About the mountains
 
Bulgaria is largely unspoilt with mountain ranges making up over 30% of the country’s area. There are over 40 mountains in the country with many peaks making climbing, skiing or exploring nature extremely feasible and with numerous luxury hotels to stay at while you explore the regions; you will have more than enough to do during your Bulgarian escapade.
 
Mountains walks
 
Rila Mountains
 
The highest mountain in Bulgaria, Rila meaning “well-watered mountain”, holds the beginnings to many of Bulgaria’s major rivers. There are more than 200 glacial lakes and the mountain is also home to the hottest spring on the Balkans ( 103°C ). Being 1,000 metres high means that the climate is typically mountainous. Dotted throughout the mountain are around 20 working huts and five refuges and there are many guesthouses and family run hotels to stay at during your mountainous walk through Rila. Certain trekking routes are well-marked and alpine walking on Rila is very popular. One day tours can be booked and commence from Sofia and the most popular destinations include the Seven Rila Lakes and Mount Musala. Self-guided walks can be done however, if the trekking routes are not well marked then it is recommended to hire a professional mountain guide.
 
Pirin Mountains
 
Said to be one of the most beautiful mountains in Bulgaria, the Pirin Mountains, named after the superior god of the Slavs, Perun, is one of the highest mountains in Bulgaria and there are over 40 peaks above 2,500 metres.  There are treks to suit beginner hikes, however, the high mountain peaks mean that the weather can change very quickly and rocks can become slippery and can be dangerous, particularly when there is rain or fog. There is a significant danger of avalanches occurring and hiring a guide is strongly recommended. The climate is rather mountainous however there are Mediterranean influences in the south of the mountain. Experienced hikers can enjoy peaks that are over 2,000 metres high and from these peaks, hikers can enjoy views of what are known as the “eyes of Pirin”, which are a collection of over 180 glacial lakes.
 
Balkan Mountains
 
Stara Planina, also known as the Balkan Mountains, is around 560 kilometres long and separates the country into North and South Bulgaria. The Balkans start on the border of Serbia and end at the Black Sea. The name Stara Planina means “Old Mountain” however; the Balkan Mountains are one of the youngest in the country. There are huge networks of walking trails throughout the Balkans and there are more than 80 huts and shelters connected to these trails. The Balkan Mountains are a good mountain range to explore if you wanted to combine walking the trails of the mountain with experiencing the history of the country as many of Bulgaria’s significant battles took place on the Balkan Mountains. The Balkans is one of the best places in the country to experience the genuine rural side to Bulgaria, where there are many traditional Bulgarian villages and crafts.
 
Rhodope Mountains
 
Good for easy to moderate hikes, the Rhodope Mountains can be split into the western mountains and the eastern mountains. The western mountains are much higher and treacherous than the eastern side where peaks are only 230 metres. The name Rhodope comes from the Thracian tribes who once inhabited the mountains. The mountains are located in South-East Bulgaria and the climate is very mild during the winter and very hot during the summer which makes it a popular destination with those who want to experience a mountainous holiday without the discomfort of cold weather. Only some of the most popular hikes are well marked so it is therefore strongly advised to hike with a professional guide, particularly in the western mountains.  The majority of Bulgaria’s hydropower is derived from the Rhodope Mountains.
 
Vitosha Mountains
 
Located next to Bulgaria’s capital, Sofia, Vitosha Mountain is the fourth largest and only dome-shaped mountain in the country. The mountain has no glacial activity and has a typical mountainous climate. Being so close to city makes Vitosha a natural choice for one day hikes. It is one of the safest mountains to climb in Bulgaria as the avalanche threat is relatively insignificant with only a few select places on the mountain that are known to be dangerous and easily avoidable. In the foothills of the mountain there are mineral and karst springs within the Pancharevo and the, Bosnek, Rudartsi and Kniazhevo neighbourhoods. The larger part of Vitosha is a national park and there are many natural and cultural sights to be found on the mountain such as medieval Orthodox churches and over 500 species that call the mountain home.
 
Strandzha Mountains
 
Strandzha Mountains are best for people who want to soak up ancient history while taking hiking tours around hills and meadows, with views of the Black Sea and diverse flora and fauna. The majority of the mountain lies in Turkish territory however the highest peak of the mountain in Bulgarian territory is Golyamo Gradishte which is 709 metres. The lack of high peaks means it is easy to get lost if you stray from the marked path; however, the hilly region does make for the perfect balance of mountain and costal exploration. There are many traditions around the mountain including the ancient tradition of fire dancing. There is also the Festival of Pontic Rhododendron which takes place at the beginning of May where festival goers can enjoy delicious local meals, folklore music, dances, workshops and exhibitions. There are also organised easy walk and moderate hikes with a local guide.
 
Resorts
 
Kemski hotel grand arena
 
Located north east of the Pirin Mountains and approximately 156 kilometres from Sofia, the Kemski hotel grand arena is set in the stunning UNESCO World Heritage environment of the Pirin Mountain. The hotel offers superb facilities that cater to the most exquisite tastes by offering decorated Alpine-style rooms and suites which offer views of the stunning Pirin Mountains. Lavish dining services include Mediterranean and Japanese cuisine, and there is also an award winning spa centre which offers massages, facials, scrubs and wraps, and beauty treatments to name a few of their services. During winter, the hotel offers VIP ski passes for fast and easy access to the gondola lift station. The snow lightly covers the roof of the hotel giving it a perfect picture postcode look.
 
Premier Luxury Mountain Resort
 
North east of the Pirin Mountains and 157 kilometres to Sofia, the Premier Luxury Mountain Resort offers a range of luxurious rooms which cater to the highest needs of their customers and the suites have beautiful views of the Pirin Mountains. There are many dining options which include bars where you can grab a quick snack before hitting the slopes, a buffet style banquet which offers an extensive range of cuisines for when you can’t decide what to eat, or a restaurant for elegant dining, book a table at the Dionyssos Restaurant. Catering to more than just skiers, the hotel has invested in a brand new half pipe for snowboarders, as well as offering paragliding, heli-skiing and ice skating facilities.
 
Borovets Hills Hotel
 

The Borovets Hills Hotel is located north of Rila Mountain and approximately 70 kilometres from Sofia. The hotel offers far more than just being the second biggest ski resort in the country; the hotel offers horse riding through the snowy mountains, hiring a jeep and going on a mountainous safari or hiring an airplane and flight instructor to take you to see the beautiful Rila Mountain from above. Borovets Hills Hotel is a must during your time at the Rila Mountain; the hotel caters to every taste by offering restaurants that prepare both Bulgarian and international cuisine. There is a spa offering a range of treatments and there is also a ski centre where instructors are on hand to help you to hire the best equipment that suits your level and ability.
 

Mountain Lake Hotel 

 
Whether you choose to stay in an apartment, a studio or the penthouse suite, you are guaranteed to feel at home due to the beautifully furnished rooms that have personalised details which will make you feel as comfortable as can be. There is a spa centre which caters to the needs of all by offering an adult and children’s swimming pool, as well as a dry Finnish sauna and a Roman steam bath. Not only can you go skiing, but being less than 15 kilometres east of Rhodope Mountains means you can also go on safaris to see the biggest gathering of deer in Bulgaria, bear dens, and grouse habitats among others. You can also take bike and walking trips around the Rhodope Mountains where you can discover stunning caves, unique scenes, old fortresses and historic churches and chapels.
 
South Beach Hotel
 
Located north of the Standzha Mountains, on the coast of the Black Sea, South Beach Hotel has a mix of modern apartments while staying true to its traditional Bulgarian style and with 150 apartments to pick from, you are offered either views of the majestic Standzha Mountains or the waves of the Black Sea as well as the pool. The interior of a standard room is luxurious and the hotel offer single, double, triple and studio apartments.  Enjoy a drink at the daytime bar and have a dip in the pool, or if you want to relax even more after a long day of adventurous activities, head to the restaurant which serves delicious breakfasts, lunches and dinners every day.

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