Spring Walking in the Rhodopes, Pirin&Rila Mountains

The great Rila Mountains are probably the most famous alpine range in Bulgaria. Not only because of their beauty and scale – they are the highest in the country and on the Balkan Peninsula –  but also because of their special charm, fed by legends and stories about them. These start with the Thracian origins of the mountain’s name (Rila – well-watered mountain), following are the stories about the first ascent of the peak point of Musala by Philip of Macedon during 2nd century BC – an expedition that took 7 days. Also the unclear theories about the name “Musala” – it is considered that the name of the highest peak of the mountains comes from Arabic and means “Close to God”. Then come the stories about Saint Ivan Rilski, the most honoured Bulgarian saint, who spend years walking from one place to another, praying and living as a hermit in these mountains, before establishing the Rila Monastery in Northwestern Rila. Rila is also a holy place for the sun worshippers of the White Brotherhood, a peaceful sect established in Bulgaria in the beginning of 20th century by Petar Dunov. They celebrate the New Year at the considered by them as a holy region of the Rila Lakes every August. Finally the reputation of Rila Mountains as favourite place for the members of the Bulgarian monarchy before WWII. They built the mountain resort of Borovets, some hunting lodges and paths around the mountain, some of them with the only purpose to organize a panoramic walk and show the beauty of the mountains to their guest – the Austrian Kaiser, during his visit to Bulgaria.

Nowadays, Rila is mostly known as a place with uniquely preserved nature and as paradise for the lovers of the outdoor activities. Its vast network of hiking routes gives plenty of opportunities for trekking trips. Among the most famous ones are the Rila sections of the International Long Distance Walking Routes E4 and E8 (read more about these routes here). There is a good network of mountain chalets and shelters to spend the night while on the trip. This is also possible in some of the villages at the foot of the mountains – Govedartsi, Mala Tsurkva, Madzare, Beli Iskar, Sapareva Banya and so on. It winter, snowshoeing and ski touring trips are possible between January and April. The Malyovitsa area is a popular rock climbing destination, so the Skakavitsa area is famous for its ice climbing routes, although for a relatively short period during winter when the waterfalls are frozen. Today’s Borovets ski centre, the successor of the former royal mountain resort, is not far from the capital Sofia and is a good place to ski – both pistes and off-piste. The lower parts of the mountains offer many options for mountain biking.

More at https://bulguides.com/rila-mountains/

If you ask a Bulgarian hiker “Which is your favorite mountain?” its very common that you’ll get “Pirin Mountains” as an answer. Why is that? Pirin attracts the outdoor lovers with its glory to the “most difficult” Bulgarian mountain as much as the reputation for being the sunniest mountain range. With its rocky peaks and jagged ridges, glacial lakes and centuries-old forests, Pirin has an image of a real alpine-like mountain, paradise for those who like walking in the mountains, surrounded by airy views and stunning landscapes. Its proximity to the Mediterranean Sea determines the mild and sunny climate, but also ensures a good amount of snowfall in winter, brought here by the Mediterranean cyclones.

Of course, the first impression of the mountain is when you see it from down the valley – in this case for the majority of the visitors this is the Razlog Hollow – a flat area between Rila, Pirin and Rhodope Mountains, where the biggest town in the area – Razlog is located, and also the most popular starting point for hiking in Pirin Mountains – the town of Bansko. Bansko is also the biggest and most modern Bulgarian ski centre. The first look towards the mountains after crossing the Predela Pass is astonishing and imbues respect. The whole main ridge of Northern Pirin is seen stretching from the north-west to the south-east – rocky peaks and high mountain passes which are the top part of long valleys that cut the mountains all the way down to the hollow.

More at https://bulguides.com/pirin-mountains/

Some people use to call it “Mother Rhodopa”. These mountains have a completely unique image in the Bulgarian’s minds during the ages. Rila and Pirin were the high, jagged, airy, cold and severe mountains, where it was possible to live the summers only, if you are a tough nomad, but not the winters. The Rhodopes, despite their mountainous climate and difficult terrain, are seen as a Shelter. They are a place to hide, to spend your life and earn a living. Inhabited for many centuries, these mountains saw all the fights and conflicts that happen in the area, they saw many different populations who crossed their territory, but it was always calmer and safer up the mountains, it was always a more sheltered place.

More info at: https://bulguides.com/rhodope-mountains/