Articles from category: Rila from bulgariainside.com

Mousala Peak

Thu, 28 Oct 2010 11:33:00 +0300

The peak of Mousala is the highest point of Rila Mountain and of Bulgaria as well. In fact, this is the highest point on the Balkan peninsula with its 2925 m. Olympus, Mousala’s rival in Greece, is only a few meters shorter. According to a joke, Greeks could not take the thought that Mousala was higher than Olympus. One night, they piled tons of stones on the peak, yet it remained lower. Mousala’s name is connected to the Ottoman presence. The word means way to god or god’s mountain. According to both translations, the place has been revered for centuries. Borovets, one of Bulgaria’s most popular winter resorts is located on the slopes below Mousala. A number of routes to the peak start there. From Borovets, you can take the lift, which will elevate you in 20 to 25 minutes to Yastrebets region. A restaurant in the area offers...

Maliovitsa

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 15:40:00 +0200

Maliovitsa is a small mountain resort, situated below the peak under the same name. It is located 13 km away from the village of Govedartsi and 27 km away from the town of Samokov. Maliovitsa is one on the highest peaks in Bulgaria, measuring 2729 m. This part of Rila has several other high peaks, which makes the region attractive for climbers and hikers. Alpinists prefer Maliovitsa. Some of the most difficult climbing routes are situated there. Maliovitsa hut and the resort are the starting point of many routes. From the resort, you could reach Ivan Vazov and Ribni Ezera huts, Rila Мonastery and the Seven Rila Lakes. The resort has several ski tracks. Since the resort is not so popular, accommodation prices remain modest. Govedartsi also has a ski track. If you want to diversify the vacation, stay in Govedartsi or Maliovitsa and switch the ski tracks. The resort of...

Govedartsi Village

Sat, 09 Jan 2010 11:17:00 +0200

Govedartsi, a small mountain village, is situated in the valley of Cherni Iskar River, in the foot of Rila. Both summer and winter tourism opportunities abound in the region. The proximity to Maliovitsa peak and the ski resort of Borovets are a plus during the winter. At the same time, the village offers much more diverse and cheaper accommodation opportunities than the big resort. If you visit Govedartsi during the winter, you can choose among the ski tracks near the village, the ones near Maliovitsa and those of Borovets. The resort is located 25 km away from the village. During the summer, Govedartsi turns into a cool escape from the summer heat. The peaceful village and beautiful surroundings offer a hiding place from city noise. Are you into fishing? Try your luck with the trout in the region. Other leisure time activities include mountain walks. Govedartsi is...

The Seven Rila Lakes

Fri, 28 Nov 2008 09:40:00 +0200

There are seven of them. People see these wonders as one of the most recognizable Bulgarian symbol. It would be unusual to find someone who has not heard of the Seven Rila Lakes. The lakes are located in the northwestern part of Rila Mountain and have been listed as one of the 100 national tourism sites. Tiny streams connect the seven lakes, which are situated above each other at heights varying from 2100 to 2500 m. Nearly 280 glacial lakes are to be found in Rila and the seven are part of the group. Similar lakes can be seen in Pirin Mountain as well. During the winter, the surface freezes and the ice coverage can reach up to two meters. Each lake has been named after one of its specific features. Sylzata (the teardrop) is the lake that is positioned highest up in the mountain. The name comes from its pure and clean water. Okoto (the eye) and Bubreka (the kidney) got...

Panichishte

Thu, 06 Dec 2007 15:36:00 +0200

Panichishte is a tiny resort situated in the southwestern part of Rila Mountain. It is 25 km away from the town of Doupnitsa and at the distance of 10 km from Sapareva Banya. The name of the resort comes from the way the lowest one of the Seven Rila Lakes is called. The lake on the other hand, carries the name because of its dish-like shape. What makes the resort a fascinating place is the tourism options that the region offers. The resort has two ski tracks, most suitable for beginners and a 5 km ski run path. Panichishte also offers the option for skiing over unprocessed snow, practice that has gained popularity recently. The proximity to Sapareva Banya, well known for its mineral springs, gives tourists the chance to combine skiing with spa treatment. The Sapareva Banya mineral springs happen to be the hottest ones in Bulgaria. Apart from winter sports and spa...