It is exactly 100 years this year since the Mount Rila celebrations took place for the first time. Rila is the mountain where some of the longest and fullest rivers on the Balkan peninsula originate – Maritsa, Iskar and Mesta. There are more than 120 lakes on its territory, most of them glacial.

The tradition of celebrating Bulgaria’s tallest mountain was started on 2 August 1925 when the climb was organized of the highest peak in the Balkans – Musala peak. Every year, at the beginning of August, enthusiasts scale its 2925.4 metres in a hike organized by the Rila Tourist association following a route from Borovets resort to Yastrebets mountain hut, then Musala mountain hut, Musala peak itself and back.

Musala is the crown of the magnificent Mount Rila, and is one of the 100 national tourist sites. The peak is snow-capped for an average of 254 days a year, the lowest temperature ever measured there being 31.2°C. below zero, and the absolute maximum 18.7°C.

Summer is the best time to climb the tallest mountain in the country; if they choose to, tourists can take the cable car from Borovets up to Yastrebets mountain hut which is located at an altitude of 2,369 m. After that, it all depends on the stamina and willpower of the climbers, but if they succeed, they will be rewarded with some stunning sights, not to mention the diverse flora and fauna at the foot of the mountain which makes it an excellent location for birdwatching. 

t this time, however, tourists must be extra careful because the risk of fire is so high. Lighting fires and throwing away cigarette butts or other hazardous waste in the mountain is strictly prohibited.

Edited by Gergana Mancheva
Translated and posted by Milena Daynova
Photos: Rila Tourist Association, Pressphoto BTA, borovets-bg.com