Musala Peak
Мусала
The highest peak of the Rila Mountains, at 2,925 m, and the highest point in Bulgaria and the Balkan Peninsula. It can be climbed as a day trip by gondola and hiking.
Musala Peak lies in the eastern Rila Mountains at 2,925 m, the highest point in Bulgaria and in the entire Balkan Peninsula. The usual route runs from the ski resort of Borovets by gondola to Yastrebets (about 2,370 m). From there it continues past Musala Hut and a chain of glacial lakes, taking about 3 hours one way, and suits fit hikers who want a day return. The summit has a weather station. A cosmic ray observatory was also built there in 1960, but it was destroyed by fire in 1983. On clear days you can see the Rila, Pirin, Rhodope and Vitosha mountains. The summit is windy and cold, so bring warm clothing even in summer. Thunderstorms often build in the afternoon, so start early. Gondola operating hours change with the season, so check before setting out. From Bansko the route requires a detour, while from Sofia the route via Samokov to Borovets is shorter.
Opening hours
Open all day (cable car runs seasonally)
Nearby sights
- Church of Sts. Theodore, Dobarsko
- Nikola Vaptsarov House Museum
- Bansko Old Town & Mehanas
- Bansko School of Icon Painting Museum
- Neofit Rilski House Museum
- Velyanova House
- Holy Trinity Church
- Septemvri–Dobrinishte Narrow-Gauge Railway