The “Middle of Lidl” Is Coming to Bansko

In this week’s Buzz:

• Bar in Bansko has a sign that it charges 5% for card payments

• Tunnel on highway to Sofia re-opens after being closed for repairs/safety

• Regnum Aquapark opening weekend (free entrance)

• Complete the Bansko Buzz readers’ survey

• Summer activities for children in Bansko

• Lots of events in the coming week and next as Bansko Nomad Fest starts

• Most places in town have re-opened for summer or are re-opening this week

A planned Lidl in Bansko and Kaufland in Razlog could reshape local shopping

In recent weeks, there’s been a lot of talk on social media about a new Lidl planned for Bansko and Kaufland coming to Razlog.

In the Beehive, I shared the possible timeline of Lidl opening (sometime in the next 12 to 14 months) and its location (here, close to Drinks Market). The main announcement the other week was that the local municipal council was voting on a change of use of the land to allow for plans to be submitted for a Lidl supermarket. The changes have been made, and the plans are in motion: the total investment is estimated at €8 million.

There’s arguments over whether Lidl coming to town is a good or bad thing. I’ll definitely shop there if it opens, but I do wonder whether other smaller stores and sellers on the market will be affected.

If you live (or stay) on that side of the river, then it’s nice to see lots of different developments over the last few years: new roads, new pavements, trees being planted in the pavements, improved street lighting, and the new developed area I wrote about in last week’s Buzz. I used to live on that side of the river, and it always felt a little neglected, so it’s good to see so many improvements.

Where will Kaufland be in Razlog? They usually like to sit Kaufland and Lidl stores within walking distance of one another (as the same company owns both brands), so with the land next door to Lidl being developed, it doesn’t take a genius to figure out where it’ll be. However, I do wonder why the group spent money (and time) expanding the current Lidl store in Razlog if they knew both developments were underway.

Roll on getting the “middle of Lidl” in Bansko!

See a write-up about the project by Discover Bansko here.

Readers’ Survey: Tell Me What You Think

This is a quick “let’s make sure we’re on the same page” kinda thing. A short, 1-minute (anonymous) survey for you to fill in.

If you ever wanted me to know what you think of the weekly emails, then this is your chance.

👉️ HAVE YOUR SAY

Inside the Bansko Notice Board Group

✍️ 64 New Posts, 💬 384 Comments, 👍️ 3,385 Reactions

This Bar Has a Sign Saying They Charge 5% Extra for Card Payments
David shared a photo of a notice at Kolibata Bar & Grill up the hill that says if you pay by card, there is a 5% charge. Lots of people shared their opinions.

I Need an Emergency Plumber. Any Suggestions?
Emma needed an emergency plumber over the weekend as her friend (who has the issue) is leaving town tomorrow. See who people suggested she choose.

I Saw This Dog on a Hike. Should I Carry Pepper Spray?
Nikki was hiking up to the Ecopark in Bansko when she came across a dog that wanted to follow her for a while. She was concerned about whether she needed pepper spray or similar. This was one of those posts that got a fair few comments/opinions.

Any Tips When Renting a Car in Bansko?
Barry wants to rent a car while here in Bansko and was looking for some advice/tips on what to look out for.

Bansko & Beyond

New businesses opening this week/weekend
If you didn’t hear, Kristian from The Chef’s House is opening his new place in town: Su Casa Bistro. I’ve seen the menu, and it looks delicious. See his announcement here. There is also the team at The Pizza Hub on Pirin Street (here) who have been making changes/preparations over the last few weeks. They open (officially) tomorrow. Keep in mind that teething issues can occur in the first few weeks of a new business. Sooo many new places/locations opening this year in Bansko! 💪

Summer activities for children in Bansko
Tori posted in the notice board group asking whether parents would be interested in group activities for children over the summer months (you can read that post here). There was interest, and any parent/guardian who wants to know about the activities the group will be organising can join a dedicated WhatsApp group here.

Zheleznitsa Tunnel access restored on highway to Sofia
The long Zheleznitsa Tunnel on the main highway to Sofia (before Blagoevgrad) has re-opened after being closed for several weeks for repairs/safety checks. If you’ve been to Sofia recently, then you’ll have experienced the detour. Much better that it’s now re-opened. Read more [Translation required].

Treehouse Social Club help young people develop technical skills
The local Treehouse Social Club, located on Zahari Stoyanov Street, has just finished week two of its “teen track” programme, where teenagers who are 12 years and older have been learning how to assemble 3D models, figuring out electronic circuits, learning to paint with acrylics, making their own custom stickers, and sculpting with air dry clay. Read more.

Man from Bansko remanded into custody for arson & domestic violence
A 37-year-old man has been remanded into custody this week after breaching a restraining order. It’s reported that he made death threats and set fire to the woman’s car (who had the restraining order against him since February). Read more [Translation required.]

Other news stories
Here are a handful of other news stories you may find interesting:

• New rules for drivers: penalty points enforced alongside higher fines

• Four cities in shortlist to host Eurovision 2027 in Bulgaria

• Bulgarian Parliament bans unjustified price hikes & orders daily price disclosures for larger retailers

• Montenegro municipality seeks advice from Bansko on a modern ski center [Translation required].

• Moto Team Bansko compete in Red Bull competition in Austria

Show your pride in Bansko

Show your Bansko pride every time you send an email.

Forget Yahoo and Gmail, with a Bansko email address, you finally get an address that feels like home. Perfect for locals, expats, and digital nomads who want to stay connected to Bansko, wherever you are.

Clean, ad-free, and private. A premium address that says you belong here.

👉️ GET YOURS NOW

👉️ Want to see your ad in the newsletter?
View Advertising Opportunities

Events Next Week

New Moon Sound Meditation
Tomorrow (Monday 15th) at Lotus Life on Nayden Gerov Street at 6.30pm, join the Lotus Life team for a special sound meditation dedicated to the New Moon. Immerse yourself in the healing vibrations of sound, slow down, and to simply listen. Price unknown. More info.

Lindy Hop Free Taster Class
Tomorrow (Monday 15th) at Hanuman Yoga Studio in Cedar Lodge 3 (building behind the one with Alpen in; change of location), starting at 7pm, join people interested in dancing for a free taster session on how to Lindy Hop. Anyone is welcome, and the main aim is to have fun. More info.

Bansko Run Club(ish)
On Tuesday (16th), meeting at 6.30pm at Altspace central location on Gotse Delchev Street, have a run with others around town, covering a distance of 5km, and finishing up at Pirin 75.

Coliving Gathering at BanskoLab
On Thursday (18th), Friday (19th), and Saturday (20th), from 3pm to 7pm, BanskoLab is hosting a coliving/coworking gathering with three days of focused, deep conversations, real collaboration, and no fluff. Price 125€. More info.

Wine Tasting with Stratsin Winery
On Thursday (18th), starting at 7pm at DiVino on Glazne Street, taste a selection of signature wines and discover fascinating stories from the world of winemaking from Stratsin Winery, which is based north of Burgas. Price 15€. More info.

Regnum Aquapark Opening Weekend
On Saturday (20th) and Sunday (21st), the Regnum Hotel will be celebrating the opening weekend of its aquapark. A large semi-Olympic-sized pool, water slides, two children’s pools, and a pool bar. Entrance is free all weekend. More info.

Bansko Street Dogs’ Saturday Sale
Support the local Bansko Street Dogs charity by attending their Saturday Sale. What’s on offer? Clothes, homewares, books, furniture, plants, outdoor gear (bikes, tents, etc.) – all pre-loved and in great condition. On Saturday (20th) from 10am to 2pm at their location near Moderator (location).

Kolibata Bash Birthday
On Saturday (20th) starting at 8pm (until 5am), join a group of DJs for an open-air gathering (venue prefers cash), enjoying good drinks, good energy, and amazing people. Entrance fee 15€ per person. More info.

Bansko Nomad Fest
From Saturday 20th of June to Tuesday 30th of June, the 7-day conference/festival that brings together digital nomads, entrepreneurs, and business owners to Bansko (the three extra days of activities make up the 10 days). Lots of people are expected in town for this event, so the next week or two will be busy across town. More info. 

Nomad Fringe Festival
On Wednesday 24th of June and Thursday 25th of June, the yearly Nomad Fringe Festival is at Altspace Coworking (Summit location). On both days, the event starts at 6.30pm. The event is free, and you don’t need to be a nomad to attend. More info. 

The town will become busy from this week with lots of different nomad events happening. Some events will be small and spontaneous.

Photo of the Week

The fish lake is looking glorious in the sunny weather.

Follow @banskobuzz on Instagram.

Before You Go…