Mountains of Bulgaria
"Some of Europe's finest highland scenery is found in the Rila, Pirin, Balkan, Sredna Gora and Rodopi mountain ranges, whose valleys harbour the kind of bucolic villages which have all but disappeared in Western Europe".
Rough Guide
Bulgaria offers numerous mountain ranges, most of which are located in the southern region. This extremely mountainous country has an average altitude of more than 450m. Eight Bulgarian mountains tower well over 2,000 m above sea level, each of them with its own character and particular beauty. Five of the largest rivers in the Balkan region start in the Bulgarian mountains. This is a kingdom of soaring eagles, giant rocks and beautiful lakes.
Nearly one-third of the territory is covered with mountains. They are accessible throughout the year and do not present any major difficulties for inexperienced hikers. The main hiking destinations are Rila and Pirin national parks, central and western Rodopi, the northern part of Vitosha, and Stara Planina. E3, E4, and E8 trans-European hiking routes traverse Bulgaria.
The Rila Mountains are characterised by magnificent coniferous forests and alpine scenery. Mt. Musala (2925m), which is the highest point on the Balkan Peninsula, along with other summits towering with their majestic size and rounded form, make an impressive contrast to the sharp marble peaks of the neighbouring Pirin Mountains.
The Pirin Mountains are the wildest, most picturesque range in Bulgaria. Partially inscribed in the UNESCO Heritage List as a national park for its endemic species, unique eco systems and northern Pirin charms with rugged beauty.
Both ranges abut the Rodopi, which are lower, but arguably the loveliest range in Bulgaria. The Rodopis offer a charming mixture of pine forests, crags, highland meadows and villages of stone houses. The fantastic caves and bird life around the Trigrad Gorge should not be overlooked. The breath-taking canyons and endless plateaus of the Rodopi Mountains offer a different panorama from the placid view of Stara Planina (The Balkan range), Vitosha and Strandzha.
The aforementioned mountain ranges form Rilo-Rodopean massif, parts of which are also Slavyanka and Stargatch - highlands to the south.
Stara Planina, or the Balkan range, is the longest in Bulgaria, dividing the country in two parts, stretching for over 600km from the Serbian border to the Black Sea coast. The best maintained trails are in the middle part in the so-called Central Balkan National Park.
Osogovo and Belasitsa Mountains complete the rocky stardom at above 2,000 m. Each of them has their own secrets, unique beauty and individual character. But they all have one thing in common - they are waiting to be discovered, asserting Bulgaria’s claim as the highest land in the Balkans.
The various mountain ranges offer numerous ski resorts and guesthouses in the mountain villages, mountain hotels, chalets and huts. There is also a year round mountain rescue-service, modern skiing facilities and well-marked footpaths that make skiing, hiking and number of other outdoor activities possible all year long.
Bulgaria presents excellent conditions for adventure trips, particularly in the summer. Weeklong trekking, with different degrees of difficulty, is offered in Rila, Pirin, Rodopi and Stara Planina. Summer is also good for horseback riding and mountain biking in Strandzha, Vitosha, Stara Planina and Rodopi. During the winter Pirin, Rila, Rodopi and Vitosha are excellent for skiing, ski mountaineering and snowshoeing. Caving, rock-climbing, as well as paragliding and rafting are all possible here as well.
Those who love nature or have special interests may prefer specific activities such as birdwatching and botany trips. The opportunity to photograph wild life exists in the hunting reserves “Studen Kladenets”, “Voden” and “Kormisosh.” Geological tours are also offered in the region of Belogradchik rocks, Ritlite, Pobitite kamani, Vratsata, Melnik, Stob, and Kardzali.
Bulgaria makes an instant impression with its well-preserved natural environment. It has a fascinating natural diversity of mountains, rivers and valleys, caves and rocks, canyons and waterfalls. Equally impressive is the biological diversity, which adds to the unique character of these lands. Built from natural materials in beautiful harmony with its surroundings, eco-trails are allocated throughout the country usually in plain and hilly regions. Well-protected and rarely following already existing paths, they are a way to comfortably get under the skin of the country and enjoy the nature without causing it any harm.
