From Waterfalls to Alpine Lakes: An Expedition Through Bulgaria’s Belasitsa, Pirin & Rila Mountains

On August 24, 2025August 25, 2025 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Hiking & Trekking2 Comments

This summer, we dared to venture beyond Greece’s majestic peaks and into the heart of Bulgaria—a country where nature reveals itself in countless layers. From dense forests alive with birdsong to tumbling waterfalls hidden in deep ravines, from serene alpine lakes reflecting jagged peaks to meadows perfect for wild camping under a canopy of stars, Bulgaria offered us a new chapter in our hiking journey.

Our expedition unfolded gradually, like turning the pages of a mountain storybook: beginning with the refreshing cascades of Belasitsa and its family-friendly trails, pausing for rustic comfort and nights under canvas at Belasitsa Hut, then climbing higher into the granite realm of Pirin with its glacial lakes and ancient pines, before finally descending into the gentle embrace of Rila, home to iconic alpine lakes and tranquil woodland eco-trails. Each step revealed not only new landscapes, but also the unique character and rhythm of Bulgaria’s great mountain ranges.

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A hiker takes in the epic view above the Twin Lake.

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Hiking to Dabitsata Waterfall – Belasitsa Mountains – Bulgaria (family friendly)

On August 16, 2025August 22, 2025 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Hiking & Trekking8 Comments

Our exploration of Bulgaria’s wild beauty has been a journey of cascading wonders. After visiting Kamena Waterfall, Yavornitsa Waterfall, and the charming Klyuch Falls, our quest for the region’s most captivating natural treasures led us to yet another wonderful location, the Dabitsata Waterfall.

Located deep in the lush slopes of the Belasitsa Mountains, Dabitsata is a secluded, fairy-tale spot where emerald moss, cool mountain air, and the sound of rushing water create a serene escape. This was the fourth waterfall we explored in Bulgaria and it offered a completely different atmosphere, tranquil, intimate, and tucked away from the more popular hiking routes.

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Relaxing and Wild Camping at Belasitsa Hut – Belasitsa Mountains – Bulgaria (family friendly)

On August 15, 2025August 22, 2025 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Hiking & Trekking8 Comments

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.

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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.

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Hiking to Klyuch Falls – A Family Friendly Adventure in Bulgaria’s Belasitsa Mountains (Ключки водопади)

On August 13, 2025August 15, 2025 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Hiking & Trekking10 Comments

Our exploration of Bulgaria’s wild beauty has been nothing short of captivating. In recent days, we’ve already stood in awe before the Kamena Waterfall, with its towering 20-meter drop, and wandered through the lush, butterfly-filled paths to reach the tranquil Yavornitsa Waterfall. Each of these hikes revealed a different facet of the Belasitsa Mountains — from dramatic cascades to peaceful forest streams.

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For our third adventure in this remarkable region, we turned our sights toward another waterall: Klyuch Falls. This trail promised something a little different, a series of waterfalls hidden deep within dense forest, reached by a path that is not only scenic but also sprinkled with elements of adventure. From gentle streamside walks to rope-assisted sections and rustic wooden ladders, the Klyuch Falls hike offers a mix of family-friendly accessibility and just enough challenge to keep things exciting.

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Hiking in Yavornitsa Waterfall – Belasitsa Mountains – Bulgaria Яворнишки водопад (family friendly)

On August 12, 2025August 15, 2025 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Hiking & Trekking11 Comments

Following our unforgettable first step into Bulgaria’s great outdoors with the Kamena Waterfall hike, our exploration of the country’s wilderness was far from over. The Belasitsa Mountains still had more secrets to reveal, and just a short drive from Kamena lay another gem waiting to be discovered.

We set our sights on the peaceful village of Yavornitsa, a place where traditional Bulgarian rural life blends seamlessly with the pristine beauty of the surrounding nature. Here, the forested slopes hide yet another cascade — the Yavornitsa Waterfall, also known as the Yavornishki Waterfall.

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While smaller in scale than Kamena, this 7-meter-high waterfall has a charm all its own. The hike leading to it is part of the beautifully themed “Butterflies and Flowers of Belasitsa” trail, inviting visitors to slow down, observe, and truly connect with the natural rhythms of the mountain. And so, with boots laced and curiosity high, we continued our journey into the heart of Belasitsa’s hidden wonders.

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Hiking in Kamena Waterfall – Belasitsa Mountains – Bulgaria Камешнишки водопад (family friendly)

On August 10, 2025August 22, 2025 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Hiking & Trekking23 Comments

Over the past years, Olympus Mountaineering has taken you on countless journeys through the wild heart of Greece. From technical climbing routes on sheer limestone cliffs to multi-day treks in remote alpine landscapes, from serene summer hikes through blooming meadows to demanding winter ascents on ice and snow, we’ve covered nearly every corner of mainland Greece’s majestic mountains.

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These adventures have not only been about reaching summits but also about enjoying the landscapes, cultures, and hidden corners that make each journey unique. And yet, after years of exploration, one fact became clear: we have walked, climbed, and camped in nearly every major mountain range Greece has to offer.