TRIUMPH THE EPIC VIHREN PEAK
By Julia Van Peer
"Outranked only by Mt. Musala ( 2 925 metres) in Bulgaria, and Mt. Mitikas (2 917 metres) in Greece, The Pearl of Pirin takes third place on the Balkan Peninsula."
Pirin National Park, located in the Pirin Mountains, can be seen as the little sister of Rila National Park. Once known as Vihren Natural Reserve, Pirin NP is the habitat of a wide variety of endangered plant species (i.e. black and white fir) good to feed many kinds of animals (i.e. bears, wild goats, eagles, wolves and many more).
Next to this extraordinary fauna and flora it houses 40 peaks rising above 2 500 metres, with the Vihren peak conquering them all at 2 914 metres. In other words it is an oasis of trails for experienced climbers, adventurous hikers and enjoying day trippers.
The views from Vihren amaze in every direction.
Start your hike at the Vihren hut, located at 1 950 metres and only a short drive from the town of Bansko, the perfect base from where ample hiking trails begin. Not only will you be conquering 1 000 metres of elevation in less than 3 kilometres, the hereafter steep and slippery cliff at the foot of Vihren will sometimes make you question your decision.
Nonetheless after the initial segment the impressive rounded Vihren peak comes into sight and you just know you made the right choice.
The Bulgarian landscapes are known for their myriad of stunning mountain lakes.
Whereas golden-brown, deep green and soft grey dominate the autumnal season, in the spring these alpine fields burst into colour as they are blanketed with a vibrant flower carpet. Without woodland blocking your view you can enjoy happy chamois goats jumping elegantly from one rock to the other.
It only takes three colours to make an autumn landscape shine: golden-brown, deep-green and soft grey.
The final ascent is without doubt the most strenuous, with no clear path or markings to follow and the loose rocks making it all the more challenging. However if you keep your eye on the summit and you make enough switchbacks, an invisible trail will form beneath your feet, navigating you to your goal.
Once arrived at 2 914 metres, you have to blink your eyes twice to adjust to the surrounding beauty. In the South gorgeous lake cirques sparkle in rolling alpine fields, while in the East you can spot the by now tiny Vihren Hut, and in the West the stunning view on the Zagaza gorge mesmerizes you. The North face is reserved for a range of mountains that shimmer in the soft light, their irregular crowns like a massive set of teeth sticking up from the ground.
The contrast between the north slope and the south slope becomes very clear during autumn.
Take the Northern slope down to finish your hike how it should, adventurous. Rocky thresholds and, from the end of September well into April, a white snowy blanket impede the sharp descent. Hereafter the path becomes well trodden once again and in no time you find yourself back at the trailhead.
Having just scaled the second highest mountain of Bulgaria makes you feel like you are deep in the heart of nature, surrounded by gigantic monuments of nature.
Picture taken while ascending Vihren.
FACTS OF THE HIKE:
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Length of the trail: 11 kilometres
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Duration: 5h (experienced) – 8h (averaged)
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Elevation gain: 964 metres
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Highest point: 2 914 metres
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Starting point: Vihren Hut
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Optimal period: June – October
STAYING OVERNIGHT:
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Vihren Hut: The highest mountain hut I’ve stayed in so far, at 1 915 metres. An ideal base for exploring the surrounding nature.
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Contact information: +359 889 834 277, +359 889 293 562, +359 879 929 850
OTHER BULGARIA POSTS
EPIC 2-DAY HIKE TO BOTEV PEAK VIA RAISKO PRASKALO WATERFALL
HIKE THE SPECTACULAR RIDGE OF KOZYA STENA
LOSE YOURSELF IN THE HOBBIT-LIKE SCENERY OF PIRIN
On track off track.
Hi there!
I'm Julia, a Belgian native who loves to travel and explore off the beaten places all over the world. Discover more on how to fill your travels with adventure, warmth, and colour. Learn more about me here.