If you’re looking for a country where you can find wild, pristine and majestic mountains, Bulgaria is right for you.
In this regard, during the 10 months I’ve been living in Bulgaria, I had the occasion to hike in different mountain ranges. Here they are (in a chronological order):
- “Pirin Mountains”
“Pirin Mountains” are located in southwestern Bulgaria. The “Pirin National Park”, which includes large part of the massif, is a “UNESCO” World Heritage Site.
- “Shipka Peak” in “Stara Planina Mountains”
“Shipka Peak”, also known as “Saint Nicholas Peak”, is a peak in “Stara Planina” range, in the Central Bulgaria. On the very top with a height of 1326 m, you can see the “Freedom Monument” that was erected in honour of those who died for the freedom of Bulgaria from Turkish domination, conquered in 1878.
- “Central Balkan National Park” in “Stara Planina Mountains”
The “Central Balkan National Park” is one of the largest and most valuable protected areas in Europe. The park’s flora includes 2,340 species and subspecies of plants. Forests occupy 56% of the total area and host 59 species of mammals and 224 species of birds.
- “Madara plateau”
“Madara” is a plateau in northeastern Bulgaria, part of Shumen municipality. Here you can visit the “Madara National Historical and Archaeological Reserve”. This includes lots of historical remains such as Neolithic findings, a Thracian settlement, Ancient Roman villa and fortress from the 2nd–5th century, medieval Bulgarian palace, pagan sanctuaries and Christian churches and monasteries.
- “Rhodope Mountains”
In Southern Bulgaria you can visit the Rhodope Mountains”. I had the occasion to camp in this area during “Wake Up Festival 2025”. 15 nature reserves have been established here, some of which are under “UNESCO” protection.
- “Vitosha Mountains”
“Vitosha” is a mountain massif on the outskirts of Sofia. It’s easily accessible from the capital city by bus lines and is the closest site for hiking, alpinism and skiing.
- “Rila Mountains”
Situated in southwestern Bulgaria, “Rila” is the highest mountain range of Bulgaria and a popular destination for hiking, winter sports and spa tourism.
It’s dotted with almost 200 glacial lakes such as the renewed “Seven Rila Lakes” and is rich in hot springs. In this range, “Rila National Park” is a centre of biodiversity and “Rila Monastery” is a cultural and spiritual landmark. It’s Bulgaria’s largest and most important monastery and was declared a “UNESCO” World Heritage Site in 1983.
So, prepare your backpack and go an adventure climbing the Bulgarian mountains!