🏔️ Stara planina | 📍2198 m | 🥾 13 km | 📈 +1100 m | ⏱️ 9 hours | 💪 ●●●●○ | 🌷☀️🍂
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👤 Suitable for people in good physical condition and some previous hiking experience

✅ Vezhen Peak (2198 m)
✅ Beautiful deciduous forests
✅ Panoramic views across Bulgaria
✅ The main Balkan Mountain ridge
✅ Scenic ridge ascent

Gallery

About the Hike

Vezhen Peak is one of the most iconic summits in the Balkan Mountains. At 2198 m, it is the highest peak of the Zlatitsa-Teteven section of the range.

The summit offers spectacular views in every direction. To the south, we can see Rila, Pirin, the Rhodopes, Vitosha and Sredna Gora. Equally impressive are the views towards the central ridge of the Balkan Mountains stretching both east and west. To the east of Vezhen stands the beautiful Kozya Stena ridge, while further beyond rises Botev Peak, the highest summit of the Balkan Mountains. Looking west, we can identify numerous peaks all the way to Midzhur on the Serbian border, as well as the mountains of Kraishte and even ranges beyond Bulgaria.

To the north lie the Fore-Balkan and the Danubian Plain, and on exceptionally clear days we may even distinguish the silhouette of the Carpathian Mountains.

The hike starts from Koznitsa Pass, reached from Sofia via the scenic Sub-Balkan Road. From there, we head north along a panoramic ridge, crossing beautiful meadows and ancient beech forests before reaching the alpine pastures below the summit.

Throughout the hike, we enjoy magnificent views of the central Balkan ridge, drawing closer to it with every step. Before the final ascent to the main ridge, we also pass the spring of the Ravna River.

The climb to the summit takes approximately 4–5 hours. After plenty of time for rest, photos and soaking in the views, we begin our return to the vehicles.

On the way back, the views shift towards the mountains of Southern Bulgaria and the beautiful Sub-Balkan valleys, offering a completely different perspective from the ascent.

Required Equipment

Clothing

• Suitable mountain hiking clothing
• Insulated jacket and windproof shell
• Sun hat or head covering (buff/bandana)
• Warm hat and gloves
• Hiking boots

Gear

• Day-hiking backpack
• Trekking poles

Food and Water

• At least 1.5 liters of water
• Food and drinks according to personal preferences

Safety

• Personal first-aid kit

Upcoming dates