Looking for the best one-day hikes in Bulgaria? Or maybe you’re thinking of hiking in Bulgaria in general?
I love hiking in the Bulgarian mountains, and even though my hometown is on the Black Sea coast, virtually all our vacations growing up were spent in the mountains. I’ve had the opportunity to trek them extensively and take in countless breathtaking views and scenic landscapes.
In this article, I’ve collected some of my favourite hikes in Bulgarian that you can do in a day. I’ll also provide a packing list of essential things you’ll need.
What You'll Find In This Post:
Note:This post contains links to Google Maps, as I’ve linked all the starting points, car parks and points of interest I mention in the article.
In case of an emergency or if you suffer an accident, dial 112 to reach mountain rescue services.
🕒 Duration: 3.5–4 hours for the loop; 5–6 hours via Skakavitsa (depending on pace and breaks)
🟢 Easy
This has to be one of the most visited hikes in Bulgaria — and with some of the most beautiful glacial lakes. The 7 Rila Lakes trail offers magnificent views and isn’t too difficult.
I’ll offer two versions of this trail:
A simple loop starting from the top station of the lift (round-trip ticket required)
A longer route via Skakavitsa hut, ending at the car park – great if you want something a bit more off the main and very touristy (and crowded) trail
On the maps below, you can follow both options.
View from Lake Peak
If you decide to do the second option, you will use the lift one way and hike down — you’ll save some money. In 2025, the lift prices are:
Return: 30 BGN (15 EUR) for adults, 15 BGN (7.5 EUR) for kids
Single: 20 BGN (10 EUR) for adults, 10 BGN (5 EUR) for kids
Daily parking: 5–6 BGN (3 EUR)
👉 Check our detailed guide on the 7 Rila Lakes for a full breakdown of trail times between the lakes.
Vihren is the second-highest peak in Bulgaria and third on the Balkans. It’s a challenging trail, climbing almost 1000 meters from Vihren Hut.
Vihren Peak from Vihren Hut
The hike divides into two clear segments — up and down — each taking about 3 to 3.5 hours. The views of the marble and granite peaks are spectacular, and well worth the effort! After your hike, stop at one of my favourite ‘restaurants’ in the mountains — more of a shack, but the food and portions are top-notch!
Shopska Salad
Your hike starts at Vihren Hut. You can drive to Vihren Hut via a good asphalt road or catch a shuttle from Bansko’s bus station. Alternatively, ask in your hotel or if you’re staying in a house – your host, they might offer to drive you up or suggest someone else that can
When you’re up, consider descending from the marble side of the peak — that’s what I always do and it’s the route shown in the map below.
This is one of the most beautiful parts of Pirin. Easier than Vihren Peak, this 6-hour hike (3 hours each way) has gentle ascents and descents — perfect for more casual hikers. You’re again starting from Vihren Hut (follow the advice above on how to get to Vihren Hut).
Sinaniza Lake and Sinaniza Peak
You’ll walk along a river for a while and also will pass an alpine style lake, offering plenty of opportunity to have an outdoor lunch. The trek will end with a stunning view of Sinaniza Lake and its marble backdrop. You can turn back on top of the Sinanishka Porta (Sinaniza Gate) or descend to the lake and Sinaniza Hut, it’s up to you. On my map, I’ve plotted the route to the hut and back.
Tevno Lake is one of the most magical spots in the Bulgarian mountains. Just 3 hours from Bezbog Hut (which you can reach by lift), this hike feels remote yet accessible.
The opening times vary each season, so it might be wise to check them ahead of time here.
Tevno Lake and shelter
The ride will end at the top station, next to Bezbog hut, which is your starting point. Along the route, you’ll pass Popovo Ezero (Priest’s Lake) with its clear waters and single island in the middle of the lake. Afterwards, you’ll begin your ascend towards Tevno shelter, with the highest point being the left Kralevdvorska Porta (Left Royal Gate). From there, it’s a short walk to Tevno lake and shelter.
This is a pleasant, moderate hike that takes you past two scenic lakes via Malyovitsa Hut and river. You’ll start at the end of the road, where you can leave your car at a car park for a daily fee of 5 BGN (2.5 EUR).
From there you need to take the left trail towards Yonchevo Ezero (Yonchevo Lake) and Strashno Ezero (the Scary Lake). On this trail, you should bring your lunch, as there’s a small shelter at Strashno Lake but no food or drink services.
Strashno Lake Rila Bulgaria
That being said, this is a great location to have said lunch, next to the lake. You can go back the way you came, but I recommend doing the route as a loop — return via Malyovitsa Hut and follow the forest trail along the river.
🕒 Duration: 8 hours round trip (waterfall only) or 2 days (including Botev Peak)
🟡 Moderate to 🔴 Hard (it’s a loong hike)
We are now moving away from the alpine style mountains and towards central Bulgaria and Stara Planina (The Old Mountain). Botev is the highest peak in this range, and Rayskoto Praskalo is the tallest year-round waterfall in Bulgaria at 124m.
Rayskoto Praskalo Waterfall
The trail will start just outside the little town of Kalofer, one of the main towns of Bulgaria’s Renaissance age in the 1800s. You can drive there and leave your car at this car park at the end of the road.
Option 1 – One day hike to Rayskoto Praskalo Waterfall
This is a moderate hike, taking you through lush forests and meadows, culminating at the spectacular waterfall – Rayskoto Pruskalo Waterfall (roughly translated as the Heavenly Sprinkler). It takes about 4 hours from the car park to Rai Hut, which literally translates as Paradise Hut – great for a break to have lunch and something to drink. From there you’ll continue ascending towards the waterfall. It takes roughly 30 minutes to reach the waterfall.
While this trail is doable in a day, it is still an 8 and something hour trek, though, so plan accordingly.
Trail through forest towards Rai Hut
Option 2 – Two-day hike to Rayskoto Praskalo and Botev Peak
The trek to Botev Peak from the car park takes 7–8 hours. Additionally, you’ll also need to climb from roughly 500 m at the car park to almost 2400. This is quite a lot, so unless you are a seasoned mountaineer, that can move with a brisk pace up the mountain, you shouldn’t try to complete the whole hike in one day. If you do, you risk still being out after dark, which is not really advisable in the mountains.
Rai Hut
On your first day, you will trek to Rai Hut – this is where you’ll spend the night. The next morning, you’ll continue up, passing the waterfall, and then keep ascending towards the peak. In total, the hike from the hut to the peak is about 3 hours.
This is a long day. You should expect about 9–10 hours walking only on the second day, so while it’s possible to do it, it might be smarter to just spend another night under the starts at Rai Hut.
👉 InsiderTip: Walking up from Kalofer, approximately half-way to Rai Hut, you’ll come across a kiosk that sells beer, coffee and some snacks. At first, I found it odd, as it’s literally in the middle of nowhere, but then realised that it’s a brilliant idea, to be able to grab a cold drink there.
This is a shorter, more accessible hike, and perfect if you’re staying in Sofia. Cherni Vruh is the fourth-highest peak in Bulgaria after Musala, Vihren and Botev peak.
It is quite different in terms of duration and landscape to the other hikes I’ve listed here, but it has the advantage that it’s right outside Sofia.
Drive to Aleko hut and begin the hike. The first steep ascent takes about 40 minutes. Then it’s a gradual walk on a dirt road, ending with a short final push to the summit.
There’s a hut at the top where you can stop for lunch or a break. Be aware: it gets very crowded in good weather due to its proximity to Sofia. This makes it not really my favourite spot, but nonetheless, it’s worth seeing if you are in the area.
I hope you’ll find a hike you love from the list above and get to experience the magic of the Bulgarian mountains. This list is by no means exhaustive — Bulgaria is full of stunning trails — but these seven are absolute highlights for any nature lover.
I love finding new places off the beaten track and exploring local cultures and cuisine. I go about my life with one quote in mind: "You will never waste your money on travelling" - Trevor Noah.
When I am not on the road, you'll find me in the kitchen stirring up trouble.
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