Hiking and walking, mountaineering, wilderness in Rhodope mountains, Atoluka

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Bratsigovo – Atoluka

Highlights:

Hiking and walking through parts of NATURA 2000 network – Zapadni Rodopi, which combines the birds directive: 29 kinds of protected birds, residential or migratory - kingfisher, different kinds of owls, peregrine falcon, golden eagle, buzzard, kestrel. And the habitats directive:18 kinds of protected mammals: bats, mountain goats, wolves, bears.

Great panoramic views

Varied landscape

Abundant wildlife

Summary: We begin our hiking trip from the end of Bratsigovo, heading south. Following paths we reach the village of Rozovo – our gateway to the wildlife of Zapadni Rodopi park. The walk continues to Rozovski vriz – a small tourism resort with many villas. We continue our hike, walking on the paths and dirt roads through forests. Our goal is Atoluka – a still untouched tourism spot in Bulgaria, little known to the foreigners.

Walking and hiking map of the area

View Bratsigovo-Atoluka in a larger map

Location : South Bulgaria, Rhodope mountains

Duration : Day hike

            (click on the pictures below to view each activity)                                      

 Activities :  

 Accommodation: Villa / Bungalow / Family hotel

 Minimum age: 18

Level of fitness : Moderate, with constant ascents

Distance: 6.6 miles (10.7 km), walking on forest paths, asphalt and dirt roads, from 443 m to 1474 m

Shade: Most of the transition is through forests.

Water: Plenty of rivers in the area. Two sources of drinking water – one is next to the old farm complex, the other – just before you enter Rozovski vriz.

Description of the itinerary: For the beginning of the hike, you need to go south from Bratsigovo. After a short ascent of a hill, you will see the asphalt road, which goes to the village of Rozovo. If your water supplies are low, there is drinkable water next to the old farm complex. If you wish, you may hitchhike to Rozovski vriz, and if you prefer to walk – you may follow the short cuts on the hiking map. If you choose to follow the road, this is the fastest way to reach Rozovski vriz – a small tourist resort with many villas and bungalows. From there you may continue your ascend of the lower parts of Rhodope mountains. And we enter the Zapadni Rodopi zone from NATURA 2000. Dangerous animals like wolves and bears are unlikely to be seen here, in this part of the walk. There are several paths and dirt roads through the forests, but the main one is well marked. We finish our hiking and walking trip in Atoluka.