How to start your adventure?
To become part of the national movement, you need a tourist booklet. You can purchase it from any of the listed sites or from the BTS offices. The price is symbolic, and the emotion of collecting stamps is priceless.
Paper vs. Digital Passport
Traditionalists prefer paper because of the physical print and branding. Modern travelers, however, often choose the digital passport. It is integrated into the Yettel mobile application (available to all operators) and allows collecting stamps via QR code or GPS localization. Both formats are completely equivalent when applying for awards.
Site No. 1: Bansko – The City of Awakenings
Bansko is not just a ski resort; it is a fortress city of the Bulgarian spirit. The seal for site #1 is located in the Nikola Vaptsarov House Museum, but it unites several important locations in the Old Town.
1. Nikola Vaptsarov House Museum„
Located on the central square, this is the birthplace of one of the most translated Bulgarian poets. The museum was opened in 1952 and offers an impressive multimedia exhibition. Here you will see the poet's personal belongings and feel the atmosphere in which he grew up.
2. House-Museum "Neofit Rilski" (Beni's House)
This is the home of the patriarch of the New Bulgarian education. The building is a typical example of the 18th century Bansko architecture – with thick walls, hiding places and unique wood carvings. It is located right next to the Holy Trinity Church.
3. Velyanova House
If you want to see a true masterpiece, Velyanov House is your place. It was given to master Velyan Ognev by the local population as a token of gratitude for his work on the church. The frescoes inside are unique for their era and depict world cities such as Venice and Istanbul.
Object No. 1a: Holy Trinity Church„
This temple is the symbol of Bansko. Built in 1835 with extraordinary efforts by the local population, it was for a long time the largest in the Balkans. Pay attention to the small detail above the entrance – a Christian cross coexisting with a Muslim crescent, which was a trick of the builders to save the temple from destruction by the Turkish authorities.
Site No. 2: Vihren Peak (2914 m)
For lovers of high mountain tourism, Vihren Peak is a must-see. The highest point of Pirin is a challenge that is rewarded with dizzying views of The horse and the marble circuses.
How to get the seal? The seal for Vihren Peak is kept in Vihren hut (1972 m above sea level). The hut is reached by an asphalt road from Bansko (about 16 km). During the summer season, the movement of private cars is limited during the day, so use the shuttle lines from the bus station in the city.
- Classic route: Through the Kabata area – about 3 hours of moderate walking.
- Recommendation: Bring mountain insurance and suitable footwear, even in August. the weather changes in minutes.
Site #3: Village of Dobarsko and the mystical church
20 km from Bansko is the village of Dobarsko, where one of the greatest mysteries of the Bulgarian Middle Ages is hidden - the church of St. Theodore Tyron and Theodore Stratilates (1614).
The church is world-famous for its fresco depicting Jesus Christ in a celestial sphere resembling a rocket. In addition to the "cosmic" theories, the place is known for the healing water in its courtyard, which is believed to have helped the blinded warriors of Tsar Samuil.
Nearby excursions (Objects 4, 5 and 27)
If you are based in Bansko, you can easily take day trips to the following sites:
| Object No. | Location | Landmark |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | Melnik | Kordopulova House and Museum |
| 5 | Rupite | Temple of Grandmother Vanga |
| 27 | Blagoevgrad | Varosha Quarter |
BTS Awards
The collection of the 100 national tourist sites is not just for honor and glory. BTS organizes an annual raffle for gold badge holders, in which vacations, excursions abroad and material prizes are won.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I collect stamps in an old booklet?
Yes, all editions of the tourist booklets over the years are recognized.
2. What happens if the site is closed?
If the facility is not working, you can take a photo in front of it and show it to the nearest tourist center or BTS office for validation.
3. How long does it take to collect the 100 objects?
There is no time limit. Some people collect them in a year, others in a decade. It's the journey that matters, not the speed.
Visiting the 100 National Tourist Sites is the best way to get to know your roots and fall in love with Bulgaria again. The Bansko region is the perfect starting point for this adventure.
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