Kamen Del 2026

Today was probably the hottest day in the summer we've had so far in Sofia - 34C, and half of Sofia, us including, was on Vitosha, in search of fresh and colder air.

We chose a favourite, though a bit long circuit trail, that we hike almost every year - from Zlatnite mostove to peak Kamen del and then through the plateau and through the northern side of Kamen del back to Zlatnite mostove along the mid-altitude Vitosha circuit.  

Though the temperatures in the forest were much more comfortable than in the city, it was still quite hot, even on the peak.

The big advantage of this round trail, apart from its indisputable beauty, is that it runs for the bigger part through the higher forests and the shadow of the trees was really appreciated on a day like today.

Hike info:

Date: 18 July 2026

Destination: peak Kamen Del (1862 m) along circular trail

Mountain: Vitosha

Total length: 15 km

Elevation gain: 480 m

Total duration (plus picnic and rests): 5 hours

Average difficulty: 4.5 / 10

The plateau 

Peak Ushite, where we climbed in June

Its twin brother - peak Kamen Del

We climbed the peak, had a quick fresh fruit snack here, with a view to the entire city from above, and then continued along the plateau

Me-made items, worn on this hike:

Husband: boxers, Burda cargo pants, Burda red t-shirt, Burda grey T-shirt

I: lingerie, Love Notions Joggers, Love Notions LDT

 

Peak Cherni vruh in the far distance

Petrov krust, mountain lily

Along the northern slopes of peak Kamen del

We had our obligatory tortillas and beers on a beautiful spot, overlooking the city. After a well deserved break, which included picking of some wild blueberries - there were SOO many, but we only picked a few handfuls for a homemade pie, we continued down to the mid-altitude circuit.

The stony desert of Kamen del

Along the mid-altitude circuit, on our way back to Zlatnite mostove

Ushite Peak, Vitosha 2026

 This is our second hike to peak Ushite on Vitosha and it is now in my list of favourite trails. The track starts from Zlatnite mostove - a major hub on Vitosha with trails in all directions, plenty of lodges and a few parking lots. As is our habit, when the weather permits it, we chose a Friday for our hike, as the access to the mountain by car is much easier on work days and the crowds are thinner, which is very noticeable in the summer.

The day was the first after a sequence of rainy days with thunderstorms and the heatwave had not hit yet, so it was pleasantly chill and a bit cloudy. 

The forests in May and June are at their best, IMHO, lush and green, and the rivers are at their fullest. 

Hike info:

Date: 05 June 2026

Destination: peak Ushite (1906 m) along circular trail

Mountain: Vitosha

Total length: 11.6 km

Elevation gain: 516 m

Total duration (plus picnic and rests): 4 and a half hours

Average difficulty: 4 / 10

Once we got to the plateau, we were in the realm of clouds, which breezed by and through us most of the time we spent there. Peak Ushite in the distance at the center of the picture:

The trail to the peak on our maps passed through large boulders and low shrubs. It was a struggle to climb up, it was not marked and we had to free-style it most of the time.

On the peak, which is a pile of enormous boulders without a name plaque - I suppose they will provide it soon, as these are appearing lately on most of the hitherto unmarked peaks on Vitosha.

Me-made items, worn on this hike:

Husband: boxers, Cargo pants, Burda hoodie, Burda T-shirt

I: lingerie, Burda color jeans, Burda raglan blouse

A view to plateau with Cherni Vruh in the distance

Peak Kamen Del across the track - the popular cousin of peak Ushite 

We found a sheltered spot on a couple of rocks, with a glorious view to the plateau, and spent a delightful hour, eating our tortillas and homemade muffins and drinking in the cold beer and the views.

From our lunch place we noticed an alternative trail, much easier and clearly discernible. We'll know for next time, as climbing up boulders is not my favourite pastime (my husband seems to love it, for some inexplicable reason :)  )

And back to Zlatnite along an alternative trail. We passed by Momina skala meadow again and I picked some more fresh nettles and dock leaves. My freezer is getting filled up with the green goodies, while I can still find them young and delicate.

Kominite - Kamen Del 2025

We are enjoying some gorgeous Indian summer weather this week, which is really great, as it coincides with the long weekend around our Independence day and Gaby's short visit to Sofia. 

On Friday, a day before her arrival, we chose to hike along a favourite trail on Vitosha - along the Kominite rock formation to peak Kamen Del and then back down to the car along an alternative trail.

The hike was almost an identical repetition from one we did last year with one major variance -  this year it was a work day and the usually crowded plateau and peak were almost empty and it made such a huge difference!

The weather was very sunny and warm, with very little wind, even on the ridge and at the plateau.

Despite the summer temperatures, autumn is definitely here - the grass is yellow and the berries, especially the raspberries, are all gone.

Peak Kamen Del, definitely one of the most frequented and the most panoramic peak on Vitosha

Me-made items, worn on this hike:

Husband: boxers, Burda cargo pants

I: lingerie, Sabrina Slims III, Central Park cardigan

We here lucky to be able to enjoy the peak for ourselves during our delicious lunch with a view to Sofia. One can never tire of the game Find the Sofia Landmarks, when snacking on Kamen Del - Sofia lies at one's feet like a real life Google map and it is so fun to locate the familiar places from above.

Hike info:

Date: 19 September 2025 

Destination: peak Kamen Del (1862 m) along circular trail

Mountain: Vitosha

Total length: 12.5 km

Elevation gain: 500 m

Total duration (plus picnic and rests): 4 hours

Average difficulty: 4 / 10

On the way to the car we hiked the middle altitude circuit from hut Tintyava to hut Sredetz and from there to Bay Krustyo place, where we had parked the car.

Dragalevska river

The beech forest is still very much green