The Mountains of Southeastern Bulgaria

The Sakar and Strandja Mountains

To the east of the Sasliyka River, and stretching as far as the Maritsa River, rise the Sakar Mountains (854 m) and the Strandja Mountains (1,035 m). These mountain chains, together with smaller ridges, form what the geographer Hochsteiger called the Toundja Group. Though not very high compared to other Bulgarian mountains, they are important in shaping the landscape of southeastern Bulgaria.

The Vitosha and Nearby Ranges

Vitosha Mountain

One of the most famous mountains in Bulgaria is the Vitosha, which rises directly above the plain of Sofia, the country’s capital. Its highest summit, Cherni Vrah (Black Peak), stands at 2,285 metres. Vitosha is not only a symbol of Sofia but also a popular place for hiking, skiing, and recreation Sightseeing Turkey.

Verila Planina

Close to Vitosha lies the Verila Planina (1,419 m). This mountain acts as a natural connection between the Vitosha and the Rila Mountains. It also forms a watershed dividing the rivers Iskar and Struma. On one side of Verila lies the plain of Dupnitsa, and on the other, the plain of Samokov.

The Southwest Border Ranges

Ossogovo Mountain

At the extreme southwest frontier, right on the border with Turkey and North Macedonia, stands the Ossogovo range. Its highest peak, Ruen (Rouen), reaches 2,277 metres. This region is known for its beautiful forests and rich wildlife.

Kraishté and Roui Mountain

Between the plains of Kyustendil and Znepole lies a rugged mountainous area called Kraishté. Some of its peaks are quite high, such as Ouchi (1,927 m). Above the Znepole plain rises the striking Rui Mountain, which reaches 1,706 metres.

Valleys and Ancient Lakes

Throughout southwestern Bulgaria, numerous hills and ridges stretch into the territory of modern-day Serbia. This part of the country is full of deep valleys, which geological studies have shown to be the remains of ancient lakes that dried up long ago. The most notable valleys are those of Sofia, Samokov, Dupnitsa, Kyustendil, Radomir, Pernik, and Znepole. These fertile areas have always been important for farming and settlement.

The Danubian Plain

North of the last peaks of the Stara Planina begins the Danubian Plain, a vast lowland stretching to the Danube River. Many tributary rivers cut across this plain, flowing north into the Danube. The geological structure here is mainly horizontal strata, which makes the land suitable for cultivation. This plain is one of Bulgaria’s richest agricultural zones.

The mountains and plains of southern and northern Bulgaria create a landscape of great variety. From the modest Sakar and Strandja Mountains in the southeast to the high peaks of Vitosha and Ossogovo in the southwest, and finally to the broad Danubian Plain in the north, Bulgaria’s geography combines high ridges, fertile valleys, and wide farmlands. These features have shaped not only the natural beauty of the country but also its history, economy, and culture.