Geography
Mountains

The highest mountains on the Balkan Peninsula are situated on the territory of Bulgaria. The mountain that gave the name to the whole peninsula is in Bulgaria too – the Balkan Mountains (Stara Planina). The Bulgarian Mountains are accessible all year round and provide unlimited opportunities for recreation, sport and tourism.

  • The Balkan Mountains has a well-marked terrain and crosses the country from west to east dividing it into North and South Bulgaria. To the north of the mountains are located the lower areas of the Pre-Balkan, which make the transition to the Danube plain. In the south parallel to the Balkan Mountains lays the lower mountain chain Sredna Gora. The region of the Balkan Mountains is famous for its great natural phenomena. In the west part of the Balkan Mountains are situated the unique Rocks of Belogradchik that were included in the ranking for the new seven natural wonders of the world. 25 km to the northwest of Belogradchik is one of the biggest caves in Bulgaria - Magurata, famous for its unique cave drawings that were dated back to 3100 - 900 B.C.

  • Vitosha is a mountain with volcanic origins situated in the west part of the country. With its highest peak Cherni Vrah (Black Peak), it is the fourth highest mountain in the country. It is located in close proximity to the capital city Sofia. Vitosha is home of more than 1800 different types of plant species (some of them extremely rare and unique) and numerous water supply sources. All these preconditions, together with the proximity of the capital city Sofia, make it one of the preferred places for recreation. Vitosha provides perfect conditions for tourism all year round. That mountain is real heaven for all these winter sports lovers, who can indulge in their favourite occupation after a short trip of just half an hour away from home.

  • The Rilo-Rhodope Massif is situated in the southwest part of Bulgaria. The massif includes the west borderline mountains from the Osogovo-Belasitsa group, the high Rila Mountain and Pirin Mountain and the spacious Rhodope (Rhodopi or the Rhodopes) Mountain, as well as Slavyanka Mountain and Stargach Mountain. The massif is the oldest dry land on Bulgarian territory. The 2925-m high Musala Peak, which is the highest peak on the Balkan Peninsula is here (Rila mountain) and the second highest peak in the country - Vihren peak (2914 m.) in Pirin mountain. Rila mountain is the source of the three longest rivers in Bulgaria - Iskar, Mesta and Maritsa. Pirin mountain is situated south of Rila, between the valleys of Struma and Mesta rivers, until the state border with Greece. That massif whose northern part was declared for national reserve in 1976, preserves exceptional variety of animal and plant species. The alpine terrain of Rila and Pirin, the natural beauty of their lakes and slopes are favorable for the development of winter sports and mountain tourism. The Rhodope Mountain is the second largest mountain in Bulgaria as to area and is divided by Pirin (by river Mesta which is also the natural border between Bulgaria and Greece). The mountain is teeming with plants and animals (his vast territories covered with coniferous, oak and beech trees are home for wild goats, deers, foxes, wolfs and even bears) and scattered all over his territory are numerous villages with typical architecture and opulent cultural traditions. The best winter resorts in Bulgaria are also here - Borovetz in Rila, Bansko in Pirin and Pamporovo in Rodope Mountains as well as the best spa resorts - Sandanski in Pirin and Velingrad and Devin in Rodope again.

  • Strandzha and Sakar are low mountains, situated in the southeast part of Bulgaria. They are characterized with low and hilly terrain, soft transitional continental climate and venerable forests, which are conducive for the development of hunting tourism. Strandzha is the most sparsely populated Bulgarian mountain. It accommodates the Strandzha Natural Park, which is the biggest protected natural territory of Bulgaria, created to protect the unique ecosystems and biodiversity, as well as to preserve the original Strandzha folklore, culture and historical heritage.