There are 16 mountains in Bulgaria, occupying 1/3 of the country’s territory. Each of them is different from the rest, having its own charm and spell. The longest mountain chain at the Balkans – Stara Planina or also called the Balkan spreads through Bulgaria giving the name of the southeast European peninsular. The highest mountain at the Balkan peninsular – Rila reaches an altitude of 2925 meters above the sea level. The mountains in Bulgaria offer wonderful conditions for summer and winter tourism – walks, relaxation, mountaineering, winter sports, eco tourism etc. A huge advantage is the comparatively low level of urbanization, unlike the mountains in Western and Central Europe.
There are about 60 resorts, some of them the very popular ski centers – Borovets, Pamporovo, Vitosha and Bansko. Unlike most of the tourist destinations in Europe, the mountains in Bulgaria are preserved from excessive penetration of technology. They will offer you perfect conditions for tourism, sport and entertainment, giving you the opportunity to find total seclusion or get in touch with the nature and the local culture. There are many caves, hiding ancient secrets, waterfalls and bizarre natural sculptures. The steep slopes are followed by deep precipices and picturesque river valleys. There are over 400 natural lakes as well as many pure rivers. There is a huge variety of plants and animals in the mountains of Bulgaria. Up to 80% of their territory is covered with forests. Therefore the mountains in Bulgaria are said to be one of the best hunting tourism destinations. The traditions and the folk customs are best preserved here; the people are cordial and friendly. Everyone who decided to explore the mountains in Bulgaria got captured by their beauty and majesty.
Bigger mountains: Stara Planina, Rila, Pirin, Phodope, Strandja, Sakar and Vitosha.

Stara Planina
The 700 km long Balkan mountain chain forms the spine of the country, separating the Danube Plain from the Thracian Lowlands. Its highest peak is Botev (2 376 m). Stara Planina is the best place for tourist walks, climbing and exploring its marvelous caves. You should visit the old settlements of Jeravna, Trqvna, Arbanacy, Bojentsi and Etara and feel the Bulgarian national revival atmosphere.

Vitosha
The green mountain, overhanging the capital Sofia is Bulgaria’s most visited mountain. It is attractive in each season. On your way up to the mountain, you could get the open-air lift or the cabin lift and take a walk through its wild preserved areas or try to reach The Black Peak (2286m). There are many waterfalls, but one of the most popular sites is the stone river. The View is fantastic!

Pirin
Bulgaria’s second highest peak Vihren (2914m) is situated in the southern part of Bulgaria – the mountain Pirin. It is the home of over 170 lakes, about 100 endangered plants including Edelweiss and the famous over 1300 years old Baikushka fir-tree. The spa resort of Sandanski and the popular ski resort of Bansko are situated in Pirin.

The Rhodope Mountain
Traveling through the greenest and most picturesque Bulgarian mountain, you will definitely hear the legend for the mythical singer Orpheus. This the tourists’ favourite mountain combining snow, sun, fresh air and mild climate influenced by the Mediterranean Sea. The original folk customs, the interesting cuisine and the friendly local people add more charm to the majestic mountain. The Rhodopes are the home of Bulgaria’s biggest ski resort of Pamporovo.

Rila
Bulgaria’s highest peak Musala (2925m) is situated in the Rila Mountain, in the southwestern part of the country. It is a home of over 200 lakes, over 2000 plant species and the wild animal life. It is also the home of Bulgaria’s most popular monastery – the Rila Monastery. Borovets – the oldest ski resort is situated in Rila.