This former silver mining town in southwestern Bulgaria has preserved its 19th-century architecture and traditional metalwork. Located near Rila Mountain, it's a base for skiing at Borovets.
Samokov sits between the Rila, Vitosha, and Sredna Gora mountains, a Bulgarian town shaped by iron production and mountain life. Its name comes from the water-powered forges that once fueled its economy. You can explore Byzantine-era churches like the Assumption of the Holy Virgin Church, a 17th-century stone fountain in the town center, and the restored Tsari Mali Grad Fortress nearby. Bulgaria’s highest peak, Musala, rises to the south, and the Borovets ski area is 12 km east. Woodcarvings in the churches and frescoes by artists from the local art school highlight the town’s creative traditions.
Historical Sites and Cultural Landmarks
Samokov’s iron-producing history and religious roots are evident in its buildings and museums. The Assumption of the Holy Virgin Church, completed in 1793, holds wood-carved altars and icons painted by Zahari Zograf, a leader of the Samokov Art School. In the main square, the Grand Fountain from 1660 demonstrates Ottoman-era design with its stone arches and water channels. The Town Museum of History displays tools from the iron-mining period, which ended in the 1920s, and the Sarafska House reveals how wealthy families lived during Bulgaria’s National Revival, with carved ceilings and thick stone walls. The Samokov Synagogue, built in 1857, reflects the town’s Sephardic Jewish community through its arched windows and stories of the Arieh family, who helped fund its construction.
Mountains, Trails, and Ski Areas
Five mountain ranges surround Samokov, creating opportunities for skiing, hiking, and soaking in thermal pools. Drive 15 minutes to Borovets, Bulgaria’s first ski resort, where slopes cater to skiers of all levels, and the Chernia Kos jump hill operates in all seasons. During summer, trails in Rila National Park lead to glacial lakes like Maritsa and Alekovo Waterfall, surrounded by pine forests. Belchinski Bani, 13 km west, has mineral baths with water heated to 41.5°C, often used for joint and skin health. For a mix of history and nature, walk along the Palakaria River to Tsari Mali Grad Fortress, a medieval site rebuilt in the 2000s near Belchin village.
Artisan Traditions and Local Products
Samokov became known for skilled painters, woodworkers, and builders during Bulgaria’s National Revival. The Konstantin Fotinov School, opened in 1879, trained artists whose murals decorate churches nationwide. The Town Museum of History preserves embroidered textiles and traditional clothing made with techniques still practiced today. Seasonal markets in town sell potatoes—Samokov grows over 30% of Bulgaria’s crop—alongside honey and ceramics. Many houses here use stone foundations and wooden beams, with red clay roofs that withstand heavy snowfall.
Places to Stay and Eat
Accommodation options include small guesthouses and hotels like Hotel Samokov, which has views of Vitosha Mountain and ski equipment rentals. The Covent (Metoh), set in pine woods 3 km from town, offers basic rooms at lower prices. Meals focus on Bulgarian dishes such as kebapche (grilled meat), bean stews, and potatoes prepared with local herbs. Few restaurants operate in Samokov’s center, but Borovets has more choices, including pubs serving rakia (fruit brandy) and grilled trout. Most hotels arrange shuttle rides to Sofia Airport, a 60 km trip north.
Transportation and Access
Reach Samokov by bus from Sofia’s Central Station, with hourly departures taking 90 minutes. The town is small enough to explore on foot, but renting a car helps for visiting Rila National Park or nearby villages. Buses to Borovets leave every 30 minutes from Samokov’s station, connecting to gondolas at the ski resort. If coming from Plovdiv, expect a 3-hour drive through the Ihtiman Pass, where mountain roads wind past rocky slopes and small streams.
