About Balkan Hikes
Iconic summits. Hidden trails. Local knowledge.
Hi, I’m Stanislav
I created Balkan Hikes to share the mountain routes that have shaped me as a person.
I started my mountain path in the footsteps of Pirin where I have spent my summers as a child.
Gradually I discovered the magnificent lakes and peaks of Pirin and continued exploring the iconic peaks of Rila, picturesque ridges of Stara planina, the unique Rhodopes, and lesser known paths in all 39 Bulgarian mountains.
While I still have a lot to see in Bulgaria, I also fell in love with the mountains of the Balkans. So far I have hiked in Greece, Northern Macedonia, Serbia, Montenegro and Bosnia Herzegovina.
Why I Guide
What started as a passion for hiking gradually grew into a desire to help others experience these mountains in a more meaningful way.
For me, the mountains are about far more than reaching a summit. They are places of discovery, challenge, history, and connection.
Whether guiding first-time visitors or experienced hikers, I believe great mountain experiences come from balancing adventure, safety, and respect for nature.
What Makes Balkan Hikes Different?
Iconic Summits
Explore famous destinations such as Musala, Vihren, Malyovitsa and the Seven Rila Lakes.
Hidden Trails
Discover quieter routes and lesser-known regions that rarely appear in guidebooks.
Small Groups
My groups consist of usually up to 8 people. In this way we can focus on connection and personal experience.
Experience & Qualifications
- Licensed Mountain Guide
- Licensed Tour Guide
- Languages: Bulgarian, English and German
- Route planning and navigation
- Multi-day trekking experience throughout the Balkans
- First aid training
Official Registrations
Balkan Hikes operates in compliance with Bulgarian tourism regulations.
✅ Licensed Mountain Guide — View registration
✅ Licensed Tour Guide — View registration
Both registrations can be verified in the Bulgarian National Tourism Register maintained by the Ministry of Tourism.
The Mountains I Love Most
The more I hike, the tougher this question becomes.
I feel a special connection to Pirin where I made my first steps as a mountaineer, and when I was younger I would definitely name it as my favourite mountain.
You can see me standing at the top of Malyovitsa in Rila on the smaller picture here, while in the cover photo I am right on the border between Albania and Montenegro – in front of the magnificent Karanfili range of Prokletija mountain.
Let’s Explore Together
The list of favourite mountains will become longer in time and I can’t wait to share it with you. Whether you’re visiting Bulgaria for the first time or searching for your next adventure closer to home, I’d love to help you discover the mountains of the Balkans.