There are a number of routes from Samovilla which let you explore the beauty of the Rila mountains

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Beli Iskar eco-trail:

The Beli Iskar eco-trail offers wonderful opportunities for a walk at the foot of the Rila Mountain.

The Beli Iskar Eco-trail is a circular route in the low part of the Rila Mountains, south of the town of Samokov. The trailhead is located about 3 km from the village of Beli Iskar, right next to the border of the Rila National Park. It follows the valley of the river of the same name, with several crossings from one bank to the other on convenient bridges. Its route meanders into the gorge of the Beli Iskar River above Samokov, on the outskirts of the Rila National Park. It is equipped with numerous wooden bridges over the river and recreation areas. The Beli Iskar eco-trail starts 3.9 kilometres after the village of Beli Iskar, about 11 kilometres south of Samokov. 42.243470, 23.541089.

To get to the trail, go through the entire village of Beli Iskar, following the main road and keeping right at all turnoffs. The asphalt road after the village is narrow and in some places quite rutted, but it is still passable by car. There is a large car park to the right of the road at the trailhead and signs to the left of it - this is where the route starts with the first of the bridges. Before this parking lot and the signs, there is a small chapel to the left of the road - a sure clue that you are on the right track and that there is a bit more to the eco trail.

Features of the route

The trail is well marked, and the total length is about 7 miles.

 

Malyovitsa hut:

CPS Malyovitsa - Malyovitsa hut

Highlights of the route from Malyovitsa Hut to Malyovitsa Hut

• The starting point is the Malyovitsa hut at Mecha Polyana, which can be reached by car.

• The signage is excellent - blue all the time.

• Drinking water is available at the Malyovitsa hut.

• The terrain is mostly rocky.

• Open/shaded - most of the route goes through forest and only towards the hut you leave the forest belt.

• There are no dangerous sections.

 

How to get to Malyovitsa hut?

Start from Mecha Polyana in the direction of the entrance to the Rila National Park, which is marked by a large arch. We enter the forest, through which we drive for almost an hour. The trail is quite rocky and thick-soled shoes are recommended. However, a narrower, but soft dirt trail runs parallel to the main trail. If something doesn't feel comfortable on your feet on the rocks, use it. But keep in mind that if all the weekend hikers are walking on it, you are unlikely to be comfortable.

All the time you are walking along the Malyovishka River, which now moves away, now closer. At one point we cross it on a wide concrete bridge, where the second fountain on this hiking route is. Somewhere there the forest thins and it becomes sunnier, and before long the majestic Malyovitsa Peak appears close by. Apart from the crowds, this is a wonderful place for a hike in the Rila. From here you can continue the hike to the Scary Lake, to the BAK shelter and Mount Orlovets or to Mount Malyovitsa.

 

Malyovitsa hut - Ivan Vazov hut

•  Category:Hiking routes

•  Season: Summer

•  Region:Sofia Region

•  Mountain:Rila

•  Starting point:h. Malyovitsa( 42.188830, 23.374186 )

•  End point:h. Ivan Vazov( 42.189775, 23.283591 )

•  Descent:684 m1995 m - 2679 m

•  Length:12.5 km

•  Duration:6:00 hours

•  Source:Panayot Tolev

 

Detailed route information

After the picturesque ascent of Malyovitsa Peak (2729 m), the hike follows the ridge of the mountain to reach the beautiful Pazardere (Mokritsa) Valley. And by the time you reach it... enjoy the lovely Urdini Lakes on one side and the valley of the Monastery River, where the Rila Monastery is located, on the other. If we divert at the Divide for fifteen minutes before descending to the Ivan Vazov hut, we will find ourselves in front of the magnificence of the Seven Rila Lakes. After all that, how could it not be my favourite?

 

Highlights of the route from Malyovitsa hut to Ivan Vazov hut

The starting point is the Malyovitsa hut, which can only be reached on foot. You shouldn't confuse it with the Malyovitsa hut, which is the closest place with car access. If you are planning to start from the CPS, add 1 hour on top.

The signage is excellent. Follow the red ribbon markings to the Divide, then follow the green ribbon markings to the Ivan Vazov hut. From the top of Malyovitsa onwards there is also winter wheel marking.

Drinking water is available just after Razdela. If necessary, you can use the streams next to Eleni Lake below Malyovitsa Peak.

The terrain is mostly rocky up to Malyovitsa Peak, then mostly soil along the ridge, except around Dodov Peak.

Open/shaded - the route is entirely outdoors.

There is only one dangerous section before Malyovitsa Peak, which would be more of a problem for people with a serious fear of heights. However, in my opinion, it is completely surmountable with careful traversing. Otherwise, there are steeper spots before the ridge where you have to watch out for slipping.

Keep in mind that the snow lingers long and in late spring it may not yet be passable or the level of the Malyovishka River may be too high. If you decide to come in winter, be aware that the valley is avalanche-prone.

 

We can divide the route from Malyovitsa hut to Ivan Vazov hut into three parts:

• From Malyovitsa hut to Malyovitsa peak (2:45 hours)

• From Malyovitsa Peak to the Rila Ridge (2:30 hours)

• From Razdela to Ivan Vazov hut (45 min)

 

From Malyovitsa hut to Malyovitsa peak

The route can be divided into several stages. The first one is from Malyovitsa hut to the so-called Second Terrace. It is the easiest and most picturesque of all and as an end we consider the memorial rock at the fork for the BAK shelter. The second section to Deer Lake is quite tiring as the gradient increases sharply, but it is safe. The third section is up to Malyovitsa Peak, which continues with the same slope up to the ridge. Then there is this section, which is a scramble over a cliff on a relatively narrow path. Care must be taken in this section. Malyovitsa drops off to the right, so shortly after this we have to turn off. The climb up to here is nearly 3 hours.

 

From Malyovitsa Peak to the Divide

The next part of the route is from Malyovitsa to Razdela, where we turn off to Ivan Vazov hut. After the hard climb it is time for a relaxing walk along the ridge of Rila. One of the most pleasant parts of the hike. By far the most beautiful view is on the left, towards the Rila Monastery. The trail is quite flat, even initially sloping down. We reach Dodov Peak (2661 m) after about an hour. From afar it looks more respectable than it actually is. The climb is easy.

After it we turn our gaze to the right. There is the cirque of the Urdini Lakes. All the superlatives about them are true and they are certainly one of the most beautiful places in Rila. According to many, they are even more beautiful than the Seven Rila Lakes. The slope on the route turns again and a new landing section follows to the foot of Damga Peak (2670 m), also known as Vazov Peak.

There is an unmarked trail at the foot before it, which misses it. It joins the route from the Rila Monastery to the Ivan Vazov hut and shortens quite a bit. We take a last look from it at Urdini Lakes and after a short descent we are at the Divide, which you will recognise by the tall pillar with the bells. To the left is our final destination, to the right is Green Ridge and straight ahead are the Seven Rila Lakes. It is about 1:30 from Dodov Peak, 2:30 from Malyovitsa Peak and 5:15 from Malyovitsa Hut.

 

From Razdela to Ivan Vazov hut

From here to the Tear - the uppermost of the Seven Rila Lakes - is 15 minutes. Next to it is Lake Peak, from which all the lakes are visible. In good weather do not miss.

Then you go back to the Razdela and head towards the Ivan Vazov hut, which is visible in the distance. This part of the trail is already green marked. Descend from the Rila ridge into the flat valley of the Dupnitsa Bistritsa river and find a spout somewhere at its headwaters, if needed. When after a long hike you see the final goal and it is downhill, you feel the most relaxed and walking is a song. Even though it looks like it's here, it's nearly 3 km away, so it's a 45 minute hike. But the surroundings are so energizing that time doesn't matter at this point. In the end the total time from Malyovitsa hut to Ivan Vazov hut is just over 6 hours without the detour to the Seven Rila Lakes.

 

Where to after the hike from Malyovitsa hut to Ivan Vazov hut?

Ivan Vazov hut is a crossing point of many hiking trails. This route is suitable for combining into a multi-day hike in the Northwest Rila. The next day you can climb some of the surrounding peaks:

•  Kalinite (Big and Small Kalin)

•  Polichite (Big and Small Polich)

•  Otovik Peak

•  Peak Seimenski kamak

•  The ridge above the Seven Rila Lakes

 

As well as take a descent from Rila in different directions to the nearest settlements or surrounding tourist sites:

•  Return to Malyovitsa on the Green Ridge

•  Seven Rila Lakes and any of the Rila Lakes or Seven Lakes huts

•  Hut Skakavitsa

•  Hut Lovna

•  Chalet Vada

•  Zeleni Preslap locality

•  Rila Monastery

•  Village Bistritsa

•  Village Padala

•  Town of Rila

 

Chalet Chakar Voyvoda:

k.k. Borovets - Chalet Chakar Voyvoda

•  Category:Hiking trails

•  District:Sofia District

•  Mountain:Rila

•  Starting point: resort. Borovets (42.264804, 23.606845)

•  End point:h. Chakar Voyvoda (42.229881, 23.629123)

•  Descent: 605 m 1325 m - 1930 m

•  Length:7.5 km

•  Duration: 2:30 hours

 

Detailed route information

The hike from the Borovets complex to the Chakar Voyvoda hut is quite easy and goes entirely along a wide forest road with a gentle slope. The whole time you walk through the forest. There is water at 2 places on the road and at the hut itself, so we won't worry about it. There are the red markings and signs.

You start at the bottom station of the Sitnyakov lift, bypass the cabin and follow a trail down one slope. This is probably the most challenging part of the route. You get out on the road after a few hundred metres and go left. From here on you can hardly go wrong. There is only one road and it winds through the forest.

Shortly after the halfway point you will find yourself in front of the Sitnyakovo hut, which is owned by Simeon Saxe-Coburgotsky and does not accept tourists. However, you can quench your thirst from the fountain he built in memory of his mother, Queen Joanna. From here you continue straight on and so on until you reach a fork from which you can see the Chakar Voyvoda hut.

 

Chalet Vada:

Where is the Vada hut?

Vada Hut is located in the northwestern Rila, in the Vada area. The hut is positioned on the right bank of the Cherni Iskar River and is part of the popular E-4 route.

Vada hut has an altitude of 1470 m, which makes it one of the relatively low-lying huts in Rila.

 

How to get to Vada hut?

The most popular starting point for the Vada hut is Govedartsi:

•  Govedartsi - Vada hut - 9 km along the asphalt road

 

The walk is relatively easy and pleasant, suitable for families with children or more beginner mountaineers. You can easily reach the village of Govedartsi from the town of Samokov, and then head to the Malyovitsa hiking trail.

Take the detour to the Vada hut from the road Govedartsi - CPS Malyovitsa. You'll spot it easily as it's next to the Ministry of Finance rest station, which is on the opposite side of the road.

Some people prefer to park their vehicles at the turnoff where there is a small parking lot, while others opt for a walk to the lodge.

From the village of Govedartsi you will find a 5 km asphalted road to the Rudaritsa area in a fairly good condition, passable even for a car. The next 4 km, which will take you to the hut, is a broken road.

 

Is it possible to get to Vada hut by car?

Yes, there is a road to Vada Hut, which makes the hut accessible by car. However, as previously mentioned, there are sections in poor condition, and during the snowy winter months the car option remains a back-burner for most hikers.

Routes from Vada hut

If you are planning a longer stay in Rila and want to tour other huts or shelters, you have plenty of choice.

Some of the most popular routes from Vada Hut include:

• Vada Hut - Hunting Hut - 1.00 h

• Hut Vada - Hut Pioneer - 1.30 h

• Chalet Vada - Zeleni rid shelter - 2.30 pm

• Hut Vada - Hut Skakavitsa - 2.30 pm

• Chalet Vada - Chalet Rilski Jezera - 2.30 h

• Hut Vada - Hut Seven Lakes - 3.00 h

• Hut Vada - Hut Malyovitsa - 3.00 h

• Hut Vada - Hut Mechit - 4.45 pm

 

From Hut Vada to the Seven Rila Lakes

Undoubtedly, the Seven Rila Lakes are among the most attractive destinations from Chalet Vada. This fabulous walk is between 2.30pm and 3.00pm depending on your pace and is considered easy and pleasant, suitable for everyone.

The start is on a forest track and the waymarking is good and easy to follow. Be careful because at one point the trail splits into two - the road to Malyovitsa and the road to the Seven Lakes.

The trail will take you to easy and pleasant climbs, with the first hour of the walk being entirely in forest. The next part of the hike is outdoors, with impressive views of Malyovitsa Peak, Zlia Zub Peak, Kamilata Peak,

 

Orlovets Peak and Kupenite Peak.

From here you will continue along the more gentle path to the Divide, from where you can continue to various locations such as Ivan Vazov hut, Malyovitsa hut or the Seven Lakes hut. Choose the path to the lakes and after a while you will have a fabulous view of the lakes, which you can explore from above.

Golechitsa locality - Vada hut - Zekiritsa peak - Vada hut - Golechitsa locality (winter)

 

Detailed information about the route

This winter route ascends Mount Zekiritsa (1743 m) in the Lakatica section of the Rila Mountains, making a circle above Vada Hut. It starts from a turn-off on the way to Malyovitsa and passes through Vada hut. It is highly recommended to snowshoe the ascent. It is possible to go without, but at the cost of many falls and wasting energy.

The most important thing about this winter route to Mt. Zekiritsa.

• The starting point, and therefore the finishing point, of the route is the turnoff for Vada hut on the main road to Malyovitsa, which can be reached by car.

• There is no winter marking. Summer marking is visible only on the way back. There are many roads and trails crossing the route, so you should use the GPS tracker.

• Drinking water is available at the Vada hut, note that you do not pass through it before the climb and if you need to, you need to detour 300-400 metres.

• The terrain is for snowshoeing. There is no need for the use of pickel and crampons.

• Shady/Open - the hike is mostly through forest, with only the vicinity of Mt. Zekirica being open.

• There are no dangerous sections. The only problem is orienteering if you don't have a GPS tracker. From the starting point to Vada hut is 4.25 km in direction. In winter time periodically the Vada hut organizes snow clearing, but it is not sure if you will be able to reach the hut by car every time. If it is cleared, you can save 8.5 km. The hike is almost entirely on snow covered dirt roads. There are many crossings due to the passage of numerous SUVs, ATVs, motorcycles and snowmobiles. It is a good idea to follow the GPS track to be on the safe side.

 

The ascent of Mount Zekirica

The first section of this winter route to Mt. Zekirica is a drive along the above described road, which goes through the forest with a subtle incline. The time it takes to get there depends largely on whether the road has been cleared. If it is - it will probably take you about an hour and a half. If not - it could be two hours and something. The total time of the route is reflected if the road is not cleared.

The ascent of Zekiritsa Peak was made by a turn-off from the road to Vada Hut, which is on the right about 300 m before the hut, i.e. about 4 km from the starting point. It's about 3 km to the top on a moderate slope, which is taken in about 2:30 hours. If the weather is clear - from the top there is a magnificent view of the entire Malyovichi section of Rila.

The descent can be made from the other side, where the slope is identical to that of the ascent. Of course on the snow the descent is much easier than the ascent. However, the slope is such that it is not a steady descent, and in places there are flat sections and even gentle climbs. There is one bigger one before the final descent to the Vada hut. In a few places there are signs pointing in the direction of Hut Lovna and Hut Vada, but so infrequently that it is better not to rely on them. It is about 4 km from Zekiritsa Peak to Vada Hut and takes less than 2 hours.

 

Mechit hut:

Where is hut Mechit located?

Hut Mechit has an altitude of 1751 m and is located in the north-western Rila, Govedarnika area. The hut is situated above the village of Govedartsi, at the foot of Malak Mechit peak.

The hut is positioned in the middle of a pleasant meadow, surrounded by a beautiful pine forest. It offers a great opportunity for solitude and connecting with nature.

 

How to get to Mechit hut?

The good news is that most of the hikes to Mechit Hut are easy, pleasant and completely achievable even for the more novice hiker.

You can reach the hut in the following ways:

The start of the direct trail to the rest base of the former Telephone Factory (TTT) - 1.30 pm

Village of Govedartsi - 2.00 h

 

The most popular starting point for the Mechit hut is the village of Govedartsi. Here are some more details about the walk.

 

Route Govedartsi village Mechit hut

How to get from Govedartsi to Mechit hut?

If you are planning a hike from the village of Govedartsi to the Mechit hut, the starting point is from the Govedartsi airstrip, which is only a few kilometers from the village. You can park your cars on the track and choose the hike - flat and longer or steeper and shorter.

The long and flat option starts on a wide carriage road, while the shortened hike starts with steep trails to the hut. If you prefer the shorter but more challenging walk, head for the path after the car park, as you'll see the bungalows on your right.

The signpost to Mechit Hut is green, but be aware that it is not on often and it is important to keep a close eye. Shortly after the car park the path will fork - continue left and uphill.

Shortly after the bend you will notice that the road gets steeper. The good news is that the walk is through a coniferous forest, which will provide shade during the warm summer months.

After 30 ticks you'll reach the track, from where you continue up again, where a main dirt road crossing awaits. A slightly flatter section follows and another dirt road crossing, after which you will see a sign and a fork. From here the Mechit Hut is to the right and only 10 minutes away.

 

By car to Mechit hut

And can you get to Mechit Hut by car?

Not by car, only by an all-terrain jeep. There is no asphalt road to Mechit hut. The most convenient option is to leave the cars in the village of Govedartsi and from there enjoy a walking tour through the beautiful greenery of Rila.

 

Routes from Mechit hut

In case you have more time, you can enjoy various hikes and walks to neighboring tourist sites.

Some of the most popular routes from Mechit Hut include:

Neighbouring tourist sites:

• Mechit Hut - Budachki Kamak Peak - 2.30 h

• Hut Mechit - Hovnarsko Locality - 2.30 h

• Hut Mechit - Malyk Mechit Peak - 2.30 h

• Hut Mechit - Peak Big Mechit - 3.00 h

• Chalet Mechit - Malyovitsa - 4.00 h

• Hut Mechit - Rila Monastery "St. Ivan Rilski - 7.00 pm

 

Neighbouring huts and shelters:

• Hut Mechit - Shelter Kobilino Branishte - 4.00 pm

• Hut Mechit - Hut Vada - 4.45 h

• Hut Mechit - Shelter Scary Lake - 5.30 h

• Hut Mechit - Hut Malyovitsa - 7.00 am

• Hut Mechit - Fish Lakes Hut - 8.30 am

 

Zornitsa Eco-trail

Didactic eco-trail "Zornitsa" near the village of Madjare, leading to St. George Chapel - a recreational forest route for the youngest travelers.

The proposed route is extremely easy and can be walked quite calmly and without any panting or trace of fatigue by young families and their unattended little ones.

• The Zornitsa eco-trail is built in the middle of the majestically beautiful Govedarska valley and the whole area is deeply enchanting with beauty and charm;

• The Zornitsa Eco-trail is extremely easy and very pleasant to walk;

• Zornitsa Eco-trail is built in an ecologically clean area, in the middle of centuries-old forests. The air here is clean and fresh even in the heat of summer;

• The Zornitsa eco-trail is not among the most famous eco-trails and routes and is quite peaceful for walks;

• Zornitsa Eco Trail is a didactic recreational children's eco trail and its main idea is to educate teenagers by making them fall in love with the mountains and the forest;

• The entire Zornitsa Eco-Trail (round trip) is most leisurely walked within an hour to an hour and a half, and of course the total time depends heavily on the number and length of breaks you take, the age of the youngest hikers, and the amount of time you take to explore St. George's Chapel;

 

The beginning of the Zornitsa didactic children's eco-trail starts south of the village of Majjare. A dirt but wide road leads to the starting point, which can be walked or driven without problems.

The Govedar valley has an altitude between 1100 and 1260 metres. It was formed during the Quaternary by vertical movements along faults and flexures. Glacial and fluvial overlays can be observed on its floor. The climate is distinctly mountainous with heavy rainfall almost all year round. As can be seen in the photo above, the trail winds through dense old-growth pine forests - ever southwards towards St George's Chapel.

The trail meanders along one side of a small Rila creek, a tributary of the Iskar River, and the other side, with several wooden bridges built over the small stream.

The village is located in the pre-park zone of the Rila National Park, along the Cherni Iskar River. Located in the Govedar valley at 1157 metres above sea level, it has a temperate continental climate with a minimum January temperature of minus 33.6°C and a maximum July temperature of plus 30.3°C. There is snow on average 160 days of the year and in winter the snow cover is over 120 centimetres.

During the Roman Empire, there were mining settlements around the upper tributaries of the Iskar River (Pravy Iskar, Preki Rivers, Lopushnitsa River, Lakatitsa River, etc.) for iron ore and iron mining.

In the area of Nadaritsa there are remains of an ancient settlement dating back to the Roman Empire.

In the localities of Tapankovitsa, Mechkaritsa and Izvoro there are preserved historical monuments - churches, monastery and chapels.

On the ridges of the peaks south of Govedartsi and Majare is preserved Ferdinand's Road, built at the end of the 19th century on the orders of Prince Ferdinand. It was supposed to connect the village of Govedartsi with the Rila Monastery, but it was not completed and only reached Kobilino Branishte. There are several caves around the banks of the above-mentioned rivers whose entrances are still preserved.

 

How to reach the starting point of the Zornitsa eco-trail?

Entering the settlement, continue straight ahead along the main street.

At the fork where the town hall is located, turn left.

You can leave your car at the end of the street where the dirt road begins. You can continue with your vehicle along the dirt road until the wooden building with the Bulgarian flags comes into view on the left.

You should leave your vehicle here and continue your walk along the path.