Get your card
English β€’ Π‘ΡŠΠ»Π³Π°Ρ€ΡΠΊΠΈ
English Π‘ΡŠΠ»Π³Π°Ρ€ΡΠΊΠΈ

Scenic Rafting in the Iskar Gorge – 1 Hour from Sofia

Book now
🚣 1 Hour from Sofia | 🌿 April–October Season | πŸ‘¨‍πŸ‘©‍πŸ‘§ Families, Groups & Beginners
β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…
TripAdvisor

"The summer level is lower but good and chilling — you can swim in the river too. Beautiful scenery, rocks and many birds. A perfect family day out!"

— Stanimir S. · Sofia, Bulgaria Read all reviews →
Price Per Person
40€
🚣 Full equipment + certified instructor + insurance

Just one hour from Sofia, the Iskar River offers one of Bulgaria's most accessible and scenic rafting adventures. Navigate rapids of varying intensity, float through peaceful stretches, and take in dramatic gorge landscapes — past rock formations, monasteries, and waterfalls. No experience needed, no swimming skills required. Just show up and enjoy the ride.

 
🌿 Stunning Iskar Gorge - Rocks, Birds & River Views
🚣 Rapids + Calm Stretches - Perfect Mix for All Levels
πŸ‘¨‍πŸ‘©‍πŸ‘§ Only 1 Hour from Sofia - Easy Day Trip for the Whole Family
 
Check Dates  Check Dates
 
⚑ we reply in minutes • No payment required
 
⚠️ Available April–October · Min. 4 participants · Book at least 1 day in advance (before 14:00)!
i

Key Facts

Overview
Duration
1.5 – 2 hours
Season
April – October
Distance
~60 km from Sofia
Location
Lakatnik, Iskar Gorge
Min. Group
4 participants
Experience
None needed

 

🚣 Sofia's Best-Kept Secret

The Iskar River cuts through one of Bulgaria's most dramatic gorges — towering limestone cliffs, ancient monasteries, and wildlife-rich riverbanks, all just an hour from the capital. The rafting route combines stretches of lively rapids with calm, swimmable sections where you can float, look up, and take it all in. A genuine escape from the city, with none of the long-distance travel.

πŸ‘¨‍πŸ‘©‍πŸ‘§ Perfect for Families 

No rafting experience, no swimming skills required. The Iskar route is gentler than the Struma — ideal for families with children, first-time rafters, and anyone who wants the experience without the intensity. Full safety gear, a certified instructor, and a detailed briefing come with every session. The river does the work — you just enjoy the ride.

πŸ›οΈ More Than Just Rafting

The Iskar Gorge is packed with things to explore beyond the river. Nearby you'll find the Seven Thrones and Cherepishki Monasteries, the dramatic Ritlite rock formations, and the Vazov eco-path leading to the Skaklya Waterfall. Easy to combine into a full day trip from Sofia.

 

βœ… What's Included +
  • Full rafting equipment: helmet, wetsuit, life jacket, neoprene shoes
  • Certified instructor and comprehensive safety briefing
  • Transport along the river back to the starting point
  • Changing rooms on site
  • Insurance coverage
πŸ’‘ What to bring: swimwear, t-shirt, flip flops, sunscreen, and a towel.
🚐 Transfer from Sofia (Optional) +

Skip the logistics and travel in total comfort. We provide a premium door-to-door service for your rafting trip. Just 60 km from Sofia — we handle the drive.

  • βœ” Adventure-Ready Fleet — Modern, spacious vehicles
  • βœ” Professional Drivers — Reliable and English-speaking
  • βœ” Stress-Free Journey — We handle everything
πŸš— Car (1–4 people)
€200 total
🚐 Van (up to 8)
€250 total
🚌 Minibus (up to 19)
€400 total
🚍 Bus (up to 38)
€500 total

* Prices cover the round trip (Pick-up from Sofia → Rafting Base → Drop-off).

πŸš— Drive yourself? Free parking on site. πŸš‚ Also reachable by train to Lakatnik station.

❓ FAQ +
Do I need rafting experience?
None at all. The Iskar is suitable for complete beginners and families with children. Your instructor handles everything.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes — children are welcome when accompanied by an adult. The Iskar is gentler than other rafting routes, making it ideal for families.
What should I bring?
Swimwear or shorts, a t-shirt, flip flops, sunscreen, and a towel. All technical equipment is provided on site.
How long does the rafting take?
Between 1.5 and 2 hours depending on the water level and season. Summer sessions tend to be more relaxed and swimmable.
Can I get there by train?
Yes — the meeting point near Lakatnik is reachable by passenger train from Sofia. A great option if you prefer not to drive.
What is the minimum group size?
4 participants minimum. Travelling with fewer people? Contact us — we can often combine you with another group.
Where exactly is the meeting point?
At the beginning of Lakatnik village, opposite the lake, next to Restaurant "Peshterata". GPS: 43.088337, 23.385043 — about 60 km from Sofia via Sofia–Novi Iskar–Svoge–Mezdra road.

What to expect: Your Adventure Timeline

1

Meet at Lakatnik

Arrive at the meeting point opposite the lake, next to Restaurant "Peshterata". Gear up, attend the safety briefing, and meet your instructor.

2

Into the Gorge

Push off into the Iskar River. Limestone cliffs rise on both sides as you navigate the first rapids — the gorge opens up with every bend.

3

Rapids, Calm & Swimming

Lively rapids give way to long calm stretches where you can swim, float, and watch eagles circle above the cliffs. This is the part that makes the Iskar so special — it's not just adrenaline, it's pure nature.

4

Back & Explore

Transport back to the start. Change, dry off, and decide whether to visit a monastery, the Ritlite rocks, or the Skaklya Waterfall before the drive back to Sofia.

πŸ“ How to find us

Beginning of Lakatnik village, opposite the lake, next to Restaurant "Peshterata" — 60 km from Sofia.

Meeting Point
Lakatnik Village
Next to Restaurant "Peshterata"
Getting There
By car or
train to Lakatnik
πŸš—
Free Parking on Site GPS: 43.088337, 23.385043
πŸ“ Open in Google Maps
🚣

Book Your Rafting Adventure

Book Now  Book Now 
 
Tell us your preferred date and group size. We respond within minutes · No payment required to enquire
🎁

The Perfect Day Trip Gift

Looking for a unique birthday outing, a family adventure, or a refreshing team day near Sofia? Rafting on the Iskar is accessible, scenic, and genuinely fun for all ages — the kind of day out that everyone talks about afterwards. Gift vouchers available.

πŸŽ‚ Birthday Adventures πŸ‘¨‍πŸ‘©‍πŸ‘§ Family Day Trips 🏒 Team Building Events
Message us for a Gift Voucher

What's next in Sofia?

More adventures worth your time.

Need help planning your stay in Sofia?

One WhatsApp message - we handle the rest.

SoFun Card

UNLOCK YOUR
10% DISCOUNT

One SoFun Card unlocks a discount on your Iskar rafting adventure and dozens of other experiences across Sofia. Buy it once for €5 — it pays for itself on the very first booking.

Get Card & Save Now
πŸ’³ Only €5 /
30 Days
πŸš€ Instant
Digital Use
πŸ’Ž No Auto
Renewals
Original price is

{{ original_price }} €

Price with discount

{{ discount_price }} €

Your SoFun card gives you
{{ discount_percent }}% discount

Invalid promo code

Final price: {{ final_price }} €
Contact us for price

Subscribe for us!

Recieve information about our new places and promotions.

WhatsApp