Quick Facts

🦩 Kerkini | 🏔️ Vlahina | 🏞️ Belasitsa | 📍 1383 m | 🌙 2 days | 💪 ●●○○○ | 🍂 Autumn
Learn more about difficulty levels

🥾 Day 1: 10 km | 📈 +750 m | 🕒 5 hrs
🥾 Day 2: 6 km | 📈 +350 m | 🕒 3 hrs

🏡 Overnight stay in comfortable lakeside guesthouses

👤 Suitable for beginners, families and birdwatching enthusiasts

Highlights

✅ One of the most impressive flamingo colonies in the Balkans
✅ Boat trip on Lake Kerkini
✅ Overnight stay in comfortable lakeside guesthouses
✅ Hike to scenic Klikach Peak (1383 m)
✅ Waterfall hidden among the autumn forests of Belasitsa in Greece
✅ Traditional cuisine and local products from the Kerkini region

Gallery

About the Trip

I would like to invite you on a different kind of weekend adventure, taking us from the little-known yet remarkably beautiful Vlahina Mountain to the shores of Lake Kerkini (also known as Butkovsko Lake) in Northern Greece.

One of the highlights of the trip is the opportunity to observe a colony of thousands of flamingos that gather around Lake Kerkini during this time of year. Along the way, we will climb a scenic peak, visit a picturesque waterfall hidden in autumn forests, and enjoy local cuisine while experiencing the peaceful atmosphere of the region.

It is also possible to join only the Day 1 hike.

Day 1: Klikach Peak and Transfer to Kerkini

🥾 10 km | 📍 1383 m | 📈 +750 m | 🕒 5 hrs

Our adventure begins in Vlahina Mountain. From the village of Gorno Leshko, we follow a gentle trail towards Klikach Peak (1383 m), one of the most panoramic summits in southwestern Bulgaria.

The route follows broad forest tracks, making the hike easy and enjoyable. The gradual ascent allows us to fully appreciate the colorful autumn scenery.

From the summit, we will enjoy stunning views of Rila, Pirin, Slavyanka, Belasitsa, Osogovo and the mountains of Kraishte. On a clear day, our view extends far beyond Bulgaria’s borders towards Greece and North Macedonia.

After plenty of time for photos and a well-deserved break, we return to the vehicles and continue towards Lake Kerkini. On the way, we will stop at an authentic local restaurant located in a historic railway station, where we can sample some of the region’s traditional specialities.

In the late afternoon, we arrive at the lake and settle into comfortable guesthouses that will be our home for the night. The rest of the evening is reserved for relaxation and good company before one of the most exciting parts of the program: meeting the flamingos of Kerkini the following morning.

Day 2: Flamingos of Kerkini and a Waterfall in Belasitsa

🥾 6 km | 📈 +350 m | 🕒 3 hrs

The second day is dedicated to one of the Balkans’ most remarkable natural treasures: Lake Kerkini.

Early in the morning, we set out on a two-hour boat trip to explore its rich birdlife. The area is regarded as one of Europe’s finest birdwatching destinations and attracts nature enthusiasts and photographers from around the world.

The main highlight of the excursion is a colony of thousands of flamingos that inhabit the lake during this season. Travelling in comfortable six-person boats, we will be able to observe these birds from a respectful distance without disturbing them.

During the boat trip, a local guide will tell us more about the lake and its unique ecosystem. Besides flamingos, we may also encounter herons, terns, cormorants and, occasionally, pelicans.

After the boat tour, we will have free time to walk around the village and browse local products before continuing to our next destination.

Our final hike takes us through the colorful autumn forests of the southern slopes of Belasitsa. A short and pleasant trail leads us to a beautiful waterfall hidden among the trees and surrounded by the tranquillity of the mountain.

To conclude the weekend, we will enjoy one more taste of local cuisine in a traditional restaurant at the foot of Belasitsa. It is a fitting end to a diverse adventure that takes us from panoramic mountain views to flamingo-filled wetlands and peaceful forest landscapes.

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