Sofia under the sign of the 15th Challenge Days

This year's event coincides with the Madrid Climate Conference

Christmas is approaching and Sofia, like any other major European city, is bracing up for the big holiday with Christmas decorations and markets.  But from December 2 to December 5 the capital of Bulgaria will be bizzing with another traditional and significant event dedicated to the mountains, nature and adventures.

The 15th edition of Challenge Days will meet - directly and via the cinema screen – researchers, directors and travelers from around the world with an audience eager for adventure and new horizons. Organizers of the event are the Sustainable Tourism Agency "Odysseia-in" and the French Embassy in Bulgaria, and the opening will be on December 2, 2019 at 5.30 pm at the French Institute in Bulgaria, Slaveikov Square 3.

From December 3 to December 5 the programme of events will move to Aula Maxima of the UNIVERSITY OF ARCHITECTURE, CONSTRUCTION AND GEODESY on 1 Hristo Smirnenski Blvd. Topics include winter and air sports, rock climbing, mountain rescue, sailing, cycling, ultramarathons, long-distance expeditions, nature conservation, and more.

Special guests of the event

Three world-renowned adventurers and conservationists will arrive in Sofia with their inspiring stories.

Evrard Wendenbaum, a mountain guide, scientist and environmentalist, has found his credo in photography and documentary filmmaking, shooting in some of the last preserved nooks and crannies of the planet's wildlife.

Christophe Dumarest, in his own words, was born in a backpack, went skiing at the age of 2,5, and by the age of ten had climbed his first four-thousander in the Alps, following the family tradition. He has an impressive record of climbing difficult walls and prime routes along the most famous peaks in the world.

Dion Leonard, an ultra-runner, author and motivational lecturer of British-Australian descent, started running in 2013. Since then, his achievements have included numerous wins and finals in ultra marathons around the world, in the most extreme conditions.

The Challenge Days program will include debates, documentary screenings and discussions with directors dedicated to protecting the planet's biodiversity.

Coincidentally or not, the event will run parallel to the 25th United Nations International Conference on Climate (COP 25) from 2 to 13 December in Madrid, which is expected to come up with fateful decisions for humanity.

For a detailed program and ticket prices, visit the Challenge Days page.