Lyulin Mountain, nestled in Western Bulgaria, straddles the borders of Sofia City, Sofia Province, and Pernik Province. It is an integral part of the Zavalsko-Planska mountain range of the Srednogorie.
A Paradise for Tourists
Lyulin Mountain is an intriguing spot for tourism. Although considerably smaller than its renowned neighbor, Vitosha, it boasts fascinating sites and attractions that can be explored within a day. The mountain’s diversity is striking. The northern slopes are cloaked in oak and beech forests, interspersed with several hiking trails. These paths are well-marked for the convenience of visitors. Conversely, the southern slopes are deforested, covered with grass and low shrubs such as wild roses, and are notably poorer in water resources.
Hiking Trails and Scenic Routes
Several captivating hiking options traverse the mountain. From the Monastery Meadows (Manastirski Polyani), one can embark towards the town of Bankya, Vladaya, or head towards the peaks of the mountain – Dupevitsa and Dobrinova Skala. A marked dirt road passes southwest from Dobrinova Skala’s southern foothills, about a hundred meters from the peak, leading to the Lyulin Hut and originating from the Lyulin Villa Zone.
Short Walks and Historic Monasteries
For those seeking a shorter walk, a trek above the Lyulin Villa Zone to the Gornobanski Monastery of Saints Cyril and Methodius, also known as “St. King,” is ideal. This monastery, founded in the 15th century, is accessible via a 1 km asphalt road beginning from a spacious parking area in the Lyulin Villa Zone.
Peaks and Panoramas
Ascending Dupevitsa Peak unveils further hiking opportunities. From there, one can continue west along the mountain ridge to Dobrinova Skala and descend via the road to Bankya, reaching the expansive Lyulin Ridge Meadow. Visible from the Monastery Meadows, this meadow, also known as The Airport, was used for agricultural aviation during the socialist era. A road beneath it loops back to the Lyulin Villa Zone, passing by the Gornobanski Monastery. This same road leads to Bankya in the opposite direction. Near the path are a small fountain and a chapel in the forest. From Dupevitsa Peak, one can also descend the northern slope through a forest path to the Gornobanski Monastery.
Alternative Routes and Historical Sites
Another fascinating route from the peak leads towards Vladaya. Near the military unit’s gate, a path winds to the Vladaya Monastery of St. Petka. This trail meanders through a picturesque birch forest. Founded during the Second Bulgarian Empire, the monastery was revived in the 20th century and remains active today, comprising a church, residential and farm buildings, and the Chapel of St. Nedelya. The church’s iconostasis is designated as a cultural monument.
Memorials and Scenic Views
Another point of interest in the mountain is the Soldier’s Monument, located in the meadows above the Gornobanski tank unit. It is accessible via a dirt road from the Kârleja area in the Monastery Meadows. A small fountain is situated near the monument. From the same location in the Monastery Meadows, a steep path descends in 15 minutes to the Sofia-Pernik road, passing through the Blackbird (Cherniya Kos) area. Midway, there is a small fountain along a dirt road leading to a stunning rocky area, familiar to anyone traveling the highway from Pernik to Sofia.
Lyulin Mountain, with its myriad paths and historical sites, offers a rich tapestry of nature and culture, inviting exploration and discovery.
