Rudina Mountain 2026

Friday was forecast to be very sunny and warm and we decided that it was time for one of our favourite double hikes in the Kraishte region - Rudina mountain and Pchelina dam.

We drove to the village of Sirishtnik first and climbed the peak of Rudina mountain along the well maintained eco-trail, called "A view to nine mountains". The day was truly sunny and warm, but the wind was quite strong. 

It was a work day and the trail was completely deserted, as we like them.

Me-made items, worn on this hike:

 

I: lingerie, Sinclair blouse, knitted legwarmers

Husband: men's boxers, Burda cargo pants, Burda blouse, Burda hoodie

 

The trail is very steep, but fairly short - only 4 km, so it took us less than an hour and a half to get to the top.

Hike info:

Date: 02 October 2026

Destination: Sirishtnishka Rudina (1172 m)

Mountain: Rudina

Total length: 8 km

Elevation gain: 480 m

Total duration (plus picnic and rests): 3 hours

Average difficulty:  4 / 10

 

The numerous mountains of Kraishte, as seen from the peak

We stayed on the peak only for a few minutes and immediately started back down the trail.

For our picnic we had chosen a nice bench along the trail, with this breathtaking view to Rila and Pchelina dam. And yes, we took our time to enjoy our tortillas and beers, soaking in the picturesque landscape.

A curious frog, lazily basking in the autumn sun by the chapel