Sofia Municipality has unveiled a new urban mobility and environmental initiative designed to bring the capital’s residents closer to nature by linking city parks with the trails on Vitosha Mountain.
The plan, presented on Thursday, outlines four dedicated green corridors providing safe, pleasant and eco-friendly routes for pedestrians and cyclists. Developed by the Municipal Enterprise Sofiaplan, the proposal is part of the broader Vision for Vitosha initiative, which aims to turn the mountain into an accessible year-round destination while preserving its natural environment.
The corridors will serve as direct connectors between Sofia’s urban green spaces and the lower mountain trails, reducing reliance on cars and promoting movement through calm, natural surroundings.
Officials say the project aligns with the municipality’s long-term commitment to sustainable mobility, environmental stewardship and improved quality of life for residents. The routes are designed not only as pathways but as ecological and recreational corridors that encourage outdoor activity.
Sofia Mayor Vassil Terziev emphasized the importance of creating a harmonious link between the city and Vitosha in a way that benefits both people and the environment.
“The green corridors are another step forward towards the realization of the Vision for Vitosha, namely to make the mountain accessible all year round, while preserving nature. We want to connect the city and Vitosha not only with lifts and roads, but through green and peaceful routes that encourage movement and time outdoors,” Terziev said during the announcement.
Each of the planned routes will begin from densely populated areas with existing parks or recreational zones and extend toward established mountain entry points. The Sofiaplan team said the new corridors will offer shaded walkways, resting areas, clearly marked cycling lanes and improved navigation to ensure safe and enjoyable travel.
Urban planners highlight that the project also addresses a long-standing gap in Sofia’s mobility system: the lack of non-motorized access to the mountain. While cable cars and roads remain key access routes, they do not serve all residents equally.
The green corridors are intended to create opportunities for more equitable access, especially for young people, families and older adults who may prefer walking or cycling.
Environmental protection is another major pillar of the project. The plan emphasizes minimal interference with natural landscapes and prioritizes upgrading existing paths rather than constructing new ones.
Planners note that encouraging residents to reach the mountain through environmentally friendly routes will help reduce vehicle congestion at popular entry points, thus lowering emissions and easing pressure on sensitive ecosystems.
The Vision for Vitosha initiative has been evolving over the past few years, aiming to modernize the infrastructure around the mountain while balancing conservation and recreation. The green corridors represent a significant step forward in its implementation, offering practical solutions that integrate urban planning with natural preservation.
Public engagement has also played a role in shaping the plan. Residents have long advocated for safer pathways and better connectivity to Vitosha, particularly as interest in outdoor activities has grown.
The municipality confirmed that the newly released plan will undergo additional discussions with citizens, environmental groups and district administrations before moving to the implementation phase.
The full plan is available for public viewing on the websites of Sofiaplan, Sofia Municipality and the Vision for Vitosha initiative. Officials encourage residents to explore the proposals and submit feedback as preparations move toward the next stages of development.
The project marks a significant milestone in Sofia’s strategy to integrate nature into daily urban life. If implemented, the green corridors could become vital arteries of movement and recreation, offering residents an easy and sustainable way to enjoy the mountain that has long defined the city’s landscape.
As the municipality continues refining the plan, the Vision for Vitosha initiative remains firmly focused on its goal: a connected, accessible and environmentally protected mountain, available to be enjoyed by Sofia’s residents in every season.