+ 1h

Sofia

Bulgarian

• 230 volts

• A travel plug adapter for Type F sockets is required.

Banks
8.30/9.00 a.m.–5.00/5.30 p.m. (Mon–Fri)
Some banks also have branches in shopping centres, which are generally open daily from 10.00 a.m. to 10.00 p.m.

Shops
10.00 a.m.–7.00/10.00 p.m. (Mon–Sun)

• 1 January: New Year’s Day (Нова година)
• 3 March: Liberation Day – Liberation of Bulgaria from Ottoman rule (Ден на освобождението на България от османско иго)
• Easter Sunday and Easter Monday (Великден и Великденски понеделник): dates vary according to the Orthodox Church calendar
• 1 May: Labour Day (Ден на труда)
• 6 May: St George’s Day, Day of Bravery and the Bulgarian Armed Forces (Гергьовден, Ден на храбростта и Българската армия)
• 24 May: Day of Saints Cyril and Methodius, Bulgarian Education and Culture and Slavonic Literature (Ден на светите братя Кирил и Методий, Ден на българската просвета и култура и на славянската писменост)
• 6 September: Unification Day (Ден на Съединението)
• 22 September: Independence Day (Ден на независимостта на България)
• 24 December: Christmas Eve (Бъдни вечер)
• 25 and 26 December: Christmas (Коледа)

The country is part of the Schengen Area. The following documents are required to enter Bulgaria:

• A valid Swiss identity card or a valid Swiss passport

• No visa is required.

• Minors: a travel consent form is recommended for minors travelling alone, with only one parent or without their parents.

As of: January 2025

Bulgaria has a diverse climate that can vary considerably depending on the region. Here is an overview of the country’s main climate zones:

• Northern Bulgaria (Danube Plain): the Danube Plain in northern Bulgaria has a temperate continental climate. Summers are warm to hot, with average temperatures between 25°C and 30°C, while winters are cold and temperatures often fall below 0°C. Snowfall is common in this region during winter.

• Southern Bulgaria (Thracian Plain): the Thracian Plain has a transitional climate between temperate continental and Mediterranean conditions. Summers are hot and dry, with temperatures often rising above 30°C. Winters are milder than in the north, although frost can still occur occasionally.

• Black Sea coast: the Black Sea coast has a maritime climate. Summers are warm and humid, with temperatures between 25°C and 30°C, making the region ideal for beach holidays. Winters are mild, with average temperatures of around 5°C to 10°C and only occasional snowfall.

• Mountain regions (Rila, Pirin and Rhodope Mountains): Bulgaria’s mountain regions, including Rila, Pirin and the Rhodope Mountains, have an alpine climate. Summers are cool, with average temperatures between 15°C and 20°C. Winters are severe and snowy, providing ideal conditions for winter sports. At higher altitudes, temperatures can fall well below 0°C.

• Western Bulgaria: western Bulgaria, including the region around Sofia, has a temperate continental climate. Summers are warm to hot, with average temperatures between 25°C and 30°C. Winters are cold and snowy, with temperatures frequently falling below 0°C. Spring and autumn are relatively mild and pleasant.

• South-western and central Bulgaria: the south-western and central parts of Bulgaria, including the region around Blagoevgrad, are influenced by the Mediterranean climate. Summers are very warm to hot, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C. Winters are milder and wetter, with average temperatures of around 5°C to 10°C and only occasional snowfall.

The ideal time to visit Bulgaria:

• Beach holidays: Black Sea coast from June to September

• City breaks: ideal throughout the year, with particularly pleasant weather in spring and autumn

• Winter holidays: December to April

• Using a mobile phone in Bulgaria may incur roaming charges. Travellers are advised to check the applicable charges before departure and, where necessary, purchase a suitable roaming package to reduce costs.

• Free Wi-Fi is available in many cafés, hotels, public spaces and on public transport.

• Alexander Nevsky Cathedral (Sofia): an impressive Orthodox cathedral with golden domes and magnificent mosaics.

• Rila Monastery (Rila Mountains): Bulgaria’s largest monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its impressive architecture.

• Plovdiv Old Town (Plovdiv): a picturesque historic district with ancient Roman ruins and well-preserved houses from the Bulgarian National Revival period.

• Boyana Church (Sofia): a medieval church famous for its 13th-century frescoes and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• Belogradchik Rocks (Belogradchik): spectacular rock formations accompanied by a historic fortress.

• Nessebar Old Town (Nessebar): an ancient town with numerous well-preserved churches and buildings from different historical periods.

• Tsarevets Fortress (Veliko Tarnovo): a medieval fortress situated on a hill overlooking the city.

• Seven Rila Lakes (Rila Mountains): a group of glacial lakes renowned for their beauty and excellent hiking opportunities.

• Kazanlak Valley of Roses and Thracian Tomb (Kazanlak): famous for rose production and the UNESCO-listed Thracian Tomb.

• Bachkovo Monastery (Asenovgrad): one of Bulgaria’s oldest and most important Orthodox monasteries.

• Prohodna Cave (“Eyes of God”) (Karlukovo): a cave known for two large eye-shaped openings in its ceiling.

Travel inspiration

Get inspired by our blog articles and discover some of Bulgaria’s most fascinating destinations:

• Ski holidays in Bulgaria: the most affordable destinations

Bulgarian cuisine is a delicious blend of Balkan influences and Mediterranean flavours, rich in fresh ingredients and traditional recipes. Typical dishes and culinary highlights include:

• Shopska salad (Шопска салата): a refreshing salad made with tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, onions, parsley and grated cheese.

• Banitsa (Баница): a savoury pastry made from thin layers of dough filled with a mixture of eggs, yoghurt and cheese. Sweet versions with pumpkin or apples are also available.

• Kavarma (Каварма): a traditional stew made with pork or chicken, cooked with onions, peppers, tomatoes and spices.

• Tarator (Таратор): a cold yoghurt soup with cucumber, garlic, dill, walnuts and olive oil. It is particularly refreshing on hot summer days.

• Kebapche and kyufte (Кебапче и Кюфте): grilled minced-meat rolls (kebapche) and meatballs (kyufte), usually made from a mixture of pork and beef and seasoned with typical Bulgarian spices. They are often served with chips and salad.

• Musaka (Мусака): a baked dish made with potatoes and minced meat, topped with an egg and yoghurt mixture. It is similar to Greek moussaka but has regional differences.

• Sach (Сач): a traditional dish prepared and served on a hot earthenware plate, often consisting of various types of meat, vegetables and mushrooms.

• Sirene po Shopski (Сирене по шопски): Bulgarian cheese baked with tomatoes, peppers and an egg, all prepared in an earthenware pot.

• Yoghurt (Кисело мляко): Bulgaria’s famous yoghurt, known in particular for containing Lactobacillus bulgaricus bacteria, is a staple food and is often eaten plain or used as an ingredient in many dishes.

• Wine and rakia (Вино и Ракия): Bulgaria has a long tradition of wine production, with many regional wines enjoying international recognition. Rakia, a strong fruit brandy, is a popular traditional drink and is often served as an aperitif.

• Greetings: a firm handshake and a friendly “Zdravei” (hello) are the usual forms of greeting. Among close friends and family, two kisses on the cheeks are also common.

• Saying please and thank you: politeness is appreciated. Say “Molya” for “please” and “Blagodarya” for “thank you”. The informal “Merci” is also commonly used.

• Clothing: Bulgarians place importance on a neat appearance. Shoulders and knees should be covered when visiting churches and religious sites. Appropriate clothing is expected for formal occasions and in upscale restaurants.

• Dining etiquette: when sharing a meal, wait until the host begins eating. It is customary to say “Nazdrave” (Cheers!) before drinking.

• Smoking: smoking is not permitted in public buildings, restaurants or on public transport. Observe no-smoking signs and smoke only in designated outdoor areas.

• Tipping: a tip of 10-15% is customary in restaurants. Taxi fares are often rounded up. In hotels, it is polite to leave a small tip for staff such as housekeeping and porters.

• Tap water: in Sofia and most urban areas of Bulgaria, tap water is safe to drink and of good quality. However, along the Black Sea coast and in rural areas, bottled water is often recommended, as water quality may vary.

• No mandatory vaccinations are required to enter Bulgaria.

• Ensure that your standard vaccinations and those of your children are up to date in accordance with the Swiss vaccination schedule issued by the Federal Office of Public Health.

Medical care in Bulgaria is generally good in urban areas. Before travelling, Swiss citizens should apply to their health insurer for a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

• Many medicines commonly available in Switzerland can also be obtained from Bulgarian pharmacies. Nevertheless, travellers who need to take medication regularly are advised to bring an adequate supply with them as a precaution.

• Foreign patients are generally required to pay for medical consultations and treatment locally in cash. Medical costs for foreigners can be relatively high, so it is important to always request an official invoice or receipt.

• People covered by compulsory health insurance in Switzerland can have emergency medical treatment in state hospitals and by doctors contracted with the Bulgarian National Health Insurance Fund billed directly through their insurance. In these cases, cash payment is not required.

Before and during your trip, keep informed about the current situation through the media and remain in contact with your tour operator.

• The risk of terrorist attacks cannot be completely ruled out.

• In major cities and tourist hotspots, travellers should be alert to pickpockets and scammers.

• Further information on the current security situation is available on the website of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA).

As of: July 2024

• A Swiss driving licence is recognised for car rentals, provided that it was obtained at least one year previously, depending on the rental company.

• The minimum age for renting a car ranges from 21 to 25, depending on the company.

• A vignette is required for using motorways and certain roads in Bulgaria. It can be purchased at petrol stations, border crossings and online.

• Dipped headlights must be used during the day by law. This rule applies throughout the year.

• Winter tyres are compulsory from November to March. Snow chains should also be carried when travelling in higher-altitude regions.

• Blood alcohol limit: 0.5‰.

• Long-distance trains: Bulgarian State Railways (BDZ) operates a network of long-distance trains connecting the country’s main cities. Train travel is an affordable way to cover long distances, although speed and punctuality can vary.

• Regional trains: regional rail services are also operated by BDZ and connect smaller towns and villages with larger cities. These trains often offer scenic views of the Bulgarian countryside. However, delays can be frequent.

• Buses: Bulgaria’s bus network is well developed and is often more reliable and faster than travelling by train. Numerous private and state-owned bus companies operate both long-distance and regional services. Most cities have major bus stations, and tickets can be purchased in advance or directly from the driver.

• Metro: Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, has a modern metro system. It is fast, efficient and serves the city’s main areas. The metro is a convenient option for travelling within the city and the network continues to expand.

• Tickets: tickets for trains, buses and the metro can be purchased at railway and bus stations, from ticket machines or online. On the Sofia Metro, tickets can also be purchased from machines at the stations.

Air travel in Bulgaria is well developed and offers numerous connections both within the country and to international destinations.

The Bulgarian airports with direct connections to Switzerland are:

• Sofia Airport (SOF): direct flights from Zurich, Basel and Geneva.

• Varna Airport (VAR): direct flights from Zurich.

These connections are mainly operated by Swiss International Air Lines, Edelweiss and Wizz Air.

00 41 (omit the initial zero of the Swiss area code)

• Single emergency number: 112

90, Tsarigradsko Chaussee, 1st floor
Capital Fort
1784 Sofia

Email: sofia@eda.admin.ch
Tel.: +359 2 942 01 00

• Exercise caution on the roads, as aggressive driving and risky overtaking may occur. Pedestrian crossings are not always respected, so particular attention is required.

• Forest fires may occur during the summer months.

• Photographing military facilities and strategically important installations is prohibited.

• In Bulgaria, nodding the head can mean “no” and shaking the head from side to side can mean “yes”, contrary to the gestures commonly used in Switzerland.