Balkan Range (Stara Planina)
Stara Planina is like a backbone for Bulgaria. It separates the country in two parts, stretching form its western border to the Black sea. The high mountain range stops the strong western winds, thus protecting the southern part of the country from their negative influence. During the centuries Stara Planina has played the role of natural hinder against enemies.
I remember how once I thought that the Balkan range consists mainly of fine hills with grass and as such is of no interest for me. But I also remember the first time, when I saw Rai (Paradise) Chalet and Raiskoto Praskalo -the highest waterfall in Bulgaria. I was so moved by this extraordinary beautiful view, that I thought "This place really deserves its name". Huge meadows, 150m high rocks above and the tiny white line of the waterfall. And it was so quiet and peaceful... Years later I saw the other side of the ridge, which impressed me even more. The endless abyss (There is a special word for these abysses-dzandem) with its numerous waterfalls was a view I had dreamed about. And now it was in front of me, shining on the first day light...
The Balkan range is not only beautiful, but also ferocious! It is notorious for its abrupt weather changes. The extremely strong Western winds may bring dense fog and rain in less then half an hour!

Topography
Stara Planina covers a total area of 11,600 square kilometres, one tenth of Bulgaria's total land mass, and stretches across the country from the Serbian border in the West to the Black Sea in the East. Topographically the Stara Planina can be subdivided into three sections, each composed of individual massifs: Western Stara Planina, Central Stara Planina, and Eastern Stara Planina. Western Stara Planina stretches for 190 kilometres between the Belogradchik Pass and the Zlatitsa Pass, encompassing an area of 4200 kilometres. Most famous and beautiful here is the massif of Vrachanski Balkan. Central Stara Planina stretches for 185 kilometres. Its area is 3400 square kilometres. Here is the highest peak in the range-Mt. Botev (2376 meters). Eastern Stara Planina stretches for 155 kilometres between the Vramik Pass and Cape Emine, encompassing an area of 4000 square kilometres. Its average altitude is only 385 meters, the highest peak is Mt. Bulgarka (1181 meters).

Climate
Running right across Bulgaria from west to east, Stara Planina acts as a climatic barrier, having a profound influence on the climate of the entire country. Not surprisingly, the range itself experiences weather patterns that are extremely variable. Usually the cold and wet western air masses leave a lot of their "burden" here. Thus in Western and Central Stara Planina are measured some of the greatest rainfalls for Bulgaria. The Balkan Range is also notorious for its high winds. Mourgash and Botev peaks are the places with highest average winds in the country. July and August are usually the warmest months and January and February the coldest. Interestingly, autumn tends to be somewhat warmer than spring. September is probably the most settled month in which to visit these mountains. Winter is usually cold, with very severe storms.

Accomodation
Generally the challets in Stara Planina are nice. In most you may buy food and drinks.On the ridge there are a lot of refuges, but some of them are not in good condition. Pitching tents is forbidden, but no one will make a problem if you do that away from the chalets and if you do not light fire. If you intend to sleep on tents, cary good sleeping bags (comfort temperature around 0C), and avoid camping near shepherds (their dogs can be nasty)! Also do not pitch tents in the reserves. This may cause problems not only with rangers but also with bears...

Water
Stara Planina is one of the richest in water mountains in Bulgaria. Here there are numerous waterfalls and rivers. In Stara Planina there are no lakes!
Anyway, if you are about to hike on the main ridge, better carry drinking water.

Nature
Stara Planina has spots of truly untouched nature. This is due to the very difficult approach to them. This has kept them away from the influence of people. Today, most of these spots are declared reserves, in which the best beech (Fagus sylvatica) forests in the country are protected. The number of endangered species that are met only here is very large. These reserves also give protection to the wild life, which is quite varied. Central Stara Planina is one of the main living spots of Brown bear in Bulgaria. They do not attack people, but avoid staying nearby...

Maps
Good maps are those made for european route E8, section Kom-Emine. For Central Balkan most reccomended map is that of Mountain Rescue Service - Troyan. You can buy it in the bigger huts.

NOTE: According to us you should go in Bulgarian mountains with an experienced local mountain guide, who knows well the routes and snow conditions. This will not only give you a possibility to use your time for better runs, but also save you money (guides can negotiate prices with locals better than a foreigner). Guides also can always give good advises for local food, drinks and customs and select best transport and accommodation possibilities.

Momchil Panayotov