Horseback Riding from Sofia: Lisets Mountain & Glozhen Monastery

Ride mountain ridges and forest trails to a monastery suspended on rock

A small-group horseback riding adventure from Sofia takes you through the Balkan Mountains to Lisets Mountain's ridge and Glozhen Monastery, which clings to a sheer cliff above the valley. You spend 4–5 hours in the saddle across forest paths and panoramic overlooks, meeting your horse at the village of Golyam Izvor and returning to Sofia by minivan. The ride suits both beginners and experienced riders.

Step-by-step itinerary

Horse riding and monastery visit

• Arrive at Golyam Izvor village
• Meet horses and receive instructions
• Saddle horses
• Ride along forest paths to Lisets Mountain ridge
• Enjoy panoramic views of Teteven Balkan
• Ride through century-old beech forest
• Approach Glozhen Monastery
• Short walk inside monastery
• Return to Golyam Izvor
• Drive back to Sofia

The experience

The ride starts at Golyam Izvor village, where you meet your horse, receive brief instructions, and saddle up before heading into the forest. The trail climbs toward Lisets Mountain's ridge, where the landscape opens into a panorama of rolling green hills and deep valleys stretching across the Teteven Balkan. You pass through a century-old beech forest, the canopy thick enough that the ride feels removed from the world outside.

The approach to Glozhen Monastery is the centerpiece. The structure appears almost suspended above the valley, built into a sheer rock cliff in a way that makes it look impossible to reach, yet the trail gets you close enough to dismount and walk inside. After time at the monastery, you return to Golyam Izvor and ride back to Sofia by air-conditioned minivan. The whole outing, from pickup to drop-off, spans a morning or afternoon.

Groups stay small, capped at six or seven riders, which means the pace stays relaxed and the guide can give attention to each person. The terrain and the horses are chosen to work for beginners as well as experienced riders, so your comfort in the saddle is not a barrier to booking.

What’s included

• Local guide leading the ride.
• hotel pickup and drop-off in Sofia.
• saddled horse and helmet for each rider.
• transport by air-conditioned minivan to and from the village.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (10 to 80 years) · Under 10: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 8 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effort

Operated by Horseriding Bulgaria - Day Tours

Is this one for you?The 4–5 hours in the saddle is steady riding across mountain terrain, not a strenuous climb, so it suits riders of any experience level who are comfortable spending most of a morning or afternoon on horseback.

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Top questions

How long is the actual riding time on this horseback adventure from Sofia?

The riding itself takes 4–5 hours, moving through forest and along the mountain ridge before the approach to Glozhen Monastery and the return to the village.

What is Glozhen Monastery and why is it worth the ride to see it?

Glozhen Monastery is built into a sheer rock cliff and appears suspended above the valley below, making it one of Bulgaria's most visually striking religious sites. The monastery sits in an inaccessible location that you reach by horseback, and the ride includes time to walk inside after you arrive.

Do I need horseback riding experience to book this activity?

No. The ride is designed for both beginners and experienced riders, and the guide gives brief instructions before you depart. The small group size means the pace stays manageable for all skill levels.

What happens during the ride through Lisets Mountain?

You ride along the ridge of Lisets Mountain, where panoramic views open across the rolling green hills and deep valleys of the Balkan range. The route passes through a century-old beech forest before descending toward the monastery.

Is hotel pickup included, or do I need to arrange my own transport to the start?

Hotel pickup and drop-off in Sofia are included, along with transport back to the city by air-conditioned minivan after the ride ends at Golyam Izvor.