After a few unforgettable days exploring the hidden gems of the Belasitsa Mountains, I found myself reflecting on just how rich this region is in natural wonders. In the past week, I had hiked to Kamena Waterfall, with its refreshing plunge pool framed by lush greenery, marveled at the serene charm of Yavornitsa Waterfall, and followed the adventurous rope-and-ladder trail to Klyuch Falls. 

---

▶ Listen to this Post Now

---

But this journey wasn’t just about chasing waterfalls. It was also about finding those special places where you can slow down, recharge, and truly connect with the mountain. That’s what brought me to one of the most welcoming spots in the region: the Belasitsa Hut (Хижа Беласица). At 720 meters, surrounded by meadows and forest, it’s the perfect base for hiking, relaxing, and enjoying the peaceful side of the Bulgarian outdoors.

How to Reach Belasitsa Hut from Thessaloniki (Greece)

Reaching Belasitsa Hut (Хижа Беласица) from Thessaloniki is straightforward and takes around 2.5–3 hours by car. From the city, you head north toward the Greek–Bulgarian border at Promachonas. After crossing into Bulgaria, follow the road toward Petrich and then continue to the village of Kolarovo, from where clear signs will guide you to the hut. The final stretch is a scenic mountain road lined with chestnut trees and offering glimpses of the peaks above.

---

About Belasitsa Hut

Belasitsa Hut is a lively meeting point for hikers, families, and nature lovers. The building itself is modernized yet retains the classic alpine hut atmosphere, with comfortable indoor spaces and a wide grassy area in front that’s perfect for picnics, games, or simply soaking in the views.

On one side, a wooden playground keeps younger visitors entertained, while a small outdoor café/restaurant serves hearty Bulgarian meals and cold drinks. Around the hut, you’ll also find shaded picnic tables, an information board about local trails, and a designated camping area for those wanting to sleep under the stars.

---

Support the journey — buy me a coffee

I share these articles and the climbing guidebooks because I love the outdoors, and they’ll always be free. If they’ve helped you, help me keep them coming. Click the button to support my work.

---

---

Explore all outdoor activities in a convenient list view here

---

Activities and Hikes Around Belasitsa Hut

The hut is ideally located for exploring the Belasitsa Mountains. From here, you can set out on multiple marked trails — some leading to panoramic viewpoints along the ridge, others descending into forested valleys. The Kongur Peak trail is a popular challenge for experienced hikers, while shorter routes offer access to chestnut groves, meadows, and streams alive with bird calls.

If hiking isn’t on your agenda, the hut is still a great spot to simply enjoy nature. The large grassy lawn is perfect for relaxing, reading, or enjoying a picnic, and the clean mountain air is a treat in itself.

Below are five of the best hikes that start right from the hut’s doorstep:

• Kongur Peak (1,951 m) – The highest Bulgarian summit in Belasitsa, offering sweeping views across Bulgaria, Greece, and Skopje. A challenging full-day hike with significant elevation gain, best tackled by experienced hikers.
• Tumba Peak (1,880 m) – The tri-border point where Bulgaria, Greece, and Skopje meet. A rewarding hike that combines open ridge walking with spectacular border views.
• Kongur–Tumba Ridge Traverse – For seasoned hikers, this ridge walk connects two major peaks, providing an unforgettable experience of Belasitsa’s spine and unmatched vistas.
• Chestnut Forest Eco-Trail – A shorter, family-friendly loop that immerses you in one of the largest common chestnut forests in Bulgaria. Best visited in autumn when the trees are heavy with fruit.
• Lower Waterfall Trail – A pleasant and relatively easy route to a nearby hidden cascade, perfect for cooling off on a warm summer day and ideal for photographers.

In addition to hiking, the hut’s open meadow and surrounding woodland make it a great base for birdwatching, nature photography, or simply unwinding with a picnic while the kids enjoy the playground.

---

Wild Camping and Meeting Fellow Adventurers

One of the most memorable moments during our visit to Belasitsa Hut was the opportunity to wild camp in the hut’s designated camping zone,  a peaceful patch of forest just a short walk from the main building. We pitched our Sierra Designs Flash Tent beneath the towering canopy of chestnut and beech trees, their leaves whispering softly in the evening breeze. As night fell, the forest came alive with the gentle chorus of crickets, the occasional rustle of wildlife, and the distant murmur of the mountain streams, nature’s own soundtrack for a perfect night outdoors.

But what truly elevated the experience was the human connection. We crossed paths with wonderful people who, despite being strangers just hours before, felt like old friends. Among them was Desi, a warm, charismatic soul who shared not only her stories of life and business but also invaluable insider tips for exploring Sofia, which became a highlight of our later travels.

---

---

About Belasitsa Mountains

Kamena Waterfall lies within Belasitsa Nature Park, a pristine region covering 117 km² on the northern slopes of the Belasitsa Mountain range. The park borders North Macedonia to the west and Greece to the south, creating a unique crossroads of cultures and ecosystems.

Declared Bulgaria’s newest nature park in 2007, Belasitsa boasts around 1,500 plant species, including rare and protected ones like common chestnut, European holly, and Albanian lily. The region is also home to a rich variety of wildlife, from woodpeckers and warblers to small mammals and amphibians.

Hiking in Belasitsa offers a blend of biodiversity, well-preserved forests, and breathtaking mountain views. Beyond waterfalls, the park’s trails reveal chestnut groves, ancient beech forests, and panoramic viewpoints that stretch across three countries.

---