blagoevgrad for a night of unforgettable music. They had jazz, rock, pop, and blues music played by a variety of bands and orchestras. As is the case with some events, this one was published after last week’s issue of the Buzz was published, so I wasn’t able to include it 👎️ More Info.

US Marine Donates to Bansko Mountain Rescue Service

US Marine Captain James Barlow donated 12,000BGN to the local mountain rescue service in Bansko following his near-death experience and subsequent rescue in November 2023. Twenty local mountain rescue volunteers went to help James after he fell 220m on Mount Vihren, hitting his head and losing consciousness. Read the full story here [translation required].

Only Banskalians Can Do This

Over the weekend, traditional Bulgarian music and dancing were performed on the Bansko town square stage. Some performances were by local Banskalians who remarked that only local people could play as they played. Watch video.

Helping Non-Profits in Bansko

Three local charities do great work in Bansko and surrounding areas. Let’s support them: click/tap on their name below to donate.

Sunflower
They continuously support the four safety homes in Bansko, the dementia home in Mesta, and the Sdravetz Centre for people with special needs. They are currently focusing support for 20-25 elderly vulnerable adults living on their own and in need of upgrades, food and warmth.

Mountain Rescue Service
They are always there to help if you become injured or have difficulties on the mountain. Made up mostly of volunteers, they’ll respond to a call 24/7, hiking to rescue someone no matter what the conditions.

Bansko Street Dogs
They help street dogs in Bansko and the surrounding areas through emergency care, neutering, flea & tick treatment, and setting up kennels/feeding stations to keep streeties warm, dry and well-nourished.

Events Next Week

Joleff Art Exhibition Continues
Nina Tsvetornir and Lechezar Dzholevi offer a painting exhibition. This takes place on Monday (26th) 9am to 6pm and Tuesday (27th) 9am to 6pm at the Tourist Information Center in Bansko.

Opera Festival
On Thursday (29th), Friday (30th) & Saturday (31st), the Opera Festival comes to Bansko. On all nights, it starts at 8pm in the main square. If you’re a lover of opera music or want to enjoy the town square for one of its final weekends of music, check out the festival. More info.

Clean The Mountain Project
If you missed out on the Clean the Mountain Project by Pirinsko (aka Carlsberg Bulgaria), then don’t worry. They are having another day back in Bansko. This time on Saturday (31st) from 9.30am to 3.30pm at the Eco Park (Rolban). More info [translation required].

The Way of the Heart Painting Exhibition
Sashka Rupchina is showing off her energy paintings exhibition, The Way of the Heart, in Bansko. Saturday (31st) 11am to 7pm, Sunday (1st) 10am to 2pm, Monday (2nd) 9am to 6pm, and Tuesday (3rd) 9am to 6pm: at the Tourist Information Center in Bansko.

Charity Wine Tasting Event
On Sunday (1st) at 8pm, D & Vino is having a wine tasting event with local sausages & cheeses, with funds raised going to help replace firefighting equipment at Zographic Monastery in Aton. More Info.

Pottery & Wood Carving Demonstrations from Bansko Locals
Outside of the Tourist Information Center between 5pm and 7pm, demonstrations by local trade and handicrafts continue. On Friday (30th), there will be a Pottery demonstration, and on Saturday (31st), there will be a Wood Carving demonstration (including live folk music between 6pm and 6.30pm on Saturday only). This is the final week of local trade & handicraft exhibitions.

Know of an event?
Let us know using this form.

Weather Forecast

It felt a little autumnal earlier in the week, didn’t it? Lashing it down (raining) and rather windy. Let’s hope it improves for some hiking in September 💪 Download the MeteoBlue weather app for close to accurate forecasts.

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—
Nick
Publisher, Bansko Buzz