Originally, I planned some hikes on the Pyrenees, but after a long and tiresome debate, we decided to try Bulgaria as our destination. To be honest, I’m quite glad that this was the destination.
We’ve been to three mountain chains : Rila region, Pirin region and the Rodophe mountains. Geologically speaking, Rila and Pirin are the same chain – and it shows. The height is the same, the soil is the same (mostly lime stone) and the vegetation – the same. We came about a month too late, for the temperature on the mountains drops below zero during the night – and it kills the grass. And so, while walking above the tree line (around 2000 meters) – we found ourself surrounded by yellowish scenery. Fauna wise – in the nature reserve we found some Ibex, and in the Rodophe there were many salamanders – but other than that, we seldom saw any animal (which was a bit disappointing).
As a general rule of thumb, the trails are very well marked, and quite easy to follow even without the marks. There are many huts (hiza in Bulgarian) which provides shelter for the night – but not all of them serve food or offer the luxury of a hot shower. Their prices were about 30 levas (~15 euros) for a couple per night.
