Sofia queries

[class387]

Hi everyone,

As title suggests - have a trip to Sofia next month. Was wondering what the transport situation is like and whether anyone has any suggestions for possible trips, either for transport or scenic interest?

I'm planning to take a trip on one of the old RVR units through the gorge towards Mezdra, not sure where best to stop off though. Am also considering doing the narrow gauge as far as Bansko for an Union Ivkoni bus back but am a little apprehensive about the bus' reliabilty and quality - any experiences? Are there any other scenic routes on the mainline network worth doing?

Within the city, does anyone know whether any of the old Ikarus trolleybuses or unrefurbished Metrowagonmash metro trains are still running, and if so when? And are any of the local tram or bus routes of particular interest?

Any help would be greatly appreciated - thank you very much!

 

[AndrewE]

We enjoyed using the trams when we were there about 10 years ago. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trams_in_Sofia seems to be up to date and https://www.urbanrail.net/eu/bg/sofia/tram/sofia-tram.htm shows the network as I remember it.
We took a 10 or a 15 out south, had a walk on the mountain and came back on a 7 or 27 - except the bus we were waiting for to get us to zk. k. Borovo never showed up!

The gangs of "kids" robbing people on the trams were noticeable, local people warned us to keep all valuables well buttoned up in an inside pocket. (we made sure the only thing even remotely accessible was the ticket for the current journey.) They said a wallet would have been passed from hand to hand and been taken off the tram before you realised it was gone.

Make sure you eat at Divaka at least once.

 

[Beebman]

I paid a very quick visit to the city last September but the only transport I rode on was the Metro between the Airport and the city centre - on arrival back at the Airport I spotted an unrefurbished Metrowagonmash train in the opposite platform and I grabbed a quick photo which I've attached.

 

[nwales58]

For scenary, as well as Sofia-Mezdra (which is like a gorge in the alps) I recommend Gorna Oriachovitsa - Dubovo, the other main N-S through the mountains which climbs to around 1000m with little tunnelling. If you do that, stopping at Veliko Trnovo is worthwhile. Also the branch from Tsareva Livada to Gabrovo still operated by a Riga-built EMU last year (total graffiti cover).

 

[class387]

Thank you for the suggestions - will look into the tram into the mountains especially. I was under the impression that Veliko Tarnovo was too far to do a day trip from Sofia?