BUZLUDZHA MONUMENT
Tours to Bulgaria's Iconic UFO Building

Discover the abandoned Soviet monument that captivates the world and sparks the curiosity of international travelers

See Tour Options   Buzludzha at night

Hidden in Bulgaria's Balkan Mountains sits an architectural marvel that looks like it landed from another world. The Buzludzha Monument, often called Bulgaria's "UFO building," is a breathtaking example of communist-era architecture that has become one of Eastern Europe's most photographed abandoned sites.

Built between 1974 and 1981 to commemorate Bulgaria's socialist movement, this extraordinary structure features a 70-meter tower topped with glowing red stars and a flying saucer-shaped hall adorned with nearly 1,000 square meters of stunning socialist mosaics.

And we’ll take you on a private tour to marvel at the magnificence of this communist ghost.

Why Choose Our Buzludzha Tours

Expert Local Guides

Led by specialists in Bulgarian history and culture

Adaptable Itineraries

Customize your private tour with various add-ons

Small Group Experience

Maximum 15 people for personalized attention

Complete Packages

Transportation, guide, and entrance to the Thracian tombs included

Flexible Departures

Tours from both Sofia and Plovdiv

Weather Guarantee

Full refund if weather conditions are unsafe

TOURS

Choose Your Way to the UFO Building

Tour from Sofia

Full-Day Adventure to Buzludzha

tour to Buzluzdha from Plovdiv
FROM

€110/person

  • Group tour and private tours
  • Full day (appr. 9 hours)
  • Available year-round
  • Private tours are fully customizable

Depart from Sofia's iconic Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and journey to the Buzludzha Monument, exploring Bulgaria's fascinating socialist heritage. The tour includes a visit to the remarkable Thracian Tomb of Golyama Kosmatka in Kazanlak.

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Tour from Plovdiv

Private Buzludzha Experience

 FROM

€270/vehicle

  • Full day
  • Private tours only
  • Tailor your itinerary

Experience the Buzludzha Monument with a private tour departing from Bulgaria's cultural capital, Plovdiv. This exclusive journey offers flexibility and personalized exploration.

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Why Visit the Buzludzha Monument?

Historical Significance

Built to commemorate the founding of Bulgaria's socialist movement in 1891, Buzludzha represents a crucial chapter in Bulgarian and European history.

Architectural Wonder

Designed by architect Georgi Stoilov, the monument took over 6,000 workers and seven years to complete, using 70,000 tons of concrete and featuring the world's largest illuminated red stars.

Stunning Mosaics

The interior showcases nearly 1,000 square meters of intricate mosaics depicting key moments in Bulgarian socialist history, making it a unique artistic treasure.

Dramatic Setting

Perched atop Buzludzha Peak (also known as Hadzhi Dimitar Peak), the monument offers breathtaking views of the Central Balkan Mountains.

Note: Due to ongoing conservation work by the Buzludzha Project Foundation, interior access is not possible.

TESTIMONIALS

What Our Travelers Say

  • Kea W., France
    I was in Bulgaria for a few days last August, and this visit to Buzludzha for me was the best thing I did during my trip. Adriana is very cool and very reactive, I called her the night before the tour and reply very fast. She knows about history, good places to visit, and is very helpful if you need advice for your trip and more! I really want to go back to Buzludzha during the wintertime, and without a doubt, I will call Adriana. Thanks!

    Kea W., France

  • Juno A., China
    The tour was awesome!! Finally visited the Buzludzha, the large architecture was amazing, it’s a pity that we couldn’t get inside now. Also, I could see the different landscapes from the north to the south of Bulgaria. And thanks to my guide Ekaterina, who drove safely, has deep knowledge about history and architecture. She also brought me to a beautiful monastery, which was not in my plan.

    Juno A., China

  • Rob S., United Kingdom
    Cannot recommend these guides enough. Buzludzha has been on my list of amazing soviet era sites to visit for a good few years. Really good communications from Adriana, who runs the company, before I needed to book and leave a small deposit. You can't get into the monument at the moment, but I was told this before I paid. Was picked up at my hotel on time and dropped off afterwards. My guide was professional, easy-going, and good company. Decent value for money. Don't hesitate to book through them if you want to go and see the place. Its days are probably numbered.

    Rob S., United Kingdom

Book Your Buzludzha Tour Today

Ready to explore Bulgaria's most iconic monument? Join us for an unforgettable journey to this architectural masterpiece.

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GALLERY

Photos from our day trips

RESOURCES

Learn More About Buzludzha

History of Buzludzha

Discover the complete story from 1868 to today.

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tour to Buzluzdha from Sofia

The Buzludzha Project

Learn about ongoing conservation efforts.

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How to get to Buzludzha

How to Get to Buzludzha

All transportation options explained

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Frequently Asked Questions

1Can you visit Buzludzha?
Yes! While the interior is currently closed due to conservation work, the monument can be visited from the outside, and we include it in all our tours along with other fascinating sites in the region.
2Is Buzludzha the Soviet UFO building in Bulgaria?
The Buzludzha Monument is often called the "UFO building" because of its distinctive flying saucer shape. While it was built during Bulgaria's communist period (which was aligned with the Soviet Union), it's actually a Bulgarian monument commemorating Bulgarian socialist history.
3What was Buzludzha used for?
Buzludzha Monument was built between 1974 and 1981 as a memorial to Bulgarian socialism and the founding of the Bulgarian Social Democratic Workers' Party in 1891. From 1981 to 1989, it operated as a political museum and ceremonial site, welcoming over 2 million visitors. The monument hosted guided tours featuring a dramatic "Sound and Light" show in the main hall, along with official communist party events and ideological education programs.
4Why was the Buzludzha Monument abandoned?
The monument was abandoned after the fall of communism in 1989. With Bulgaria's transition to democracy, Buzludzha lost its political purpose overnight. The last staff members were dismissed in the mid-1990s, and the doors were locked. For many Bulgarians, the monument represented a painful past they wanted to forget, leading to decades of neglect. Without funding or political will for maintenance, it was left to deteriorate from weather damage and vandalism until conservation efforts began in the 2010s.
5How do I get to the Buzludzha Monument?
The monument is located at an elevation of 1,432 meters on Buzludzha Peak, with no direct public transport reaching it. The easiest way is to join our organized tours from Sofia or Plovdiv, which include comfortable transportation and expert guidance.
CONTACT

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