Heights, River and Protected Area

The municipality of Gorna Malina ranges from 584 m in the area of Dolna Malina to 1,655 m at Mount Zvezdets (Shindarnika) in the area of Stragel. This span reflects a marked difference in elevation within the municipality. The Makotsevska River flows through the municipality; it is a right-bank tributary of the Lesnovska in the Iskar river basin. This places the local river course within a larger water system. The BG0001043 “Etropole–Bailovo” protected area covers parts of the municipality of Gorna Malina and provides another landscape reference alongside the high points and river course.

Trails and Caves

The eco-educational trail from Arabakonak Pass to the Bebresch spring runs through the northern part of the municipality, in the area of Stragel in the western Stara Planina. It is 8,915 m long. Another outing is the traditional annual hike “In the Footsteps of Elin Pelin”: it leads from the centre of Bailovo to the Manastir Caves. The hike is described as easy, is 10.5 km long and takes about 3.5 hours. The different destinations help distinguish the two options: the trail runs from the pass to a spring, while the hike goes from Bailovo to the caves. Check the dates and details of the hike for the relevant year before planning your trip.

The Manastir Caves are considered a rock sanctuary and an ancient astronomical observatory. Rock drawings and bas-reliefs are associated with a period more than 7,000 years ago. These interpretations give the caves a cultural and historical significance in addition to their role as the endpoint of the hike.

Literature, Monument and Art

In Bailovo, the preserved home of Elin Pelin was converted into a museum in 1977, on the occasion of the writer’s 100th birthday. The Elin Pelin Memorial House features the exhibition “The Life and Work of Elin Pelin”. The house and exhibition thus offer two specific points of connection to the literary theme: the preserved home and the subject of the exhibition.

Another historical landmark is the Russian Victory Monument “Arabakonak”. It is a historical monument of national importance in the municipality of Gorna Malina. The regional art festival “Malinale” in Gorna Malina focuses on a different theme, presenting sculpture, painting, graphic art, ceramics, posters, photography and textiles. While the memorial house is dedicated to a writer and his work, Malinale spans a wide range of art forms.

Windmills Hydropark and the Distance to Sofia

Windmills Hydropark is located at the entrance to the village of Gorna Malina. It has six outdoor pools, including two for children, and includes a lake for sport fishing. The pools and lake cater to different interests; check the facilities before your visit. The hydropark is 20 kilometres from Sofia. The road distance may differ, which you should take into account when planning your route.

Gorna Malina thus combines natural features and specific places to visit with literary and artistic themes. Depending on your interests, the trails, the history of the Manastir Caves, the Elin Pelin Memorial House or the range of art at Malinale may be the deciding factor. Windmills Hydropark adds outdoor pools and sport fishing to this choice; its location at the entrance to the village of Gorna Malina provides a clear geographical reference.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Sarantsi, Gorna Malina, Makotsevo, Negushevo, Bailovo, Etropole, Mirkovo, Anton.

Back to the regional travel overview: Sofia Province / Sofia.