Hiking to Baykusheva Mura

After a full day exploring the alpine lakes around Vihren hut, we still had some time and energy left. Instead of heading back straight away, we decided to take a short but rewarding detour to visit Baykusheva Mura, the legendary tree of Pirin. Known as one of the oldest coniferous trees in Bulgaria and the entire Balkans, this towering Bosnian pine is more than 1,300 years old and carries an aura of timelessness that makes the visit a truly special experience.

With the afternoon sun filtering through the pine forest and the wooden pathways guiding us gently upwards, the hike to Baykusheva Mura turned into one of those moments where history, nature, and hiking come together seamlessly.

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Information Board – Starting Point of the trail

How to Reach Baykusheva Mura

The starting point of the hike is located just above Banderitsa Camping area, which itself can be reached by car from Bansko in about 25 minutes. A paved road winds up through the forested slopes of the Pirin Mountains, eventually leading to Vihren Hut, the most popular gateway to Pirin’s high alpine routes.

About 1 km before reaching Vihren Hut, a clearly marked parking area and sign indicate the short trail towards Baykusheva Mura. From there, the path is well-maintained and consists mostly of wooden staircases and bridges, making it accessible even for families with children.

The hike itself is short but engaging, taking no more than 10–15 minutes each way. The trail begins with a steady ascent up wooden staircases, weaving through lush greenery and offering occasional glimpses of the surrounding peaks.

As we climbed, we passed small interpretive boards and memorials dedicated to Bulgarian mountaineers, reminding us that Pirin has long been a mountain of both adventure and reverence. The wooden path eventually levels out before revealing the true highlight of the trail: the massive trunk and sprawling roots of Baykusheva Mura.

Standing next to this ancient tree is a humbling experience. With its deeply furrowed bark, wide-reaching branches, and thick roots gripping the rocky slope, Baykusheva Mura feels like a living monument—an elder of the mountain who has silently witnessed centuries of storms, snow, and human footsteps.

We lingered here for a while, simply admiring the sheer size of the pine and taking in the quiet forest atmosphere. The well-placed wooden platforms allow visitors to approach the tree without disturbing its fragile root system, ensuring that this natural wonder will remain preserved for generations to come.

Hikers ascending wooden stairs on the trail to Baykusheva Mura in Pirin Mountains, Bulgaria. — Beginning the short hike to Baykusheva Mura through wooden stairways and lush Pirin greenery.

Lower cascade of Saint Nicholas Waterfall.

Wooden staircase trail surrounded by pine trees on the way to Baykusheva Mura near Bansko. — Wooden staircases make the short hike accessible for families and children.

Wooden pathway and information board on the trail to Baykusheva Mura in Pirin National Park. — Informational signs along the trail give insights about Pirin and its natural heritage.

Wooden steps guiding hikers on the trail.

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Shaded forest path leading towards the waterfall.

Baykusheva Mura, the 1,300-year-old Bosnian pine tree in Pirin Mountains, Bulgaria. — Baykusheva Mura – the legendary 1,300-year-old pine tree of Pirin.

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Memorial monument along the hiking trail to Baykusheva Mura in Pirin National Park. — A mountain memorial found along the trail to Baykusheva Mura.

Memorial stone with inscriptions dedicated to mountaineers near Baykusheva Mura, Pirin. — Commemorative stone honoring Bulgarian mountaineers in Pirin Mountains.

Wooden staircase leading past ancient pine trees on the way to Baykusheva Mura in Pirin Mountains. — The wooden trail blends naturally with Pirin’s forest environment.

View of wooden hiking pathways to Baykusheva Mura from above in Pirin National Park. — A view over the wooden walkways that lead to Baykusheva Mura.

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About Bansko

Bansko is far more than just a ski resort. Nestled at the foot of the Pirin Mountains, it is a town that beautifully blends history, culture, and nature. The old town charms visitors with its cobbled streets, stone houses, and traditional taverns (mehanas) serving hearty Bulgarian dishes and local wine.

In recent years, Bansko has also become a hub for hikers, climbers, and digital nomads alike, thanks to its strategic location and growing mountain culture.

Child walking along the cobbled street of Bansko old town with Holy Trinity Church tower in the background, Bulgaria. — Walking through Bansko’s old town towards the Holy Trinity Church.

Main pedestrian street in Bansko, Bulgaria, with Pirin Mountain peaks visible in the distance. — The main pedestrian street of Bansko with views of Pirin.

Traditional houses and cobbled street in Bansko old town with Pirin Mountains in the background, Bulgaria. — Bansko old town with Pirin Mountains in the background.

Monument of Paisii Hilendarski in Bansko town square, Bulgaria. — Monument of Paisii Hilendarski in the heart of Bansko.

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Details of the hike

Location: Baykusheva Mura (Pirin Mountain)
Trail Signs: Yes
Maximum Elevation: 1.829 m.
Minimum Elevation: 1.762 m
Total Distance: 0.6 km
Hiking time: 15 minutes
Difficulty: Easy (family friendly)
When to Hike: All year round

Before you leave this blog check out the following map

Below: This map marks all the mountaineering adventures that have been featured on Olympus Mountaineering so far, including several Sport climbing crags – Select full screen to expand, zoom in for more detail, or click on a marker for a link to the post.