Bulgaria is a fascinating country with stunning landscapes and very interesting monuments. If you want to explore Bulgaria by train, you can use a list of must-see places during your journey through Bulgaria. The list will be useful for those visiting Bulgaria for the first time and want to see the most important sites. Trains do not reach several other important places, such as the famous monastery in the Rila Mountains. Of course, you can adjust the list to your needs. If you only have 3-4 days to explore Bulgaria, it is worth seeing Sofia, Plovdiv, and Veliko Tarnovo and ride a Septemvri – Dobrinishte narrow-gauge railway.
Bulgaria by train – useful websites:
Bulgarian Railways – timetable and journey planner
Train travel in Bulgaria – a comprehensive guide
Bulgaria by train – an absolute minimum itinerary:
Sofia – the capital and largest city of Bulgaria, originally a Thracian settlement called Serdica, named after the Serdi tribe. For some people sad, boring and ugly city, for some a very interesting place and starting point for train trips. Most famous landmark in Sofia is the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral – one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world. Worth visit are also Saint Sofia Church – an ancient church, which gave the city its name, dates back to the 4th century and Boyana Church – an medieval Bulgarian Orthodox church is renowned for its well-preserved frescoes from the 13th century. In the downtown Vitosha Boulevard is a main commercial pedestrianized street lined with shops and cafes. Visit National History Museum, the largest museum in the whole country, St. George Rotunda, the oldest building in the city and the Sofia Synagogue. Sofia is a city of contrast with but personally I like it.
Veliko Tarnovo – city in the central-north of Bulgaria famous for its medieval ruins and its picturesque cityscape – it was built on the steep banks of the Yantra river as it snakes through the foothills of the Balkan Mountains. One of the oldest towns in Bulgaria. Veliko Tarnovo is very popular among tourists due to many monuments and its unique architecture. At the heart of the Old Town stands the imposing Tsarevets Fortress, visitors can walk through narrow cobblestone streets surrounded by traditional houses and medieval fortifications. You must stroll around the Samovodska Charshiya – the former market quartet with beautiful houses from 1880s. Many domestic trains to Veliko Tarnovo require changing at Gorna Oryahovitsa station located less than 10 km from Veliko Tarnovo. Passengers can cover the route between Gorna Oryahovitsa and Veliko Tarnovo by train, bus or taxi.
Plovdiv – the second-largest city in Bulgaria picturesquely located on the seven hills. The city has a charming Old Town with cobbled streets and beautiful houses in the Bulgarian Revival Style. Some of the houses were converted into museums. Another must-see attractions in Plovdiv are the Ancient Amphitheater of Philippopolis, medieval gate Hisar Kapia and Roman Stadium. Most popular museum is Regional Ethnographic Museum in former private residence. Kapana district have been renovated in recent years and it is renowned for streets lined with trendy eateries, chilled-out coffee shops, hip bars and nightlife. Plovdiv is a main railway junction very well connected with the rest of the country.
Koprivshtitsa – one of the prettiest towns in Bulgaria popular among tourists due to numerous 19th century housed built in Bulgarian Revival Style. Many of the houses were transformed into museums and you can admire traditional interesting interiors. The town is lies about more than 100 km from Sofia. Train station Koprivshtitsa is situated 9 km from the city centre, but there is a shuttle bus between station and town synchronized with trains.
Varna – the third-largest city in Bulgaria, often referred to as the “Sea Capital of Bulgaria. A popular seaside resort known for its beautiful beaches, rich history, and lively atmosphere. Don’t miss the Dormition of the Mother of God Cathedral – an iconic symbol of Varna built in the late 19th century, the remains of the ancient Roman Thermae, Varna Archaeological Museum and the museum dedicated to the 1444 battle of Varna. 10 kilometers from the city centre is located Al Adzha Monastery – a medieval cave monastery. Not far from the city you can also find some unique rock formations.
Burgas is the fourth-largest city in Bulgaria. The railway station in Burgas is almost identical as the railway station in Varna. The city is full of beaches and shoping places. It is a perfect place for strolling along Sea Garden and beaches occupied with tourists and locals. An important attraction for families with kids is a science center PlanetUM situated not far from the railway station. There are buses from Burgas to beautiful seaside towns of Sozopol and Nesebar.
Septemvri – Dobrinishte narrow-gauge railway – the scenic and old-style narrow gauge railway from Septemvri to Dobrinishte deserves particular attention not only among railway enthusiasts. The route is operated by Bulgarian State Railways (BDŽ). Four passenger trains in each direction run every day. The 125 km scenic journey through the picturesque valleys and gorges takes five hours. Trains run at an average speed of 22 km/h. You can admire the landscape from the train windows or take a photo at Avramovo Railway Station (1267.40 m), famous as the highest railway station in the Balkans. Trains are used by locals so you can meet people from remote villages on the board. Septemvri station is located on the Sofia – Plovdiv railway line.
