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Raysko Praskalo and Botev

The highest waterfall in the Balkans, on the way to the highest point of the Balkan range.

Raysko Praskalo and Botev
Photo: Vislupus · CC BY-SA 4.0
Mountain
Stara Planina
Elevation
2,376 m
Time
7-8 hours
Difficulty
Hard
Best months
JanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Coordinates
42.71670, 24.91670
Show on the mapDirections in Google Maps

About this place

Raysko Praskalo falls about 124 metres off the Botev massif, which makes it the highest waterfall on the peninsula. It is fed by snowmelt, so it is spectacular in June and can be a trickle by late August — the timing matters more here than at most places.

The walk starts at Kalofer and climbs through the Central Balkan National Park to Rai hut, then on past the falls and up to Botev at 2,376 metres. It is a long day with a serious climb at the end, and the summit carries a weather station and a microclimate to match: the wind on Botev is frequently the strongest recorded in the country.

This is also the historical heart of Bulgaria. The peak is named for Hristo Botev, the poet and revolutionary killed nearby in 1876, and Kalofer below is his birthplace. Walking up here on the second of June, when the whole country stops for the sirens at noon, is a different experience from walking up here on any other day.

When to go

At its best in June, July, August and September.

May to October on the main ridge. The Kom to Emine traverse, roughly 600 km, takes most people 20 to 25 days and is usually walked from late June. Winter on the high central section is a serious undertaking with full winter equipment.

Getting there

The range runs some 550 km, so there is no single entrance. Kalofer and Karlovo serve the Botev massif and are on the Sofia to Burgas railway. Etropole and Teteven open the western section, Kotel and Sliven the east.

Water

Variable and the main planning problem on the traverse. Long sections of the ridge are dry, particularly in the east in late summer. Plan hut to hut and carry more than feels necessary.

What to watch out for

  • The north face of Botev is steep and holds snow late. The summit carries a weather station and its own microclimate, and the wind there is frequently the strongest in the country.
  • Fog on the open ridge, where marking can be sparse between huts and there is little to navigate by.

Weather at this elevation

Weather at this elevation

Reading the forecast

Quick answers

How long do you need for Raysko Praskalo and Botev?

Plan on 7–8 hours for Raysko Praskalo and Botev. The difficulty is hard.

When is the best time to go to Raysko Praskalo and Botev?

Raysko Praskalo and Botev is at its best in June, July, August and September.

Where is Raysko Praskalo and Botev?

Raysko Praskalo and Botev is in Stara Planina, Bulgaria, at 2,376 m. Coordinates: 42.7167, 24.9167.