Inspired by the memories of his 80-year-old father, who described Bulgaria and Switzerland as the most fascinating places he had ever visited, Olivier set out to uncover the deeper meaning behind these impressions. His father’s memoirs, written after extensive travels across Europe and the world, sparked Olivier’s desire to experience Bulgaria firsthand through cycling adventures.
In 2022, Olivier began his travels and filming in Bulgaria, editing the first trailer for Mersi. This year, on December 12, he arrived in Sofia to kick off the second phase of his expedition. Although he initially planned the trip for an earlier date, health challenges affecting his father delayed the journey.
As Bulgarians prepared for the Christmas holidays, Olivier camped in freezing temperatures, cycled through rain and snow, and visited many local landmarks away from the usual tourist season. He captured his experiences using a camera and drone, conducting short interviews with fellow travelers and locals he met along the way.
Olivier’s route started in Sofia and took him through Lakatnik, Chelopek, Vratsa, Montana, Falkovets, and Belogradchik. From there, the traveler headed towards the Danube, braving subzero temperatures as he tackled the Dunav Ultra route from Lom, through Kozloduy, Gigen, and Svishtov, all the way to Ruse.
After taking a train from Ruse to Varna and spending a brief time in the seaside capital, Missel got back on his bike. He set off in the opposite direction toward Central Bulgaria, completing his journey on Christmas Day in Troyan, where he filmed the Christmas service at the Troyan Monastery.
He concluded his filming thematically in the center of Troyan, in front of the statue of Ivan Hadjiyski (a Bulgarian sociologist, writer, and cyclist, known for his pioneering social studies), depicted in full stature alongside his signature bicycle.
Among the places Missel visited during this expedition were:
- The Iskar Gorge
- Vratsa and the Regional Historical Museum
- Ogosta Reservoir
- The Belogradchik Rocks
- The Dunav Ultra route
- Varna and the “Stone Forest” area
- Bozhentsi, Gabrovo, and Troyan
Photos by: Olivier Missel
Watch the trailer for the film Mersi: