Stara Planina (the Balkan Mountains)
The longest mountain range in Bulgaria – about 550 km from the Timok to the Black Sea. It divides the country into north and south. The highest peak is Botev (2,376 m). Here you will find the Shipka, Troyan and Petrohan passes, as well as Central Balkan National Park.
Rila
The highest mountain in the Balkans. Musala (2,925 m) is the roof of the peninsula. Here you will find the Seven Rila Lakes, the Rila Monastery and Rila National Park. Rila is also where the Iskar, the Maritsa and the Mesta rise.
Pirin
The sharp, rocky, alpine one. Vihren (2,914 m) is the second-highest peak in Bulgaria. Marble and granite create dramatic landscapes. Pirin National Park is a UNESCO site. This is also home to Baikushev's Pine – a tree more than 1,300 years old.
The Rhodopes
The largest mountain range in Bulgaria by area – rounded, green and mysterious. The highest peak is Golyam Perelik (2,191 m). The Rhodopes are full of caves (Yagodina, the Devil's Throat), rock bridges (the Wonderful Bridges), Thracian sanctuaries (Perperikon, Belintash) and wild gorges (Trigrad). Myth says that Orpheus was a Rhodopean.
Vitosha
The mountain at Sofia's feet. Cherni Vrah (2,290 m) can be seen from almost every window in the capital. Vitosha Nature Park is the oldest nature park in the Balkans (1934). The stone rivers (moraines) are a favourite spot for a Sunday stroll.
Strandzha
The southernmost and the lowest, covered in oak and beech forests. Relict plants grow here and the traditions of the nestinari (the fire-dancers) are kept alive.
Bulgarians say “to the mountain” when they go to any mountain at all. Since the country has dozens of mountains, the phrase really means “far from the city, with a sausage on a fire”.