Balkan Legends

The Balkan Mountain Range (Stara Planina) stretches across Bulgaria from the western border to the Black Sea coast. It’s the birthplace of renowned writers, freedom fighters, master craftsmen, and the scene of pivotal historic events. Having grown up in its lush beech forests and flowering meadows, we know its secret places, stories, and legends intimately. On our bikes, we’ll ride alpine paths, teasing singletrack, and ridge roads along the southern and northern slopes, as well as the main crest of the Central Balkan Mountains. Along the way, we’ll pass historic sites that bring tales of past ages and their heroes to life. This is a tour full of adventure – where we can write our own trail legends.

Day 1. Arrival in the Rose valley

Arrival in Sofia, airport pick-up, and transfer to the Buzludzha area on the main ridge. Check-in, bike check, welcome get-together, dinner, and tour briefing.

Day 2. Uzana area

35 km, ↑ 1000 m, ↓ 1800 m

We ride trails and forest roads toward Shipka Pass – a key historic site where a grand stone monument commemorates Bulgaria’s fight for independence against the Ottomans. From the top, enjoy sweeping views over the Balkan ridge, Danubian Plain, and Kazanlak Rose Valley. We continue on a mix of trails and dirt roads to the Uzana area – the geographical center of Bulgaria. After a short break, we head to Ispolin Peak (1523). Diverse trails lead us down into the “Valley of the Thracian Kings.” We visit a Thracian tomb and ride to the hotel.

Day 3. Uplift day around Shipka pass and Buzludha

38 km, ↑ 1000 m, ↓ 2300 m

A day packed with trails and fascinating sites – from the monumental remains of Buzludzha, through the peaceful Sokolski Monastery, to the unique open-air Etar Architectural-Ethnographic Complex where old crafts come alive. Enjoy a traditional lunch there. After two days on the area’s best trails, we transfer to the charming town of Sopot.

Day 4. Ambaritsa peak (2166) traverse

25 km, ↑ 950 m, ↓ 1750 m

We start at Sopot lift station – the chairlift takes us to 1,400 m. We push for a while and ride to Dobrila Hut, then with some hike-a-bike we reach the summit. Ambaritsa Peak (2196) rewards us with stunning views over the highest part of the Balkan Mountains. The northern descent is one of the country’s finest – 11 km and 1,550 vertical meters of pure joy. In the valley, cool off in the Cherni Osam River. Afternoon visit to Troyan Monastery – Bulgaria’s third-largest. Evening traditional dinner with regional recipes in Oreshak village.

Day 5. Along the Edge of the Balkan – Sakaritsa

28 km, ↑ 800 m, ↓ 1800 m

The day starts with a shuttle to Beklemeto Pass (1525) – the highest road pass in the Balkan Mountains. We ride panoramic double and singletrack along the main ridge to Dobrila Hut for lunch. Then traverse over an hour to Sakaritsa Peak (1731 m). An epic trail descent follows, ending in Karlovo. Transfer to the charming Kalofer town in the foothills of Botev Peak (2376).

Day 6. Botev peak (2376) traverse

49 km, ↑ 2050 m, ↓ 2050 m (we can use 4×4 shuttle to reduce the climb)

An unforgettable epic day – long but steady climb, variable and playful trails from the dome of Botev Peak (2376), the highest in the Balkan Mountains. Stunning 360° panoramas await and a very long descend. Evening barbecue in the garden, sharing the day’s emotions.

Day 7. Last rides and departure

Transfer to Sofia. En route, optional short ride in Zlatitsa (Golden dust bike trails), Lokorsko near Sofia, or Vitosha Mountain – depending on time and energy. Departure.

Optional Extra Day

Add a full session in Zlatitsa (Golden dust bike trails), Lokorsko or Vitosha for more lift-assisted fun and flow.