Malyovitsa Peak
Мальовица
A 2,729 m rock peak in the northwest of the Rila Mountains; its steep north face is regarded as the birthplace of Bulgarian mountaineering and rock climbing.
Malyovitsa Peak lies in the northwest of the Rila Mountains at 2,729 m. The roughly 200 m rock face on its north side hosts Bulgaria's classic climbing routes. In 1921–1922, climbers from Samokov organised the earliest mountaineering activities here, and the first ascent of the north face in 1938 is regarded as the starting point of Bulgarian alpine sport. Ordinary hikers usually set out from the Malyovitsa mountain hut at about 1,700 m on the north side, climbing past cirque lakes and rocky slopes. The summit takes about 2–3 hours, and on clear days you can see the main ridge of the Rila Mountains, while the Rila Monastery lies below the south side. The hut can be reached by car from Govedartsi village in the direction of Samokov, and there is a small ski area nearby. Mountain weather changes quickly, and afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so bring windproof and waterproof clothing and set off early. In winter the peak is covered in snow and suits only experienced climbers with proper equipment. Climbing is free.
Opening hours
Open all day (summer daytime hiking recommended)
Nearby sights
- Rila Monastery
- Seven Rila Lakes
- Stob Earth Pyramids
- Vitosha Mountain (Cherni Vrah)
- Zlatnite Mostove (Golden Bridges)
- Boyana Waterfall
- Vrana Palace
- Boyana Church