Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Mountaineering
The Rila, Pirin and Stara Planina mountain ranges are the best places for mountaineering
in Bulgaria. There are well over a hundred alpine peaks higher than 1000m in the Rila
range, and breathtaking landscapes featuring streams and placid lakes. Note that snow and
low temperatures persist at higher levels even into summer.
The Pirin Mountains feature almost a hundred peaks above 2500m. It's a typical alpine
landscape of cirques and ridges. The northern face of Mt Vihren (2915m) is the most pop-
ular climb in this region and can be reached via Bansko.
The 550km-long Balkan Range (or Stara Planina; literally 'Old Mountains') cuts right
across the country, and acts as a climatic barrier between the north and south of Bulgaria,
with the northern side significantly colder. It's a huge, diverse area, covering 10% of Bul-
garia's territory. Due to its relatively easy access (from Vratsa) and the variety of routes
offered, the most frequented section of this mighty range is the Vratsa Rocks in the far
west, the largest limestone climbing area in Bulgaria. Mt Botev (2376m), inside the Cent-
ral Balkan National Park, is another popular climb, with easy access from Karlovo.
The Bulgarian Climbing & Mountaineering Federation
( 02-930 0532;
www.bfka.org
)
in Sofia has information, advice and links to regional clubs.
Rock Climbing
There are numerous locations around the country where you can indulge in rock climbing,
either independently or with a qualified guide - essential for some of the tougher areas. A
good place to start is
www.climbingguidebg.com
,
which has lots of information, advice
and links.
The main area for rock climbing is around
Vratsa, where there are some 333 identified
climbing routes and a variety of climbing con-
ditions including alpine, sport and ice climb-
ing. The area of Vratsata, on the road to the
Ledenika Cave, has permanent bolts attached
See
www.bulgariaski.com
for comprehensive in-
formation about the country's skiing resorts and
snow reports.
to the rock face.
Other areas include the Pirin Mountains, with 31 alpine and traditional climbing routes,
although these are suitable only for experienced climbers. The north face of Mt Vihren, to
the south of Bansko, is particularly challenging. Malîovitsa, in the Rila Mountains, is
home to the Central Mountain School, which offers rock-climbing activities and guides in
the Malîovitsa range. Again, these are quite serious climbs, and safety nets are provided.
