Young hiker standing at the base of Anthochori Waterfall, Agrafa, Greece

Hiking to Anthochori Waterfall – Agrafa Mountains, Lake Plastira, Greece

On August 25, 2025August 25, 2025 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Hiking & Trekking7 Comments

Having explored the wild beauty of the Agrafa Mountains several times before, I’ve come to appreciate this remote and rugged corner of Greece for its untouched charm. From hiking to Plastira Lake, exploring the mountain peaks of Svoni, Pouli, Papadimitri, Voutsikaki, Five Towers, every route in Agrafa has left me with a sense of awe.

This time, I returned to Agrafa to visit a place that perfectly combines accessibility with natural beauty: the Anthochori Waterfall, located just outside Anthochori village in Karditsa. Unlike the more demanding routes in Agrafa , this short hike is family-friendly and ideal for anyone who wants to immerse themselves in the region’s nature without venturing too deep into the wilderness.

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Hiking map of Agrafa trails network at Anthochori village, Karditsa, Greece — The Agrafa Trails Network map in Anthochori, showing the route to Anthochori Waterfall.

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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 the Seven Rila Lakes – A Complete Guide to Bulgaria’s Most Famous Alpine Hike

On August 22, 2025August 22, 2025 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Hiking & Trekking7 Comments

One of the hikes that had been on our bucket list since the very beginning of our travels in Bulgaria was without a doubt the legendary Seven Rila Lakes hike. These glacier-carved lakes, scattered like a string of pearls in the heart of Rila Mountain, are not just a natural wonder, they are a symbol of Bulgarian nature, spirituality, and alpine beauty.

After exploring Pirin and Rhodope, it was finally time to lace up our boots and head to Rila National Park. The Seven Lakes hike promised everything we love in a trail: alpine meadows, crystal-clear waters, rugged mountain scenery, and the chance to experience one of the most iconic landscapes in the Balkans.

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Kidney Lake at Seven Rila Lakes, Bulgaria. — The iconic Kidney Lake – the most photographed of the Seven Rila Lakes.

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oritsa Waterfall cascading 39 meters down the cliffs in Rila Mountain, Bulgaria.

Hiking to Goritsa Waterfall (Ovcharchenski Vodopad) – Rila Mountain, Bulgaria (family friendly)

On August 21, 2025August 22, 2025 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Hiking & Trekking2 Comments

After spending some wonderful days exploring the dramatic alpine landscapes of Pirin Mountain, we moved further north to discover another jewel of Bulgaria’s highlands – Rila Mountain. Our first stop was the famous Goritsa Waterfall, also known as Ovcharchenski Vodopad, a 39-meter cascade hidden in the lush northern foothills of Rila, near the village of Ovchartsi.

This eco-trail offers not only a refreshing walk through shady pine forests but also a glimpse into local traditions, history, and legends that give this waterfall its unique character.

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Main cascade of Saint Nicholas Waterfall surrounded by mossy cliffs near Bansko, Bulgaria.

Hiking to Saint Nicholas Waterfall – A Family Friendly Adventure Near Bansko, Bulgaria

On August 20, 2025August 22, 2025 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Hiking & Trekking3 Comments

After spending two incredible days high in the alpine zone of Pirin Mountain, surrounded by jagged peaks and pristine alpine lakes, we decided to descend back into the valley and visit the charming town of Bansko. Known as one of Bulgaria’s most vibrant mountain towns, Bansko also serves as a gateway to many hidden natural wonders. Just a short drive from the town lies Saint Nicholas Waterfall (Vodopad Sv. Nikola), a tranquil oasis tucked into the forest, offering a refreshing escape and a glimpse into the raw beauty of Pirin’s foothills.

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Sign on a tree showing the way to Saint Nicholas Waterfall near Bansko, Bulgaria. — Trail sign pointing the way to Saint Nicholas Waterfall near Bansko.

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Hiking to Baykusheva Mura – Discovering Pirin’s Ancient Pine Giant – Bulgaria (family friendly)

On August 19, 2025August 22, 2025 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Hiking & Trekking7 Comments

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

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Hiking the Banderishki Lakes: From Vihren Mountain Hut to Fish Banderishko and Frog Lake in Pirin Mountain, Bulgaria

On August 18, 2025August 22, 2025 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Hiking & Trekking8 Comments

After spending few days wandering through the beautiful waterfalls and peaceful forests of the Belasitsa Mountains, it was time for a change of scenery. This time, we decided to head north, leaving behind the rolling green hills and entering the rugged world of Pirin Mountain.

Our destination: the Vihren Mountain Hut (хижа Вихрен) and the famous Banderishki Lakes, a cluster of glacial lakes nestled in a high alpine cirque. The plan for the day was a relatively easy but incredibly rewarding hike, from Vihren Hut to Fish Banderishko Lake (Рибно Бъндеришко езеро) and then further up to the smaller but equally charming Frog Lake (Жабешко езеро).

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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.