Hiking & Trekking Tours & Trips in Bulgaria
Imagine Bulgaria's mountains - they pack serious hiking potential. Visit the Rila and Pirin ranges, tackling Musala at 2925m with easier valley walks. Pass Seven Rila Lakes where each has own character and story before settling family-run mountain hotels where hosts know each route intimately. The mountain landscapes are genuinely spectacular and totally underrated, with glacial lakes glittering throughout the area.
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10 best Hiking & Trekking Bulgaria tour packages
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NinaBulgaria travel expert at TourRadar
- Through the Rugged Pirin and Rila Mountains
- Independent Hiking Tour Rila and Pirin Mountains (9 days)
- Semi-Private Tour; Serbia, Bulgaria & Romania from Belgrade to Bucharest
- In the Footsteps of Orpheus (self-guided walking tour)
- Summits and lakes of the Rila and Pirin Mountains (self-guided walking tour; all ground transfers included)
- Hiking & Culture Trek "The four mountains circuit"
- The riddles of the Rila Mountains (self-guided walking tour; all transfers included)
- Vitosha, Rila and Pirin - the Great Winter Adventure (Snowshoeing Trek)
- Hike Bulgaria's Rodopi Mountains
- Peaks & Lakes of the Pirin and Rila Mountains
Bulgaria's majestic peaks of Wichren (2914m) and Musala (2925m) command attention. Pirin's karst terrain and Rila's glacial landscapes unfold over 7-18km daily. Seven Rila Lakes and UNESCO-listed Rila Monastery provide scenic rest stops between summits.
Duration 8 days Destinations Sofia, Bansko, Rila, Govedartsi, Mount Musala Age Range All Ages Welcome Physical Rating Moderate Distance 153 mi Operator DIAMIR Erlebnisreisen From
- NZ$2,406
Duration 9 days Destinations Govedartsi, Rila, Bansko, Pirin National Park, Plovdiv, Sofia Age Range Ages 16+ Operated in Only: German Distance 212 mi Operator ASI Reisen From
- NZ$2,568
Semi-Private Tour; Serbia, Bulgaria & Romania from Belgrade to Bucharest
1 Review by TourRadar travelers
Bulgaria's diverse landscapes unfold from Rila Mountains' monastery trails to Shipka Pass heights. Ancient Roman paths wind through Plovdiv, while medieval streets characterize Veliko Tarnovo. The route includes Tsarevets Fortress and the vibrant Samovodene crafts district.
Duration 8 days Destinations Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania Age Range All Ages Welcome Physical Rating Relaxing Distance 527 mi Operator Choose Balkans From
- NZ$4,752
In the Footsteps of Orpheus (self-guided walking tour)
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Charming villages, very punctual navigation notes and smooth local transfers! I can only recommend it to anyone looking for a tranquil experience without difficult hikes.”
Nathan, traveled in August
Ancient forests and dramatic gorges define this Rhodope Mountains adventure. The path winds through Trigrad Gorge, revealing hidden Yagodina and Devil's Throat caves. Traditional villages of Lyaskovo and Kossovo offer cultural insights, with daily routes spanning 9.5-21km.
No departure dates availableDuration 8 days Destinations Sofia, Devin, Trigrad, Beden, Liaskovo, Kosovo, Bachkovo, Plovdiv Age Range Ages 12+ Physical Rating Moderate Distance 229 mi Operator Traventuria Summits and lakes of the Rila and Pirin Mountains (self-guided walking tour; all ground transfers included)
9 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Bulgaria is a little gem outside the popular hiking areas in Europe, but definitely worth visiting!”
Thomas, traveled in July
Bulgaria's highest peaks await with ascents of Mount Musala (2925m) and Mount Vihren (2914m). The trail leads through Golem Kazan area, where Balkan Chamois roam free. Seven Rila Lakes punctuate the journey, with nights spent in traditional lodging in Govedartsi and Bansko.
No departure dates availableDuration 8 days Destinations Sofia, Govedartsi, Mount Musala, Seven Lakes National Reserve, Rila, Bansko, Gotse Delchev, Pirin National Park, Mount Vihren Age Range Ages 12+ Distance 234 mi Operator Traventuria Hiking & Culture Trek "The four mountains circuit"
7 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“A busy but really well-thought itinerary, which shows many sides of Bulgaria, its culture, touristic towns and nature gems.”
Nathan, traveled in May
Wooden bridges span the Devinska River in this moderate Bulgarian trek. The route showcases Banderishki Lakes in Pirin National Park, while a chairlift aids ascent to Seven Rila Lakes. UNESCO-listed Rila Monastery and Cherni Vrah summit (2290m) in Vitosha complete the journey.
No departure dates availableDuration 8 days Destinations Sofia, Koprivshtitsa, Plovdiv, Bachkovo, Shiroka Laka, Devin, Trigrad, Bansko, Pirin National Park, Mount VihrenSee all destinations Age Range Ages 10+ Physical Rating Moderate Distance 301 mi Operator Traventuria The riddles of the Rila Mountains (self-guided walking tour; all transfers included)
1 Review by TourRadar travelers
Rila's highest peaks and glacier lakes create an ambitious Bulgarian adventure. Mount Musala (2,925m) stands as the ultimate summit, while Seven Rila Lakes offer pristine alpine views. The 8-day route connects Sofia, Govedartsi village, and Borovets resort.
No departure dates availableDuration 8 days Destinations Sofia, Mount Vitosha, Govedartsi, Malyovitsa, Mount Musala Age Range Ages 12+ Distance 90 mi Operator Traventuria Vitosha, Rila and Pirin - the Great Winter Adventure (Snowshoeing Trek)
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Being first-timers in snowshoeing was not a problem at all. This is a very different approach to explore the mountains, and very enjoyable.”
Jennifer, traveled in February
Winter transforms Bulgaria's peaks from Vitosha's Golden Bridges to Musala's base at 2710m. Snowshoe adventures lead to Yonchevo Lake (2013m) through Malyovitsa resort, while Pirin National Park's Bezbog Peak (2645m) offers spectacular views. Daily climbs reach 500m.
No departure dates availableDuration 8 days Destinations Sofia, Mount Vitosha, Govedartsi, Malyovitsa, Mount Musala, Seven Lakes National Reserve, Bansko, Dobrinishte, Pirin National Park, Rila Age Range Ages 10+ Distance 189 mi Operator Traventuria Hike Bulgaria's Rodopi Mountains
10 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“A beautiful place & charming local people who made us very welcome. The walking is varied & for many, challenging but we were able to take the hard bits at our own pace.”
Carolyn, traveled in August
Rodopi Mountains reveal their secrets from Yagodina village base. Kastrakli Nature Reserve presents orchid meadows, while Mount Golyam Snezhnik (7,178ft) offers challenging ascents. Family-run Yagodina Hotel serves home-produced Bulgarian meals during this 15km daily adventure.
Duration 8 days Destinations Sofia, Borino, Zmeitsa Age Range Ages 16+ Distance 176 mi Operator Exodus Adventure Travels From
- NZ$3,546
Peaks & Lakes of the Pirin and Rila Mountains
32 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Amazing hiking tour, every day offers a unique experience and a variety of scenery. A reasonable level of fitness and hill walking stamina is required for this trip.”
Luke, traveled in July
The demanding 8-day trek through Pirin and Rila showcases Bulgaria's finest peaks. Musala (2925m) and Vihren (2914m) await conquest, while 17 glacial lakes dot the landscape. UNESCO-listed Rila Monastery offers cultural depth, with comfortable stays in Bansko and Govedartsi.
Duration 8 days Destinations Sofia, Bansko, Pirin National Park, Mount Vihren, Rila, Seven Lakes National Reserve, Malyovitsa, Govedartsi, Mount Musala Age Range Ages 13+ Distance 167 mi Operator Traventuria From
- NZ$2,305
What our customers ask about Hiking & Trekking Tours & Trips in Bulgaria
What are the best hiking trails in Bulgaria for various skill levels?
Bulgaria's mountain ranges provide hiking trails that match any ability level. The Rila Mountains welcome beginners with paths around the Seven Rila Lakes at elevations between 2100-2500m. More advanced hikers head to Mount Musala which takes 6 hours to climb and reaches 2925m. The Pirin Mountains has the Banderishki Lakes Circuit for intermediate hikers while Mount Vihren at 2914m tests experienced trekkers. As one TourRadar traveler noted "The hikes were all great varying in difficulty and our guide was excellent at adapting routes based on group abilities."
What is the best time of year for hiking in Bulgaria?
Bulgaria's hiking peaks from June to September when clear skies and mild temperatures prevail. The high trails of Rila and Pirin Mountains are best explored in July and August with temperatures ranging from 20-25°C. The lower Rhodope Mountains welcome hikers from May to October. Winter hiking requires specialized gear and advanced skills. A TourRadar traveler mentioned "We went in July and the conditions were perfect for hiking though some patches of snow remained near Musala peak adding to the adventure."
Where do hikers stay during multi-day treks in Bulgaria?
Accommodations range from standard hotels to rustic mountain shelters. The town of Bansko offers stays at places like the Family Hotel Martin while remote villages such as Govedartsi feature local guesthouses like Krusharskata Kashta. High-altitude routes include nights at mountain refuges such as the Tevno Ezero Hut at 2512m. A TourRadar traveler shared "The accommodation was excellent from cozy family-run hotels to authentic mountain huts each offering wonderful Bulgarian hospitality."
How physically demanding are Bulgaria's hiking tours?
The physical requirements of Bulgarian hikes vary widely. Standard day walks last 4-7 hours with climbs of 400-1000m. The Mount Vihren route demands 6-7 hours of hiking and a 1000m ascent. For easier options the Rhodope Mountains present gentler 5-6 hour walks. As one TourRadar traveler noted "The hiking was more challenging than advertised but the views were worth every step - proper fitness preparation is definitely recommended."
What wildlife might I encounter while hiking in Bulgaria?
The Bulgarian mountains support rich wildlife populations. Hikers often spot chamois wolves and occasionally brown bears. Bird watchers find numerous species throughout the ranges. The Pirin Mountains are known for special plants including the protected edelweiss flower. A TourRadar traveler mentioned "The highlight was spotting chamois near Vihren Peak and our guide pointed out numerous endemic plants along the trails."