Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
26 Apr 2025
Reply rate
77.8 %
Usually responds within 4 days
Feedback
44
Facebook verified
Email verified
Host offers payment
Badges (4)
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Details
Description
We are a small community of friends and family, working at 2300m altitude in the Rila Mountain, far from the fuss and buzz.
The hut owner Ventsi ( "hijar" in Bulgarian ), began as a volunteer in the hut 30 years ago. 12 years ago he bought the hut, and started renovating it as a sacred place for all people who love the mountains.
Every year the team changes as we all have a life down in the city, but there is a core crew of 5-7 of us that try to help every year, so the hut can maintain a stable community in the changing world.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Art Projects
Language practice
Help with Eco Projects
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Help around the house
General Maintenance
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Working in and out of the hut you will get a 360 view of the micro and macro cosmos. It is not just the beautiful place, but also the people from all over the world, that make the experience a perfect mix of satisfying work and time for yourself. We will gladly share our food and roof with you. You may enjoy hiking in the mountain, playing music and art.
Host offers payment in line with the minimum wage
This host offers accommodation and payment.
Help
The workawayers can get to know the environment and to experience a typical day in a mountain hut. We mostly need help around the hut and with the guests - cleaning the rooms and cooking, but also other projects - like light constructions work or taking care of the dogs and the horses. There are ongoing projects with solar power, stove shower, waste management and more.
The work takes not more than few hours a day. We are very flexible and we make sure both our guests and workawayers enjoy their stay in the hut. We appreciate nice conversations, art and music. We do our best to create a friendly environment.
As the owner lives there with his family, we are looking for a friendly person that can take care for his 10-years old son Krishna. He is a vibrant and curious kid who needs to practice foreign languages, sports and art. The young "hijar" loves hiking in the area. His mother is an actress and he is not an exception.
Languages
Languages spoken
Bulgarian: Fluent
English: Fluent
Russian: IntermediateThis host offers a language exchange
This host has indicated that they are interested in sharing their own language or learning a new language.
You can contact them directly for more information.
Accommodation
Dormitory room for the hut team. If preferred camping is also possible. There are no single rooms and no running hot water ( we need to warm it up :)
All supplies for the hut are delivered by horses several times a week. We are mostly vegetarian, but meat has to be cooked for the guests. if you have special dietary requirements please check with us in advance.
What else ...
The hikes around the peaks are a must. You get a chance to walk on sacred places, drink pure mountain water, pick herbs and breath clean air as much as you can. The river is 3mins away from the hut. We are located a 4-6 hours hiking away from the nearest transportation spot. You can easily find a place to meditate or do yoga with no distractions. The mobile connection is 5min walking from the hut and there is no wi-fi. The Rila monastery, the Seven Rila Lakes and Maliovitsa peak - some of the most visited locations in Bulgaria are 3-5 hours hike from the hut.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Host ref number: 534999836525
Feedback (25)
2 Apr 2025
Left by Workawayer (Urška) for host
What an amazing place - especially because of the people!! It was definitely one of my best workaway experience and a place I will for sure return to!! The hut itself is a piece of art and located in a beautiful area. The energy of the people is just amazing and each one of them is such an incredible person! They look after you so good and really… read more
26 Aug 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Rachel)
Rachel is amazing :)! She was a great help for our team at the hut! Rachel was full of energy and she was handling any task at the hut with ease. She was doing even more than what was expected. Rachel is a great friend, a truthful person with a very helpful attitude. We miss you Rachel and we would love to have you back anytime! Thank you for all… read more
(Excellent
)
14 Jul 2024
Left by Workawayer (Rachel) for host
I had the most amazing experience at the hut ! i have spend here around 1 month total and made very good friends with owners and other volunteers. Work is easy and your help has a big impact in the place, if you find something that can be better then make it better! Theres a big cultural exchange with Bulgarian people as youre always connecting… read more
26 Dec 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Nils-Arne)
Thanks Nils for your help at the hut! We really enjoyed having you! We appreciated your kind attitude and willingness to help at anytime, even with the tough tasks:) Thank you and take care!
(Excellent
)
7 Sep 2023
Left by Workawayer (Nils-Arne) for host
From start to finish my time at the hut was very fullfilling, the company of people there were so fun and full of positivity even when things may not go as planned, such as when we were building a cement terrace and the mixer accidentally broke close to the end and had to mix the cement manually with shovels, but we were all still there together… read more
Photos
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(4.9)
Cultural exchange:
(5.0)
Communication:
(5.0)
2 Apr 2025
Left by Workawayer (Urška) for host
What an amazing place - especially because of the people!! It was definitely one of my best workaway experience and a place I will for sure return to!! The hut itself is a piece of art and located in a beautiful area. The energy of the people is just amazing and each one of them is such an incredible person! They look after you so good and really… read more
26 Aug 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Rachel)
Rachel is amazing :)! She was a great help for our team at the hut! Rachel was full of energy and she was handling any task at the hut with ease. She was doing even more than what was expected. Rachel is a great friend, a truthful person with a very helpful attitude. We miss you Rachel and we would love to have you back anytime! Thank you for all… read more
(Excellent)
14 Jul 2024
Left by Workawayer (Rachel) for host
I had the most amazing experience at the hut ! i have spend here around 1 month total and made very good friends with owners and other volunteers. Work is easy and your help has a big impact in the place, if you find something that can be better then make it better! Theres a big cultural exchange with Bulgarian people as youre always connecting… read more
26 Dec 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Nils-Arne)
Thanks Nils for your help at the hut! We really enjoyed having you! We appreciated your kind attitude and willingness to help at anytime, even with the tough tasks:) Thank you and take care!
(Excellent)
7 Sep 2023
Left by Workawayer (Nils-Arne) for host
From start to finish my time at the hut was very fullfilling, the company of people there were so fun and full of positivity even when things may not go as planned, such as when we were building a cement terrace and the mixer accidentally broke close to the end and had to mix the cement manually with shovels, but we were all still there together… read more
26 Dec 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Iona)
Thank you Iona for your help at the hut. We really appreciate you energy, positive attitude and willingness to help. It's been a pleasure having you. You will be always welcome to visit us anytime again in the future:). Thank you and take care!
(Excellent)
2 Sep 2023
Left by Workawayer (Iona) for host
Thank you for a beautiful peaceful two weeks! The tasks in the hut were very relaxing and enjoyable, with lots of time for yourself during the day, meaning I got to do lots of hiking and exploring of the area. The food was incredible and there was lots of it - and the wildlife around was also wonderful with blueberries and ravens populating the… read more
6 Nov 2023
Left by Workawayer (Christoph) for host
This was amazing. If you are looking for a unique experience, go there! We had a great time at the hut, work was more or less easy, despite the horses but I learned my lessons with them ;) It was great to meet the team, friends of them and also socialise with the guests. We also enjoyed disconnecting from this fast living world for some time and… read more
30 May 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Sophia)
Sophia was very kind and helpful at anytime during her stay at our place. The team accepted her well and we really missed her. She was always ready to help with any task at the hut. Thank you Sophia and all the best!
(Excellent)
8 Mar 2023
Left by Workawayer (Sophia) for host
I stayed 3 weeks in the hut last summer and the time was amazing! All the people from the hut as well as the other volunteers were super friendly and funny and we had a lot of fun. The work is relaxed and nature is sooo beautiful. I would recommend everyone to stay at this Hut, I am sure you will like it!
Thanks again for hosting me and sorry for… read more
Thanks again for hosting me and sorry for… read more
30 May 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Marcel)
Marcel was a great help for us! He was very enthusiastic and ready to help at anytime. He got along with the team great and we really appreciated his efforts and his kind attitude. Thank you Marcel!
(Excellent)
18 Oct 2022
Left by Workawayer (Marcel) for host
I'm writing it way too late, but: it was very pure and magical experience, the people are very nice, talkative, open and friendly, even those who didn't speak english. I was not expecting to miss this place as much as I do. The mountains are beatifull ("filled with" blueberries, cows and horses) and there is an amazig sunset watching spot near the… read more
11 Oct 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Maral)
We felt like Maral was a true gift for us! We were really amazed with her kind and helpful attitude. Maral was able to help us with every task at the hut, during the very busy times. The team loved working with her and we still miss her a lot. Highly recommend her to any host! Thank you Maral and hope to see you again some day! Love, the hut team.
(Excellent)
21 Aug 2022
Left by Workawayer (Maral) for host
Going here was one of the best decisions I have ever made in my life (no exaggeration)!
Here, I experienced life, as it should be, simple and rich with vibrant colours, smell of fresh, healthy food and the constant flow of the music that touches your soul. The time ebbs and flows here. It exists on another timeline. The modern life as we know it… read more
Here, I experienced life, as it should be, simple and rich with vibrant colours, smell of fresh, healthy food and the constant flow of the music that touches your soul. The time ebbs and flows here. It exists on another timeline. The modern life as we know it… read more
8 Aug 2022
Left by Workawayer (Pablo Andrés) for host
My experience at the hut was incredible. Spend a while in the mountain, sharing with nice people and working at kitchen. The deal is fair and the commincation is really important at the hut, thing that i aprecciated a lot.
23 Jul 2022
Left by Workawayer (Jonathan & Ameli) for host
I really enjoyed my stay at the hut, i would have loved to stay longer!
The work is really relaxed, there are great hikes around and the atmosphere is great.
If you get the chance to go there, seize it! You'll enjoy.
The work is really relaxed, there are great hikes around and the atmosphere is great.
If you get the chance to go there, seize it! You'll enjoy.
18 Jul 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Jonathan & Ameli)
Jonathan is very organized and skillful intelligent young man. He stayed with us for a week and helped us a lot with any task that had to be done. He worked perfectly fine with the other group of volunteers and also by himself. Highly recommend Jonathan to any host. We wish we could have him longer with us:). Thank you Jonathan for everything,… read more
(Excellent)
14 Jul 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Hilla)
Hilla is super kind, responsible and reliable person :). She's been a great help for us and we really miss her company :). Thank you Hilla for everything, you will be always welcome to visit us again!
(Excellent)
3 Jun 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Jurik & Lea)
Lea and Jurik are wonderful:). They were a great help for us! They were super responsible and kind at anytime. It felt like they were part of our family. We love you guys, thank you for everything!
(Excellent)
15 Oct 2021
Left by Workawayer (Jurik & Lea) for host
This is is truly a magical place...
We spent one whole month here up in the mountains at 2300m altitude. It's a place in the Rila Mountains without phone connection, car roads and hot water. A place where wild horses are running around, where the waterfall is the shower and where the other people who are living here become your family...
Being… read more
We spent one whole month here up in the mountains at 2300m altitude. It's a place in the Rila Mountains without phone connection, car roads and hot water. A place where wild horses are running around, where the waterfall is the shower and where the other people who are living here become your family...
Being… read more
3 Jun 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Michelle)
It's been a pleasure having Michelle with us! Not only she helped a lot with everything needed during our busy season, but she brought art and love to our hut! We certainly miss your beautiful voice and your lovely personality. Thank you Michelle!
(Excellent)
22 Jan 2022
Left by Workawayer (Michelle) for host
I am so grateful to have come and to have been so welcomed. This was my first workaway experience and I know in my heart that it was one of a kind. My stay lasted roughly one month and my days consisted of magical mountain air and exploration, getting to know the hut family/friends and traveling guests, earnest and fair work to upkeep the hut, and… read more
2 Jun 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Nicky & Bruno)
Nicky was super helpful at our hut! She was very enthusiastic and ready to help at anytime. Nicky was at our hut during the busy season and we did rely a lot on her help with various different tasks at the hut. She was getting along great with the other volunteers and was able to work smooth in the team. Nicky, we miss you and you will be always… read more
(Excellent)
26 May 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Florian & Vanessa)
Florian & Vanessa were a great help for our hut! The are very kind, reliable and nice people! It was indeed a pleasure to have them on our team! Thank you guys for all the help!
(Excellent)
13 Sep 2021
Left by Workawayer (Florian & Vanessa) for host
Definitely recommending this place. Communication via Workaway was really good. Oleg told us the way to the hut and answered all the questions we had.
The time at the hut was just amazing. Ventsi and all his friends are really nice and we felt very welcomed from the first minute. His friends are also our friends now and offered us a place to… read more
The time at the hut was just amazing. Ventsi and all his friends are really nice and we felt very welcomed from the first minute. His friends are also our friends now and offered us a place to… read more
10 Sep 2021
Left by Workawayer (Joanna & Zuzanna) for host
Ventsi’s hut was our first workaway experience and for sure an unforgettable one. The hut is located in the valley of the Rila Mountains, surrounded by breathtaking views. The wild horses and the cows that graze around the place add a lot of charm as well. This place has a very unique, but wonderful atmosphere. Furthermore, the people we’ve met… read more
7 Sep 2021
Left by Workawayer (Nell) for host
Staying at the hut was a brilliant, completely surreal experience. The work was all very relaxed and simple - doing laundry, chopping veg, cleaning rooms etc. There was lots of time left in the day to wander off and hike in the stunning Rila mountains or go and wash in the amazing pool in the river.
The atmosphere was extremely friendly at all… read more
The atmosphere was extremely friendly at all… read more
22 Aug 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Antonia)
It was our great pleasure having Antonia with us. She is super kind, full of joy and energy. Antonia is very reliable and hard working. And so much fun to have around. We miss you Tony and we wish you all the best!
With Love,
the hut Team.
With Love,
the hut Team.
(Excellent)
4 Aug 2021
Left by Workawayer (Antonia) for host
It is difficult to find the right words but: I had a really unique time in the mountains and I am grateful for the weeks that I spend here, the time flew by so fast!! I already miss it a lot..
The nature around the hut is just stunningly beautiful and I enjoyed going hiking or doing staff-workouts as well as lots of waterfall showers and kitchen… read more
The nature around the hut is just stunningly beautiful and I enjoyed going hiking or doing staff-workouts as well as lots of waterfall showers and kitchen… read more
15 Jul 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Borislav)
Borislav was a great help for our team. His positive attitude, patience and skills were highly appreciated. We were very happy to have him with us and we were very confident that he would approach any task very responsibly. Thanks Borislav for all the help and looking forward to meeting you again :)!
(Excellent)
5 Jul 2021
Left by Workawayer (Borislav) for host
I am really glad I stumbled upon this offer. Coming with a limited mountain-life experience, I gained a lot of practical skills during my stay at the hut. The host (Ventse) was very patient with me and open-minded - his wonderful company made a real joyride of our housekeeping chores, even when the tourist flow was high. There was always time for… read more
16 Jun 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Mariam)
Mariam took а significant role in our team in the summer season last year- 2019. She was a surprise for us and we perceived her presence as a gift because she fits perfectly well in her place. She had a very good team spirit and all the necessary skills for that job. She had a proactive approach and all she had to do was very well done. Behind the… read more
(Excellent)
10 May 2020
Left by Workawayer (Mariam) for host
It has been a great experience helping here! My work was to clean the rooms the morning, to help sometimes in the kitchen and also to hang out the washing. This let me plenty of time to hike around the hut.
The location is beautiful and they are stunning landscapes aroud the hut. It is very close to the seven lakes, but also close to the… read more
The location is beautiful and they are stunning landscapes aroud the hut. It is very close to the seven lakes, but also close to the… read more
28 Nov 2019
Left by Workawayer (MatthesNienkerk) for host
For me it is still a mystery how I found this place. I was out for a longer hikingtour alone and at night I it was freezing cold, so I decided to go rather to the little hut! I arrived there and i was astonished about so many young people from all over the world. I had a great evening and on the next day, my heart told me to ask if I can… read more
1 Oct 2019
Left by Workawayer (Rumi & Benoit) for host
We received an invitation a few months ago to come and meet this people in the Rila Mountains.
For some last minute structural reason the workaway could not take place.
Still we are amazingly surprised by the great generosity Oleg have shown.
He hosted us for a week in his private house and made sure our family had everything it needed in order to… read more
For some last minute structural reason the workaway could not take place.
Still we are amazingly surprised by the great generosity Oleg have shown.
He hosted us for a week in his private house and made sure our family had everything it needed in order to… read more
18 Nov 2018
Left by Workawayer (Kobe) for host
This was my first work away experience and oh boy it was epic! I want to thank everybody in the hut for everything! Toni is a great cook and learned me all kinds of cooking tricks like cutting onions really fast, smashing garlic, and ofcours how to make a real chopska salat! Always start the day with some good chopska salat and rakya! If you want… read more
4 Jun 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Antoni)
Toni was a gift and a challenge for us. It's hard to describe all his virtues... Fresh, cool and sensitive. A person, you can trust and rely upon. Exceptionally balanced between the responsibilities and his personal time and space. Like every young person, who is searching for himself - experiments with his life, but still knows what he wants and… read more
(Excellent)
28 May 2018
Left by Workawayer (Antoni) for host
I spent 3 years working in the hut on and off, during all the seasons, hiking and exploring the mountain, the people and myself... Going up there in a difficult moment in my life I gave myself a precious time to reflect back. There were great moments, dark mood, peace, hard work, shiny conversations, bad weather, good people and big learning. For… read more
28 May 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Martino)
Great person! Always ready to help, play withe kids or cook delicious food. Martino stayed in the hut for about a month during the busiest time of the year, and had great attitude towards the travelers. He became part of our family very quickly and we keep in touch ever since. Allays smiling :)
(Excellent)
1 Sep 2017
Left by Workawayer (Martino) for host
I went there as my first workaway experience. I was hoping to find friends there, i was wrong. I found a family. Ventsi, his wife and his son, toni, the other toni and everybody else there will always stay in my mind.
The place is indescribable, i miss it so much.
Highly recommended !!
The place is indescribable, i miss it so much.
Highly recommended !!
3 Sep 2017
Left by Workawayer (Michael) for host
I spent two weeks with Ventzi and the staff (Toni, Alex, Mario, Emo). The hut is situated in a beautiful valley in the Rila Mountains. The work was crazy and chaotic during peak times but the staff made it into a fun experience and I wouldn't have changed a thing. I wish Ventzi and everyone the best of wishes and hope that one day I can return… read more
25 Aug 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Michael)
Working with Micheal was very smooth. Hiked on his own in the mountain to our place. Friendly and calm on the busy days :relaxed:
(Excellent)
29 Jul 2017
Left by Workawayer (Guy) for host
The perfect place for workaway!
Ventzi and Tony are the nicest Guys I met that vication, they are really kind and helpful for anything you need!
They made my experience of working in his hut relaxing and fun. You can almost everything you like, work with woods, dishes, making food, feeding the horses and more.
The hut suits in a beautifull spot… read more
Ventzi and Tony are the nicest Guys I met that vication, they are really kind and helpful for anything you need!
They made my experience of working in his hut relaxing and fun. You can almost everything you like, work with woods, dishes, making food, feeding the horses and more.
The hut suits in a beautifull spot… read more
28 Jul 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Guy)
Really cool Guy!
Stayed with us for a week in the mountain and helped allot.
Works diligently, even exra time and enjoys working all around.
Stayed with us for a week in the mountain and helped allot.
Works diligently, even exra time and enjoys working all around.
(Excellent)
