Owner's Guide (Part 3): Walks and the Mountains – permitted routes, fines and the "dog highway"“

Having a dog in Bansko is a dream – nature starts at your doorstep. But Pirin is not just a forest, National Park and a UNESCO site. This means that specific rules apply that differ from those in the city park in Sofia.

Where can a dog run free and where is a fine guaranteed? This guide will save you from trouble.

1. The rules of Pirin National Park

The park boundary begins just above the town (the barrier on the road to Vihren Hut). The moment you step foot there, the Park Management Plan applies.

• Why? It is not to annoy the owners. The goal is to protect wild animals (wild goats, deer, rabbits) that may be frightened or injured by the dog's hunting instincts.
• Fines: Park rangers are conducting inspections. The fine for an untethered dog starts at 50 to 500 BGN.

⛔ Absolutely PROHIBITED areas: In the reserves (such as “Bayuvi Dupki – Dzhindzhiritsa” and “Yulen“") the passage of pets is either completely prohibited or severely restricted only along the marked path.

A breathtaking landscape filmed high in the mountains.

2. “Dog Highway” (Along the Glazne River)

If you're looking for a place where the whole community comes together and the dogs play, this is it.

• Location: The trail starts from the bridge over the Gondola and goes up along the Glazne River (on the left side of the river, towards the mountain).
• Atmosphere: This is the unofficial “meeting area”. Here in the morning and evening you will meet dozens of farmers (local and foreign). The road is wide, flat and safe (no cars).
• Bonus: In the summer, dogs can cool off in the river (in the shallower places).

3. Top 3 routes for a long walk (Safe Zones)

Where to go for 1-2 hours without venturing into deep alpine terrain?

1. The road to the Dam (Krinets)

• Route: You leave from the “Gurovitsa” neighborhood towards the “Krinets” restaurant and the dam.
• Advantages: A flat dirt road, sunny, with a view of the peaks. The dogs love it.

2. The path to St. Nicholas

• Route: It starts from the edge of the city (direction Dobrinishte) and climbs to the archaeological excavations "St. Nikola".
• Advantages: Easy climb into the forest, waterfalls and fewer people.

3. Roliban (The Old Road)

• Route: The old road that connects Bansko and the tracks (crosses the asphalt road in several places).
• Advantages: A shady forest, perfect for hot summer days.

4. The Ski Area and the Dogs (Winter Time)

Winter changes the rules.

• The ski path: During the day (08:30 – 17:00) it is dangerous Walking a dog on the ski trail. Skiers move fast and accidents are common. The edges of the skis can cut a paw or tendon very badly.
• The elevator: Dogs are allowed in the Gondola, but only with a muzzle and a ticket (check the current price at the box office, it is usually a symbolic or child ticket).

5. Urban culture and hygiene

Bansko is a clean town and the locals are sensitive to this topic.

• Bags are mandatory: Always pick up after your dog, even if it's in the grass by the roadside. There are plenty of bins in the city.
• The city park: It is allowed for walks (on a leash), but do not let the dog into the lake or on the playgrounds. This is the fastest way to get into conflict with the local mothers.