This is a longer, nearly 15 km tour of several parks just south of Sofia center, including a loop of the Palace Grounds. More info on individual parks.
Start in at the Knyazheska Garden at the Kliment Ohridski subway station, just east of Sofia Center. Run through the lovely gardens into Borisova Gradina Park, which features numerous wooded paths here, and a couple of small lakes. The route through this park is a gradual uphill. Cross the main road (south of the TV Tower), and run into a city park with grid-like rows of tree paths and the National Tennis Center. Head west into Loven Park, which is less developed and has mainly flat paths and a zoo at its southern end. You’ll then need to use Ul. Srebama for ~1.5 km to connect to the southern end of South Park. Run for 2 km north through the park (many additional paths possible), which features a combination of wooded and open terrain, and some hills at its eastern end. At the northern end of South Park, cross Blvd. Bulgaria into the National Palace of Culture grounds, which features imposing, alée-like paths. To complete the loop, we recommend taking Blvd. Hristo Georgiev east to Borisova Gradina Park.
Add-Ons: Numerous additional paths in the parks. See our ‘Park Overview‘ post for additional options.
National Palace of Culture. Flickr: David Stanley
This is a longer, nearly 15 km tour of several parks just south of Sofia center, including a loop of the Palace Grounds. More info on individual parks.
Start in at the Knyazheska Garden at the Kliment Ohridski subway station, just east of Sofia Center. Run through the lovely gardens into Borisova Gradina Park, which features numerous wooded paths here, and a couple of small lakes. The route through this park is a gradual uphill. Cross the main road (south of the TV Tower), and run into a city park with grid-like rows of tree paths and the National Tennis Center. Head west into Loven Park, which is less developed and has mainly flat paths and a zoo at its southern end. You’ll then need to use Ul. Srebama for ~1.5 km to connect to the southern end of South Park. Run for 2 km north through the park (many additional paths possible), which features a combination of wooded and open terrain, and some hills at its eastern end. At the northern end of South Park, cross Blvd. Bulgaria into the National Palace of Culture grounds, which features imposing, alée-like paths. To complete the loop, we recommend taking Blvd. Hristo Georgiev east to Borisova Gradina Park.
Add-Ons: Numerous additional paths in the parks. See our ‘Park Overview‘ post for additional options.
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Essentials
14.7 km (9.1 miles) loop; See our 'parks overview' post for some shorter route/loop options
98m (326 feet)
Knyazheska Garden at the Kliment Ohridski subway station
Sofia has several large, forested parks that are great for running. The three southern parks -- Borisova Gradina Park, Loven Park, and South Park can be run standalone or combined for a long loop. We also love running in West Park and North Park.
A 10 km 'runseeing' tour of Sofia hits the city's center, historic sights, and several parks. Includes Palace grounds, main commercial streets, numerous important mosques and churches, impressive squares and pleasant green spaces.
Sofia holds the distinction of having the most significant nearby mountain of any major city. There are trail running options here for all abilities, ranging from the easier 'panoramic' trail to steeper, more rugged trails.
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Essentials
14.7 km (9.1 miles) loop; See our 'parks overview' post for some shorter route/loop options
98m (326 feet)
Knyazheska Garden at the Kliment Ohridski subway station
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Share your feedback on this route and see that of other Great Runs users. Click on the image icon to upload a photo. And please let us know if there are notes or changes we should incorporate!