Mountain Biking

Veliko Tarnovo and the surrounding area offer incredible opportunities for mountain biking. Through the meanders of the Yantra River, among the hills and forests of Stara Planina, you will find routes that combine nature, history and a sense of freedom. Cycling here is not just a sport — it is a way to feel the magic of the Balkans and touch the authentic atmosphere of this historic region.

What to expect on the routes around Veliko Tarnovo

The trails near Veliko Tarnovo are varied — from easy for beginners to technically challenging for advanced. You can drive along well-marked forest roads, steep rocky stretches or through picturesque meadows with panoramic views of the city and the Tsarevets fortress. The places around Arbanassi, Xilifor and the Preobrazhensky Monastery are especially popular with cyclists. Separate routes often pass by small villages, rural fountains and quiet corners where time seems to have stopped.

Hidden treasures along the way

If you deviate from the popular routes, you will find unexpected sights — an old stone fountain in the middle of the forest, a panoramic cliff overlooking Yantra or a quiet meadow where you can have a well-deserved rest. In spring and early autumn, the area is full of life — birdsong and the scent of fresh grass make every cycling adventure a feast for the senses. Be sure to stop for a photo at a forgotten church or talk to a local resident in a village.

Practical tips for mountain biking around Veliko Tarnovo

• The best time for cycling is from April to June and from September to November, when the temperatures are pleasant and the nature is most picturesque.
• From Grand Hotel Yantra you can reach the beginning of the routes on foot or by car in 10—20 minutes. The most popular starting point is the Xilifor area, which is located just a few kilometers from the city center.
• Plan ahead — bring water, light food, a spare tire, and a kit for emergency repairs. Some of the trails are in places with limited mobile connection.
• For more ideas about routes and current conditions, you can look for information in your local Veliko Tarnovo Cycling Club.
• Don't forget the camera — the panoramic views of the fortress, the Yantra Valley and the old town are one of a kind!

What you will feel during the cycling transition

The most valuable thing about mountain biking around Veliko Tarnovo is the feeling of complete freedom and unity with nature. The wind, the sun, the scent of forests and fields are all part of the unique experience. Each climb is rewarded with views that you will keep forever in your heart. And the feeling of stopping above, above the city, and seeing how history and nature intertwine, is a real inspiration.

Welcome to Grand Hotel Yantra

After a day full of emotions and beauty, Grand Hotel Yantra will welcome you with comfort and tranquility in the heart of the old capital. Let yourself be inspired by the adventures that await you near Veliko Tarnovo, and treat yourself to an unforgettable stay in which mountain biking will be just the beginning of your story here.