About 30% of the territory of Bulgaria is occupied by mountains. They are exceptionally diverse in relief and offer a great abundance of options for relaxation, sports and entertainment for tourists. In them there are wonderful conditions for tourism in winter, as well as in the summer. The duration of the ski season in the medium high and the alpine resorts is about 130 days. They offer excellent conditions for practicing winter sports and for relaxation in summer amidst the cool breeze of the centuries old forests. The hotels and the recreation places are numerous and provide accommodation options based on the taste and the preferences of the guests.
Through the country passes the final section (Kom - Emine) of the European tourist route E-3, the European tourist route Е-4 – Vitosha – Verila – Rila – Pirin, and the European tourist route E-8 – Rila - Rhodope.
The Balkan Mountain is the longest one of the Bulgarian mountains. It is also known as the “Balkan”, where the name of our peninsula comes. It divides the country into two parts – north and south part. The Balkan Mountain is famous for its multiple mountain routes. Its highest peak is Botev (2,376 meters above the sea level). In the Balkan Mountain excellent conditions for mountain, ski and/or spa tourism are offered in Berkovitsa, Ribaritsa, Belogradchik, Beklemeto, Uzana, Karandila, Chiprovtsi, Varshets, Troyan, Teteven, Apriltsi, Tryavna, Elena, Kotel, Zheravna, Bozhentsi, and many others. The monasteries, located in the mountain, provide options to tourists to reach the strongholds of the Bulgarian faith. In close proximity and parallel to the Balkan Mountain lies the second longest mountain range in Bulgaria – Sredna Gora.
The mountains Rila and Pirin have an alpine nature. They are characterized by steep ridges, high peaks, deep valleys and abysses. The highest peak in Bulgaria and on the Balkan Peninsula is located in Rila – mount Musala (2,925 m). Here is located one of Bulgaria’s landmarks – the seven glacial lakes, located on an altitude of 2,095 m to 2,535 m. The largest resort in Rila is Borovets. It possesses very good ski tracks and mountain hotels. Unique opportunities for combining mountain, ski and spa tourism are offered in Panichishte and Sapareva Banya. The ski centers of Malyovitsa, Semkovo and Govedartsi will fascinate tourists with their unique nature.
Excellent opportunities for mountain and ski tourism are offered in Pirin mountain with its natural beauties and resorts – Bansko, Dobrinishte, Predela, the chalet Popovi Livadi, the chalet Kamenitsa, and others. Bansko is a resort of European and global importance, and during the past few years it was a host of rounds of the world and cups in ski and biathlon. It is impressive with its ski tracks, hotels and the traditional Pirin cuisine. Dobrinishte and the holiday stations in the locality of Predela also offer opportunities for relaxation and multiple types of entertainment. The second highest peak in Bulgaria and the third on the Balkan Peninsula is also located in Pirin – mount Vihren (2,914 meters above the sea level). The national park Pirin is included in the UNESCO List.
The Rhodope mountain, also known as the mountain of Orpheus, is divided into alpine western park and low eastern part. The highest resort here is Pamporovo. It is located amidst a unique forest, and the tracks are on a world level. Other options for recreation are offered in Chepelare, Yundola, Belmeken, Batak and Byala Cherkva. Tourists can enjoy the unique architecture of Rhodope villages – Momchilovtsi, Gela, Dolen, Leshten, Kovachevitsa, Shiroka Laka and many others, and taste traditional Rhodope dishes. In the mountain there are multiple chalets which offer good conditions for relaxation. The highest peak is Golyam Perelik (2,191 meters above the sea level).
The Vitosha mountain is located in close proximity to the capital – Sofia. With its beautiful nature, the multiple routes and landmarks it is excellent for mountain ecological tourism. Within the borders of the mountain falls the oldest natural park on the Balkan Peninsula – Natural Park Vitosha. In the mountain there are also two ski zones, which offer wonderful conditions for skiing and snowboarding during the winter months – Aleko and Konyarnika. The highest peak is Cherni Vrah (2,290 meters above the sea level).
In the Osogovska mountain opportunities for ski are offered on the ski track “Lyudmil Yankov”, and in the north-eastern part of the mountain is the ski track “Valchi Dol”. The highest peak is Ruen (2,251 meters above the sea level).
The Belasitsa mountain offers excellent conditions for mountain hiking tourism. 2 chalets are available for tourists. The highest peak is Radomir (2,029 meters above the sea level).
Strandzha distinguishes from the other Bulgarian mountains with its lower relief and its milder climate. Here, however, nature is abundant in plant and animal species.
The mountains in Bulgaria are hospitable during all seasons of the year, but let’s not forget that in order to enjoy their beauties, people must be prepared, by obtaining information about the selected routes, the meteorological conditions, and they shall act responsibly and keep nature clean.
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