Ultimate Escape and Intense Adventure in the Bulgarian Mountains
Mountain Ranges
The Mountains of Bulgaria: The Rhodopes and Rila
In true geographical tradition, let's begin our exploration of the Bulgarian mountains with the tallest. The Rila range is the highest in the Balkans and is home to the highest peak in the region: Mount Musala. Standing at 2,925 meters, this peak crowns Bulgaria. For the curious, the second-highest peak in the Balkans is Mount Mytikas in Greece, at only 2,918 meters. Beyond its towering peaks, Rila is known for its lush valleys, crystal-clear lakes, and its iconic Rila Monastery,a symbol of Bulgarian history and spirituality.
Not far from Rila, located in the south of the country, the Rhodopes are the largest mountains in Bulgaria. Their most distinctive feature is their rich rock formations and dense forests. Hikers discover mysterious caves and winding trails that offer breathtaking views. The highest point of the Rhodopes is Goljam Perelik, standing at 2,191 meters.
Hiking Idea in the Rila Range
To be completely honest, I have never climbed Mount Musala,but it's on my bucket list before I turn 40. However, I have visited the most famous hiking trail in Rila—and arguably all of Bulgaria—several times: the Seven Rila Lakes.. Each of these glacier lakes, carefully arranged in cascades, reveals its own splendor. The crystal-clear waters reflect the surrounding peaks, creating a strikingly beautiful sight. Each lake has a name that reflects its distinct character, adding an air of mystery to this natural wonder. For instance, the highest lake (at 2,535 meters) is called "The Tear," referring to its shape, not the effort needed to reach it. Visitors can embark on a scenic hike to explore these high-altitude gems, discovering the serene magic of the Seven Rila Lakes.
If you have two days to explore Rila, I suggest spending a night in one of the nearby shelters, like the Vada Shelter.You can choose between hiking up on foot or using the cable car. If you opt to hike, be sure to have good shoes and prepare for a positive elevation gain of around 1,000 meters. However, the effort is well worth it as you'll discover stunning landscapes along the way.
For less athletic adventurers, the cable car allows you to reach almost the base of the lakes. From there, you can explore at your own pace.
The Mountains of Bulgaria: Pirin and Vitosha
The Bulgarian mountain I need to keep exploring is Pirin (pronounced Pee-reen). But if I trust Mr. Ranov, my geography teacher when I was 16, it's the most beautiful mountain in Bulgaria. And he's probably right, as it's a UNESCO World Heritage site. Pirin is also famous for its rugged peaks, sparkling glacier lakes, and vast coniferous forests. Trekkers delight in the challenge of ascending Mount Vihren, the second-highest peak in Bulgaria (2,914 meters) and the third-highest in the Balkans.
If you visit Sofia,you’ll likely want to stop by Vitosha. This iconic mountain, located just a few kilometers from the city center of the Bulgarian capital, is more than just a geological wonder. It’s a natural park. Vitosha, crowning Sofia, is an accessible nature park for city dwellers. The ski slopes in winter give way to hiking trails in summer, offering residents and visitors a natural escape at the city’s doorstep.
The Balkans
As I mentioned in my previous article on Bulgarian cuisine, que pour les bulgares le pays est composé de deux parties : le Nord to Bulgarians, the country is divided into two parts: North and South. The division is made by the longest mountain range in Bulgaria: the Balkan range,also called Stara Planina (the old mountain). It’s rich in biodiversity and historical sites. Hikers can traverse trails winding through ancient forests and well-preserved, picturesque villages. The highest point of Stara Planina is Botev Peak (2,376 meters). For hikers, I highly recommend climbing this peak. Even if the view from the top isn't the most impressive, the path to get there is just incredible. Be sure to bring plenty of water and don’t forget sunscreen in the summer. Don’t make the same mistake I did in 2021. The trail is tough, but you won’t regret the experience.
For history buffs, I invite you to visit Shipka. This small town nestled at the foot of the mountains is famous for its crucial role during the russo–turkish War of 1877-1878. The Battle of the Shipka Pass was the scene of heroic resistance, symbolized by the monumental Shipka Memorial Church. This impressive site pays tribute to the soldiers who valiantly defended Bulgarian freedom and independence. And if you're in the area, head to Buzludzha.Perched on a steep ridge, the monument embodies the country’s tumultuous past. Built to celebrate socialist ideals, the imposing building features fascinating architecture, blending elements of history and the communist regime. Today, it remains a powerful symbol and a must-visit site for those exploring the Balkan range.
For more useful information
To find your plane ticket :
I can recommend you use ExpediaI trust them with my own travels and when I am working with clients
For your hotel reservation
I invite you to look into Hotels.fr they have a large choice of bookings and your client services are always available
Pour trouver des activités sur place :
I use either viator or GetYourGuideThe two plateforms offer a large choice of activities at reasonable prices
To rent a car
I recommend discovercarsTheir prices are competitive and they have a great customer service
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J’ai randonné 2 fois en Bulgarie grâce à la super organisation de Radina! Je confirme la beauté des 7 lacs et du monastère de Rila. Nous avons également gravi le mont Botev, dans le Balkan central et je recommande l’ascension, bien que physiquement exigeante, les panoramas étaient incroyables. D’autant que le pic se situe tout près du col de Chipka, haut lieu de mémoire de l’indépendance Bulgare, et près du village d’Etar qui offre un bel exemple de reconstitution des villages typiques du pays.
J’ai adoré ce pays et ses montagnes, et j’ai hâte de grimper en haut de Vitosha, la montagne imposante qui nous toise lorsqu’on déambule dans les rues de Sofia.
Merci Radina pour l’organisation de mes voyages!