Bulgarian Landscape - Vitosha Mountains
Vitosha Mountains 
Rising up directly from the Sofia Plain, the Vitosha Mountains dominate the southern skyline above the Bulgarian capital. It was the Slavs who gave the Vitosha Mountains their current name, supposedly a word of Thracian origin meaning “split in two”, a reference no doubt to the striking profile of the Vitosha Mountains when gazed at from Sofia. Despite its proximity to Sofia, and the continued presence and pressures of man, the Vitosha Mountains are also blessed with a surprisingly rich flora and fauna. |
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Vitosha Mountains Topography 
The Vitosha Mountains are a small massif, some 23 kilometres long and 13 kilometres broad, encompassing a total area of 278 square kilometres. The average altitude of the Vitosha Mountains is 1380 metres, but within its boundaries are 11 summits over 2000 metres. The Vitosha Mountains are separated from five equally compact neighbouring massifs by a series of river valleys and low saddles: the Lyulin mountains to the north-west of the Vladaiyska Saddle (860 metres), the Golo Burdo Mountains to the west of the river Struma, the Lozenska Mountains to the east of the river Iskur, the Plana Mountains to the south-east of the Egulo-Palakariyska Saddle (1195 metres) and the Verila Mountains to the south-west of the Bukapreslapski Pass (1092 metres). Using the Vitosha Mountain’s highest peak Mount Cherni Vruh (2290 metres) as a central hub, the Vitosha Mountains can be subdivided into four distinct sections: North-western Vitosha, Northern Vitosha, Eastern Vitosha and South-western Vitosha.
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Vitosha Mountains Geology 
In geological terms the Vitosha Mountains are a relatively young range. The core of the Vitosha Mountains is formed of syenite, a granitic rock composed of quartz and alkaline feldspars. However, over much of the Vitosha Mountains, this is encased by an even older andesite mantle. On the south-western fringes of the Vitosha Mountains, you can also find interesting karst features such as the caves and springs near the village of Bosnek. One of these caves, Duhlata, is 17.6 kilometres long, and hence the longest cave in Bulgaria. Another of the striking natural features found on the Vitosha Mountains are the so-called “stone rivers”. It was originally assumed that these large groups of boulders were glacial moraines, but recent research suggests that the Vitosha Mountains were in fact never glaciated, and it is now believed that they were simply fashioned by erosion. |
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Vitosha Mountains Weather 
The Vitosha Mountains are sometimes referred to as the barometer of Sofia, but in reality conditions experienced on the mountains themselves can be markedly different from those in the Bulgarian capital. The average annual temperature on the summit of Mount Cherni Vruh is usually only just above freezing, significantly colder than the average annual temperature for the Sofia Plain. However, at certain times of year, notably during the winter months, temperature inversions can take place. This means that whilst walkers and skiers bask in warm sunshine on the Vitosha Mountains, the citizens of Sofia lie shivering below in cold, damp fog. In general, August and July are the warmest months, and January and February the coldest. The average annual precipitation on the Vitosha Mountains is also significantly higher than that experienced in the surrounding plains. June and May are the wettest months, with September and August being the driest. In higher parts of the range, much of the winter precipitation falls as snow, giving a deep covering that lasts an average of 200 days each year. Heaviest snowfalls tend to occur in March. The Vitosha Mountains often experience strong winds. Indeed Mount Cherni Vruh is the second most windy peak in Bulgaria after Mount Murgash in the Balkan Mountains (Stara Planina). Winds generally blow from the west and south-west, though during July and August north-westerlies are quite common. Winter is the most windy period of the year, notable the months of February and March, whilst August and September are typically the calmest. Often the strong winds are accompanied by thick cloud and poor visibility. Again winter is likely to be the most disappointing time of year in this respect. The clearest views are to be had in July, August and September, though the surrounding plains are then likely to be shimmering in a haze of smog and heat. |
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Vitosha Mountains Mountains Vegetation 
Despite their small size, and the continued presence and pressures
Vitosha Mountains still boast an extremely rich and varied flora.
The lowest parts of the Vitosha Mountains, below about 1350 metres,
are clad in mixed broad-leaved forests. Growing beside many of the
hiking trails in this zone are wild strawberry (Fragaria vesca)
and raspberry (Rubus idaeus). Above the oak-hornbeam forests,
you then encounter beech (Fagus sylvatica), a tree which
at higher altitudes, between about 1700 and 1950 metres, is also found
in association with Norway spruce (Picea abies), the dominant
species in the coniferous zone. Higher still, beyond the sparse clumps
of dwarf mountain pine (Pinus mugo), lie the Vitosha Mountain’s
famous peat bogs and sub-alpine pastures. These are home to a wide
range of beautiful moisture-loving plants. Some of the most conspicuous
to look out for along the hiking trails are: marsh marigold (Caltha
palustris), globe flower (Trollius europaeus), grass
of Parnassus (Parnassia palustris) and the beautiful red-flowered
avens Geum coccineum. |
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Vitosha Mountains Fauna 
Pressures from man are increasing on the Vitosha Mountains every year,
and this means that the fauna of the Vitosha Mountains is under considerable
threat. However, despite this fact, a surprising variety of wildlife
still survives on the range. Red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris)
and roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) are the most typical mammals
to be seen, but for those who take the time to look harder, there
are also wild boar (Sus scrofa), wild cat (Felis silvestris)
and even a small number of brown bear (Ursus arctos). Birds
are much more conspicuous with over 100 species having been recorded
on the Vitosha Mountains. The forests shelter nutcracker (Nucifraga
caryocatactes), ring ouzel (Turdus torquatus), hazel
grouse (Bonasa bonasia) and capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus).
However, the latter is now very scarce on the Vitosha Mountains and
struggling to survive in the face of increasing disturbance. Interesting
birds to be seen in higher more open regions include: Balkan horned
lark (Eremophila alpestris balcanica), alpine accentor (Prunella
collaris) and water pipit (Anthus spinoletta). |
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Vitosha Mountains Holidays 
Given its position on the outskirts of the Bulgarian capital Sofia, the Vitosha Mountains attract large numbers of visitors throughout the year. During the winter months , the Vitosha Mountains are one of the main ski-zones in Bulgaria, and is also suitable for snowshoeing holidays. At other times of the year, the Vitosha Mountains have much to offer walkers and naturalists. The opportunities for walking and wildlife holidays in Bulgaria’s Vitosha Mountains are very good. Most visitors come to make day walks on the Vitosha Mountains, but it is also possible to plan a number of two or three day holidays. Balkan Trek organises a number of hotel-based walking and wildlife holidays on the Vitosha Mountains, offering something for every taste and ability. Alternatively, for more adventurous backpackers and independent tourists, one of the best walks in the Vitosha Mountains is the “E4” European Ramblers Trail. This is a pleasant two-day trek that leads north-south right through the heart of the Vitosha Mountains. A detailed description of the trail can be found in the guidebook
'The Mountains of Bulgaria' by Julian Perry.
Wildflower Holiday in the Bulgarian Mountains |