Hiking the Beli Iskar Eco-Trail – Rila Mountain, Bulgaria (family friendly)

After completing one of the most iconic hikes in Bulgaria — the Seven Rila Lakes hike — it was time to explore another gem hidden in the heart of Rila Mountain: the Beli Iskar Eco-Trail. Unlike the high alpine hike to the glacial lakes, this trail offers a more family-friendly, forested route that follows the Beli Iskar River through a valley of dramatic cliffs, dense pine forests, and a series of charming wooden bridges.

The eco-trail is less demanding but equally rewarding, making it the perfect continuation of a hiking trip in Rila for those looking to enjoy nature in a calmer and more accessible way.

▶ Listen to this Post Now

Wooden information boards with maps and trail details along the Beli Iskar Eco Trail. — Trail information boards introduce the route, natural highlights, and safety guidelines.

How to Reach Beli Iskar Eco-Trail

The starting point of the Beli Iskar Eco-Trail is located near the small village of Beli Iskar, just a short drive from Bulgaria’s popular mountain resort Borovets and about 70 km from Sofia.

From Sofia: Take the A3 motorway (Struma) towards Samokov, then continue on the road leading to Borovets. Before reaching Borovets, you’ll find signs leading towards the village of Beli Iskar. The trailhead is about 6 km from the village itself.
From Borovets: The eco-trail can be reached in 15–20 minutes by car, following the road down towards Beli Iskar.

Hiking the Beli Iskar Eco-Trail – Section 1

The hike begins gently at the trailhead, next to a small hut and parking area. From here, a well-marked path leads into the forest, immediately immersing you in the cool shade of tall pines. The sound of the Beli Iskar River is ever-present, setting the tone for the hike, calm, refreshing, and deeply connected to nature. The first few hundred meters are relatively flat and easy, perfect for warming up and allowing even families with children to enjoy the start without difficulty.

Soon, the path reaches the first bridges, built in rustic wooden style and blending seamlessly with the forest. These crossings provide safe passage over the river, which flows quickly over granite rocks below. One of the most notable early crossings is Bridge No.3 “Dvata Kamuka” (The Two Stones). Its name comes from the large boulders resting in the riverbed, and pausing here gives hikers a chance to admire how the water carves its way through the valley.

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.

After this crossing, the eco-trail continues along the river, alternating between shady paths and small open clearings. Informational boards along the way introduce hikers to the unique flora and fauna of Rila National Park. You’ll learn about the local coniferous trees, small mammals, and the importance of the river ecosystem, making the walk not only scenic but also educational.

Discover More Outdoor Adventures in Bulgaria

By the time you approach Bridge No.4 “Tis”, the landscape opens up a little more, with glimpses of the steep rocky cliffs that frame the valley. The bridge itself is one of the more charming ones along the route, offering a beautiful perspective of the flowing water below. This section of the hike perfectly captures the eco-trail’s balance between forest seclusion and dramatic mountain scenery.

Trailhead information board at the entrance of Beli Iskar Eco Trail in Rila Mountain, Bulgaria. — Starting point of the Beli Iskar Eco Trail with maps and details about the Rila National Park.

Child crossing a wooden bridge surrounded by pine forest on the Beli Iskar Eco Trail. — Wooden bridges offer safe crossings over the Iskar River during the hike.

Mountain river flowing through pine forest along the Beli Iskar Eco Trail in Rila Mountain. — Stunning views of the Iskar River flowing between pine trees and rocky terrain.

Hiker walking through forest trail with no campfire sign along Beli Iskar Eco Trail. — The eco trail passes through pristine forest landscapes where fires are strictly prohibited.

Wooden staircase on the Beli Iskar Eco Trail surrounded by lush greenery. — Wooden staircases make the trail accessible and comfortable for all hikers.

Support the journey — buy me a coffee

Child walking across a wooden bridge with mountain views on the Beli Iskar Eco Trail. — Scenic bridge crossings with views of the surrounding forested mountains.

Mountain stream running through pine forest on the Beli Iskar Eco Trail in Bulgaria. — The eco trail follows the Iskar River, offering countless picturesque viewpoints.

Hiker walking along shaded forest path on the Beli Iskar Eco Trail. — Gentle forest paths make the eco trail perfect for families and children.

Child hiking along rocky path beside the river on the Beli Iskar Eco Trail. — Hiking alongside moss-covered rocks and the river on the eco trail.

Sign for Bridge No.3 “Dvata Kamuka” (The Two Stones) on the Beli Iskar Eco Trail. — Bridge No.3 “Dvata Kamuka” – one of the highlights along the eco trail.

Young hiker crossing a wooden bridge surrounded by tall pines on the Beli Iskar Eco Trail. — Wooden bridge crossing through the dense pine forest of Rila National Park.

Wide dirt path with powerlines running above the Beli Iskar Eco Trail in Bulgaria. — A wider section of the eco trail beneath mountain powerlines.

Wooden bridge crossing the Iskar River with surrounding pine forest on the eco trail. — Scenic wooden bridge over the Iskar River along the trail.

Sign for Bridge No.4 “Tis” with route map on the Beli Iskar Eco Trail. — Bridge No.4 “Tis” is another iconic crossing on the eco trail.

Child walking across a forest bridge on the Beli Iskar Eco Trail. — Wooden bridge crossing shaded by tall pine trees.

Explore all outdoor activities in a convenient list view here

Hiking the Beli Iskar Eco-Trail – Section 2

The second half of the eco-trail gradually becomes more immersive as it winds deeper into the valley. Here, the river grows wilder, tumbling over larger boulders and creating natural pools that sparkle in the dappled sunlight filtering through the trees. The bridges continue to guide hikers across, each one adding variety and a moment to pause for photos or to simply enjoy the alpine freshness of the air.

One of the highlights is Bridge No.5 “Dalgia” (The Long One) — the longest wooden bridge along the eco-trail. Crossing it feels like a small adventure in itself, suspended just above the rushing water, with panoramic views of the forest all around. It is here that many hikers stop to take in the sound of the river, which seems amplified by the natural amphitheater of cliffs and trees.

Beyond “Dalgia,” the path becomes narrower and more intimate, drawing you closer to the riverbanks. The forest thickens once more, and in places, the trail is shaded almost entirely by tall pines. These quiet stretches are some of the most peaceful moments on the eco-trail, ideal for slowing your pace, listening to birdsong, and appreciating the stillness of Rila’s nature.

The final section of the eco-trail continues with a few smaller crossings before looping back toward the starting point. Here, you re-enter open meadows, where the sunlight feels stronger after the shaded forest. Looking back, you’ll remember the bridges, the river, and the ever-present green of the forest — all of which make the Beli Iskar Eco-Trail one of Bulgaria’s most charming and family-friendly hikes.

Educational information board about flora and fauna on the Beli Iskar Eco Trail. — Nature interpretation board about plants and animals in Rila National Park.

Mountain stream flowing over boulders in the forest on the Beli Iskar Eco Trail. — The crystal-clear Iskar River flowing through the forest.

Sign for Bridge No.5 “Dalgia” (The Long One) on the Beli Iskar Eco Trail. — Bridge No.5 “Dalgia” – the longest bridge on the eco trail.

Wooden bridge along the Beli Iskar Eco Trail surrounded by dense forest in Rila Mountain, Bulgaria — A wooden bridge leading into the forest along the Beli Iskar Eco Trail.

Mountain stream with rocks and pine trees on the Beli Iskar Eco Trail — Clear mountain stream flowing through the forest on the Beli Iskar Eco Trail.

Forest hiking trail surrounded by tall pine trees on the Beli Iskar Eco Trail — Walking through the dense pine forest of the Beli Iskar Eco Trail.

Rocky river with mountain backdrop on the Beli Iskar Eco Trail in Bulgaria — A crystal-clear mountain stream flowing through the eco trail in Rila.

Child playing on river rocks at the Beli Iskar Eco Trail, Bulgaria — A young hiker exploring the riverbanks of the Beli Iskar Eco Trail.

Child hiking along a forest path on the Beli Iskar Eco Trail, Bulgaria — Hiking through shaded forest paths along the eco trail.

Trail signpost at Bridge No.6 Bor on the Beli Iskar Eco Trail, Bulgaria — Information sign at Bridge No.6 Bor along the Beli Iskar Eco Trail.

Wooden bridge crossing the Iskar River on the Beli Iskar Eco Trail — Crossing one of the eco trail’s wooden bridges over the Iskar River.

Crossing one of the eco trail’s wooden bridges over the Iskar River.

River view from bridge on the Beli Iskar Eco Trail in Rila Mountain — Looking down at the river from a wooden bridge along the eco trail.

Mountain hut surrounded by pine forest near the entrance of the Beli Iskar Eco Trail in Rila Mountain, Bulgaria. — A small mountain hut

Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email

About Beli Iskar and Rila Mountain

The village of Beli Iskar lies at the foot of Rila Mountain and is known for its authentic alpine charm. The name “Beli Iskar” translates to “White Iskar,” referring to the upper reaches of the Iskar River that runs through the valley.

This part of Rila Mountain is less crowded compared to the Seven Rila Lakes or the Musala Peak area, yet it offers incredible natural beauty. The eco-trail itself is within the boundaries of Rila National Park, the largest national park in Bulgaria and home to vast pine forests, glacial lakes, high peaks, and a diverse range of flora and fauna.

Rila is not only Bulgaria’s highest mountain, with Musala Peak (2,925 m), but also a place of deep cultural and historical importance, hosting the world-famous Rila Monastery. The Beli Iskar Eco-Trail is a great way to experience this mountain’s calmer, greener side.

Support the journey — buy me a coffee

Details of the hike

Location: Beli Iskar (Rila Mountain)
Trail Signs: Yes
Maximum Elevation: 1.201 m.
Minimum Elevation: 1.300 m
Total Distance: 2.1 km
Hiking time: 40 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.