If there were a book of Bulgarian records Rila Mountain would surely feature among the country’s top locations, boasting countless superlatives.  

Borovets, the oldest mountain resort in Bulgaria, lies in Rila, as does the highest point on the Balkan Peninsula, the 2925m-high Mt Musala.

Rila also boasts some of the most varied scenery in Bulgaria characterised by magnificent coniferous forests and alpine scenery. This makes for an impressive contrast to the sharp marble peaks of the neighbouring Pirin Mountain. These two towering mountains bestriding the Balkans - Pirin and Rila - form the acme of the south-western region’s rural and eco tourism. Both are easily accessible from Sofia, making them popular venues for weekend mountaineers.

The Rila, Pirin, Rhodope and Stara Planina Mountains have proven to be Bulgaria’s best destinations for hiking thanks to well-marked and maintained trails, no to mention their accommodation and services. The E3, E4 and E8 trans-European hiking routes traverse Bulgaria and hikers can spend the night either in huts scattered throughout the mountain highlands or in guest houses in the many villages in the foothills.

A popular starting point for the Rila Mountains is the town of Samokov and the resort of Borovets from where Mt Musala can be attempted.

Nearby, Govedartsi village and the Malyovitsa area offer good accommodation, making them the preferred base for Mt Malyovitsa, the Seven Lakes of Rila (for more information on the Lakes please turn to p 13), Rila Monastery, Ribni Lakes hut, Makedoniya hut and Predela Pass.

Hiking in the unspoilt Bulgarian mountains is more than a sport. The well-developed network of huts and more than 30 000km of marked paths improves safety and access to mountaineering. Malyovitsa in Rila Mountain is a popular area all year round. The vast network of paths in Rila also provide good conditions for developing mountain biking and Borovets has several places for renting bikes.   

Horseback riding has a long tradition in Bulgaria and is also a good alternative to those who dislike biking. A wide range of riding holidays are also available and Rila Mountain is an ideal location for such an activity.