From Chamkoria to the Borovets Resort Complex

The beginnings of the first mountain resort in Bulgaria and on the Balkan Peninsula were laid in 1898 by Tsar Ferdinand, who started building the “Tsarska Bistritsa” palace in Chamkoria. Historians, however, claim that earlier—back in 1896—General Petko Tantilov, who held senior posts in the Bulgarian Army until World War I, built the first villa. Entrepreneurs, bankers, and officers soon followed his example. The Municipality of Samokov opened the first hotel, and a casino, post office, and restaurants appeared. Very quickly, Chamkoria—as the resort was called until 1942—became a popular summer retreat for residents of the capital. By 1928, the number of private villas had reached 74.

A little-known fact is that in 1889 Tsar Ferdinand initiated the first organized ascent of Mount Musala with an expedition of 25 people. It is believed that the name of the Balkans’ highest peak comes from “Mus Allah” – “Close to God.” Today it is one of Bulgaria’s 100 National Tourist Sites. The border between the Principality of Bulgaria and Eastern Rumelia once ran here, and customs houses were built; after the Unification, one of them became a post office.

In 1903, the first bus line Sofia–Samokov–Chamkoria was launched due to the growing interest in mountain recreation. Another attraction is the hydroelectric power plant built in 1912, which still operates today, supplying electricity not only to the palace but also to the surrounding buildings. Also curious is the story of the so-called Kaiser’s Road, named after a visit by the Austrian chancellor. It was built by Serbian prisoners of war on the orders of Tsar Ferdinand so he could show his august cousin the beauty of the Rila Mountains—and not just in any way, but by automobile.

Foreigners working as engineers, meteorologists, and botanists at the royal palace brought the first skis. Eager to emulate them, locals began making their own skis, which they called “Slaveevki.” The sport quickly attracted the forward-thinking citizens of Samokov as well as students of the American College. The first competition in the history of Bulgarian skiing, however, did not take place until 1930, when the Youth Tourist Union – “Rila” branch – organized a downhill run through the forest from Sitnyakovo to Borovets.

“Tsarska Bistritsa” is a former palace of the monarchs of the Third Bulgarian Tsardom, located above the Borovets resort in the Rila Mountains. It was built between 1898 and 1914 and served as a hunting lodge for Tsars Ferdinand I and Boris III. Its architectural appearance is influenced by the traditional Bulgarian National Revival style, while also reflecting European influences. Tsarska Bistritsa is an important part of the history of Bulgaria’s last royal dynasty. It was here, on August 28, 1943, that Queen Ioanna was informed that her husband, Tsar Boris III, was ill with a mysterious disease. Here, too, six-year-old Simeon and nine-year-old Maria-Luisa saw their father alive for the last time.

The Bistritsa River flows through the estate, tamed and terraced, and the small bridge and the paths along it invite romantic walks.

In the 1930s, Borovets began developing as a ski resort. The first ski runs were built and ski competitions were organized. During the interwar period, the resort became popular among wealthy and influential Bulgarians seeking seclusion and relaxation in nature. After World War II, Borovets underwent significant changes. In 1942, the resort was renamed Borovets—the Bulgarian translation of its old name, Chamkoria. During Bulgaria’s socialist era, the resort became accessible to a wider public. New hotels, lifts, and infrastructure were built, turning Borovets into one of the leading winter resorts in the country and the region.