As Vitosha is situated right next to the capital, it has proven to be the perfect escape for the busy citizens with it's fresh air and clear skies, sunny meadows and green forests, as well as with it's many picnic spots and wide paths. Half a day at work and half a day in the mountain-it is Sofia's gift to it's citizens. Where to go? Anyone can go to Vitosha. The whole mountain is a nature reserve and offers you the ideal opportunity to relax and forget all your worries at least for a few hours. There are high peaks for the enthusiasts and spacious lawns for the wanderers. If you want to see the highest place in Vitosha you should climb peak Cherni Vrah. From there you can enjoy the wonderful view of the whole Sofia Valley while sipping a cup of tea. The easiest way to get to Cherni Vrah is to take the lift from Simeonovo - one of the neighborhoods in the capital - that will take you right to the Aleko Hut, which is situated at the foot of the peak. Vitosha is also famous for its rock formations, some of which have volcanic origin and others formed as a result of climate changes. The most popular formation is the stone rivers, or "moreni" at Zlatnite Mostove (The Golden Bridges). The mountain is also popular with the longest cave in Bulgaria - Duhlata, which is 17.5 km long and sprawls on seven levels. Which routes? 1st route: Simeonovo – Aleko – Cherni Vrah 2nd route: Aleko – Vitosha Plateau – Zlatnite mostove (take the № 10 minibus (marshrutka) from the “Ruski pametnik” monument in the center of Sofia. The minibus will get you to “Zlatnite Mostove”) 3rd route: Aleko – Moraines (“moreni”) – Cherni Vrah 4th route: Kladnica – Dam “Studena” How to get to: Simeonovo lift: Take bus № 122 from “Hladilnika” or № 123 from “Darvenitsa” bus station. Zlatni mostove (with a minibus): Take the № 10 minibus (marshrutka) from the “Ruski pametnik” monument in the center of Sofia. Kladnica: Take a minibus from the corner of Hristo Botev blvd. and Damian Gruev str. (the Ministry of Agriculture)