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Bulgaria's potential for hiking activities is literally infinite. You
will come across some of Europe's finest highland scenery in the Rila,
Pirin, Balkan Range, Sredna Gora and Rhodope mountains that harbour
spectacular peaks and glacial lakes, forested valleys and stream-side
meadows, marvelous gorges and caves, century-old pine, oak, and beech
woodlands. They offer a wealth of exploration for hiking and trekking
with hundreds of trails and variety of routes. Bulgaria's mountains are
also home to incredibly rich wildlife, flora and fauna protected in 3
national and 11 nature parks, and numerous reserves. The main hiking
areas are the Pirin, Rila, and Central Balkan national parks, and the
western and central Rhodope mountains offering excellent choices for
short weekend trekking or a more prolonged hiking. Vitosha's proximity
to the capital Sofia, makes it ideal for short trekking.
Hiking in Pirin National Park
Pirin National Park is situated in
the highest part of the Pirin mountain range. Its landscape is dominated
by alpine granite peaks, with scores of gem-like lakes cupped in
mountain basins, caves, waterfalls, majestic abysses and cliffs. This
area is a home to two biosphere reserves with unique ecosystems
including the ancient Baikusheva white fir and many rare plant species, such as the near extinct Edelweiss.
  See
hiking itineraries in Pirin mountains
Hiking in Rila National Park
In the southwest, Rila National Park covers nearly
half of the Rila mountain range, including its 14 highest peaks. It is
the largest in Bulgaria with two of its four nature reserves under
UNESCO protection. Here too there are many lakes, including the
marvellous cluster of the 7 Rila lakes. The Park is covered with thick
spruce, white fir, and Macedonian pine forests including rare and
endangered wildlife species and communities, self-regulating ecosystems
of biological diversity, as well as historic sites of global cultural
and scientific significance such as the 10th-century Rila monastery.
See
hiking itineraries in Rila mountains
Hiking in Rhodope mountains
Rhodope mountains, the most lyrical Bulgarian
mountains, are located in the most southern part of the country.
Although their average altitude does not exceed 1000m, the Rhodope
mountains offer some of the finest hiking in Bulgaria. Their mild oval
forms with lush highland meadows and aromatic pines and spruces exist
together with deep river gorges, fantastic caves, strange natural
sculptures, and picturesque untouched villages. Some 15 natural
reserves under UNESCO protection with abundant wildlife, flora and
fauna, can be found here.
See hiking itineraries in Rhodope mountains
Hiking in Central Balkan
The Central Balkan National Park, located between the Valley of the
Roses and the Danubian plain is nestled in the central and higher
portions of the Balkan Range. Its rounded ridges and high peaks alternate
with deep canyons, vertical rock faces and caves. It is the home to the
largest number of high mountain waterfalls, among which the highest in
Bulgaria - Raiskoto
Praskalo waterfall , and the location of the deepest precipice
cave in the country. The caves and canyons, the rock faces and cliffs are
inhabited by endangered species of bats, birds, and a variety of other
wildlife, as well as various rare and beautiful plants many of which
native to these mountains.
See hiking itineraries in Balkan Rage
Hiking in Vitosha mountains
Vitosha Nature Park covers most of Vitosha mountain itself - the cradle of
hiking tourism in Bulgaria, rising immediately above the capital Sofia.
There are two reserves within the park's territory for preservation of
its coniferous forests, the alpine grass vegetation and the most
considerable for Bulgaria complex of alpine peat, as well as its wild
animals species, birds and butterflies. The stone screes and the stone
rivers are unique for Vitosha, the biggest of which is the magnificent
Golden Bridges.
Please, feel free to contact us for information and arrangements
for your hiking vacation in Bulgarian:
, or
Call:
+ 359 885 370 298 / 24 hours
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