Musala

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Musala (Мусала) is the highest peak in Bulgaria and the entire Balkan Peninsula, standing at 2,925 m (9,596 ft).

The name probably derives from Mus Allah, "the mountain of Allah", being so named during the period when Bulgaria was part of the Ottoman Empire. During the years 1949–1962 the peak was named Stalin after Joseph Stalin.

Musala is situated within the Rila National Park. It is noted for its rich flora, including species such as Macedonian Pine and Bulgarian Fir in the forests on its middle slopes, and fauna; it is one of the easiest places in Europe to see the wallcreeper. All major mountain ranges of Bulgaria can be seen from the top; these include Vitosha to the northwest, Sredna Gora towards the northeast, the Balkan Mountains along most of the northern horizon behind Vitosha and Sredna Gora, the Rhodope Mountains to the southeast, Pirin to the south, Osogovo and Ruy Mountain to the west, and of course Rila.

The easiest climb is by a straightforward footpath from the ski resort of Borovets, 10 km to the north; there is also a Gondola lift from Borovets to the Yastrebets peak at 2,369 m altitude and several mountain chalets. From Yastrebets it is a one hour hike to the Musala chalet (2,430m), from which the ascent to the summit takes another 1.5 to 2 hours via the shelter Everest, the highest mountain hut in Bulgaria. At the summit there is a weather station.

The highest peaks here are Musala 2,925m; Little Musala 2,902m and Irechek 2,852m.

Three of the main rivers of Bulgaria, the Iskar, Maritsa and Mesta have their sources near Musala.

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Last updated on Monday March 03, 2008 at 02:22:09 PST (GMT -0800)
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