HIKE THE SPECTACULAR RIDGE OF KOZYA STENA

By Julia Van Peer

"What are men to rocks and mountains" - Jane Austen

As autumn arrives at the beginning of Octobre, a new palet of colours washes every inch of the landscape. The leaves are beginning to turn all shades of ambre, burnished gold and red, dropping to create a vibrant carpet beneath your feet. Several reasons make the so-called ‘off-season’ an excellent time to commence your hiking holiday. Next to the colour-changing flora, few tourists will disturb you on your trekkings, making it possible to undertake some beautiful hikes, like The Ridge of Kozya Stena.

View on the Kozya Stena Ridge.

Nestled within the embrace of nature's grandeur, the Kozya Stena Ridge stands as a mesmerizing haven for avid hikers and nature enthusiasts. Located in a picturesque region of stunning landscapes and breathtaking vistas, this hidden gem offers an unforgettable hiking experience in the heart of the great outdoors.

You can start your hike at the parking lot near 'Troyan Pass' (or 'Beklemento Pass'). From here a jeep track will take you to the beginning of a more narrow dusty path, along a bushy mountainside. You then arrive at a point where you are presented with a choice: either the adventurous path along the panoramic ridge, where you can use the steel cables as an aid. Or the lower path, which takes you along the slope of the ridge.

In the end both tracks will join together to take you to the goal of the day: the Kozya Stena Peak.

Wild horses grazing near Kozya Stena Peak.

As you venture further along the trail, rocky mountain ridges alternate with grassy hillsides and the occasional lonely tree. One mountain range after the other comes into view, every time evoking an 'oh' or 'ah'-moment. All this in an autumnal color palette makes for stunning views.

As if this untamed wilderness wasn't pretty enough already, a herd of 'wild' horses appear, gracefully moving through the thickets.

From here, you can hike further to the Kozya Stena Hut, a mountain refuge some 2 kilometers further along the track. The hut makes for a perfect spot to eat your lunch, amidst the beautiful vistas of the Central Balkan Mountain Range. Take your time to enjoy this moment, before returning the same way you came.