Biking Regions

The main biking destinations are the central and western Rodopi, southern Pirin and northern Rila, and the Central lower hills of Stara Planina, partly also the Danube region.

The Pirin Mountains are the wildest, most picturesque range in Bulgaria with 45 peaks over 2600m, deep valleys, karstic massifs and more than 200 glacial lakes. Partially inscribed in the Unesco Heritage List as a bio reserve for its endemic species and unique eco systems, the Pirin Mountains charms with its rugged beauty. Suitable for biking is the southern part of the mountains, above the town of Gotse Delchev, viewing towards the western Rodopi mountains and the bordering mountain ranges with Greece.

Further north, the Rila Mountains include the highest peak in the Balkan Peninsula – Mussala 2925m. and Bulgaria's greatest Orthodox Sanctuary – the Rila monastery, characterized by magnificent coniferous forests and alpine scenery. The main biking area here is the Lakatishka part of the Rila mountains, which is to the north of the alpine range, lower and milder, with plenty of wild flowers, green meadows, pine woods and great view over the rocky peaks.

Both ranges abut the Rodopi, which are lower, but arguably the loveliest range in Bulgaria, with a mixture of pine forests, crags, highland meadows and villages of stone houses, not to mention the fantastic caves and birdlife around the Trigrad Gorge. Perfect for mountain biking, here are the best developed biking routes, marked 3 to 10 day itineraries.

Stara Planina or the Balkan range is the longest in Bulgaria dividing the country in two parts stretching for over 600km from Serbian border to the Black Sea coast. The hilly terrain between the main ridge and the Danubean plain is called the Pre-Balkan mountains - with nice and peaceful roads, running through small and remote villages, viewing the highest part of the Balkan mountains.

Whilst many people may prefer to book a tour through a specialist operator abroad, it's perfectly possible to arrange adventure and eco-tourism trips through Odysseia-In travel agency in Sofia, Bulgaria. Alternatively, one could hire a guide and create a tailor-made itinerary.