May is a month of longer days, spontaneous getaways, and the first real taste of summer. As nature bursts into colour and holiday plans begin to take shape, ASTOM bloggers have once again inspired us with engaging stories, practical tips, and beautiful destinations. We’ve rounded up some of the most interesting travel articles from May – enjoy the read and find inspiration for your next journey.
Grohoten Peak above Svoge
By Eli Ivanova, en.drumivdumi.com
Grohoten Peak near Svoge is a great choice for a day hike not far from Sofia. It is located in Ponor Mountain and is 1052 meters high. Although the peak is rocky and partially overgrown, its northern side offers an impressive panorama of the Iskar Gorge and the surrounding slopes.
The climb is not particularly difficult, except for the last, rockier section. For a more leisurely walk, you can only reach the spacious meadow below the peak, which is a suitable place for a picnic and relaxation in nature.
Day Trip to Neuschwanstein Castle: A Practical Guide by Train
By Hristina, CheckinAway
There are very few landmarks in Germany that feel as instantly recognisable as Neuschwanstein Castle. Perched dramatically above the forests and lakes of Bavaria with the Alps sitting quietly in the background, it’s one of those places that almost doesn’t look real when you first see it in person.
Planning a day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle independently? Here’s our honest experience visiting by train through Bavaria, including transport tips, Mary’s Bridge crowds, Füssen and what we’d do differently next time.
Eco-trail “In the Kingdom of Pontic rhododendron ” in Strandzha mountain
By Kiril, Iskam da letya
Just an hour and fifteen minutes drive from Burgas, in the heart of Strandzha Mountain, is the eco-trail „In the Kingdom of Pontic rhododendron „. The eco-trail is a wonderful solution for an escape into nature. An opportunity to immerse yourself in the coolness and silence of the centuries-old oak-beech forest, at the base of which the evergreen and unique in Europe Strandzha Pontic rhododendron has flourished. It can turn your walk along the eco-trail route into a pink-purple feast for the senses, if you visit it in the period from mid-May to mid-June.
Sozopol Old Town guide for first-time visitors
By Stef, Kiss My Backpack
In this comprehensive guide to Sozopol Old Town, Kiss My Backpack takes readers beyond the usual sightseeing checklist and into the history, culture, and character of one of Bulgaria’s oldest coastal towns. The article combines practical travel advice with clear explanations of archaeological sites, churches, museums, and local landmarks, making it especially useful for first-time visitors who want to understand what they are seeing rather than simply walk past it.
Stay tuned for „The Best Of“ column next month!