Bulgaria – Musala (2,925 m)
🕒 Summit at 11:03
📍 Coordinates: 42°10′47″N, 23°35′12″E
🗺️ Route: Borovets – Yastrebets (by cable car) – Musala Hut – Musala Summit – Return
🚗 Transport to region: 384 km total
• 384 km drive Prionia (Greece) → Borovets (Bulgaria)
💤 Accommodation: Slept in the car at Borovets parking area
🌤️ Conditions: Perfect weather — clear skies, cool breeze, and sunshine all day
🚗 From the throne of Zeus to the top of the Balkans
After the demanding climb of Mount Olympus, I was completely drained, physically and mentally. Still, I packed my gear, crossed the border, and drove 384 kilometres north to Borovets, Bulgaria. I arrived late at night, parked near the cable car station, and slept in the car. The air was cold, the stars bright, and I felt both exhausted and content, Olympus was behind me, but another legendary summit awaited at dawn.
🏔️ The climb
I took the first cable car to Yastrebets, which skips a long forest section and gives direct access to the alpine trails. At 09:20, I started walking. The morning was perfect: clear skies, crisp air, and a lively atmosphere with hikers from all over Europe.
The path climbed steadily past Musala Hut and then over rocky slopes toward the upper lakes. Despite being tired from Olympus, my pace was strong. I stayed focused, steady, and surprisingly relaxed, enjoying every step of the Rila Mountains’ silence and light.
I reached the summit of Musala at 11:03, standing on Bulgaria’s highest point under a flawless blue sky. The panorama was spectacular, layers of ridges fading into the horizon, the deep turquoise lakes far below. I met a few friendly hikers on top, exchanged a few stories and smiles, and just soaked in the calm.
🧘 The quiet descent
After a short rest, I started descending, reaching the car around 13:00. The descent was quick and smooth, carried by the sense of rhythm that only comes when fatigue and peace balance each other perfectly.
💭 Reflection
Musala was a beautiful surprise, not as extreme or dramatic as Olympus, but equally powerful in its simplicity. I was tired, yes, but also deeply present. Standing there, I realised how far I had come, from the Atlantic to the Aegean, and now at the top of the Balkans.
A quick climb, a quiet mountain, and a clear reminder: sometimes, the best moments come when you have just enough energy left to still feel grateful.
📅 Date: 4 September 2025
