The Rhodope Mountains

General Features

The Rhodopes resemble the Rila Mountains in their western part. However, as we move eastward, their character changes. The slopes become steeper, while the height of the mountains gradually decreases. Their outlines also become softer and more undulating, giving the landscape a different appearance.

The main spurs of the Rhodopes extend northward as far as the Bulgarian frontier, where they descend sharply into the fertile Maritsa Plain. This contrast between steep slopes and wide plains makes the region very picturesque.

Plateaus and Peaks

Streams flowing from the areas around Adrianople and Haskovo have divided the eastern Rhodopes into many plateaus running from east to west. The watersheds in this region reach about 2,000 metres above sea level Sightseeing Turkey.

Some of the most important peaks in the Rhodopes are:

Sutkia (2,187 m)

Batachki Snezhnik (2,082 m)

Chepelarski Karlik (2,186 m)

These high summits add to the wild beauty of the mountains.

Roads and Communication

Like the Rila Mountains, the Rhodopes do not offer an easy road into Turkey. Instead, the main roads have to wind around the mountains. On the eastern side, they follow the course of the Maritsa River, while on the western side, they follow the Struma Valley. This made travel and trade historically challenging in the region.

The Stara Planina (Balkan Mountains)

Length and Structure

The Stara Planina, also known as the Balkan Mountains, stretches across Bulgaria from the Timok River in the west to the Black Sea in the east. The chain is about 600 kilometres long, with an average width of only 30 kilometres.

Geological studies show that the Stara Planina was formed by horizontal layers of rock pushed upward by pressure from the south. This long chain forms one of the most important natural features of Bulgaria.

Division into Three Parts

Orographically and geologically, the Stara Planina divides into three main sections:

Western Stara Planina – from the Timok River to the Iskar Gorge

Central Stara Planina – from the Iskar Gorge to Demir Kapia

Eastern Stara Planina – stretching to the Black Sea coast

Each part has its own unique landscape and natural importance.

The Western Stara Planina

The western section is flanked on both the north and south by parallel chains of peaks. The northern slopes are the steepest and most imposing.

The highest peak in this part is Midzhur, which rises to 2,165 metres. This region is known for being difficult to access, with rugged terrain and steep valleys.

The only important passes are:

Sveti Nikola Pass (1,302 m)

Petrohan Pass (1,438 m)

These mountain passes have historically served as key routes for crossing the chain, though travel through them has never been easy.

The Rhodope and Stara Planina mountains are two of the most important natural features of Bulgaria. The Rhodopes are known for their plateaus, steep slopes, and high peaks, while the Stara Planina forms a long chain dividing the country into northern and southern regions. Together, these mountains have shaped Bulgaria’s geography, history, and way of life, providing both natural beauty and challenges for communication and development.