Vitosha

The Vitosha Mountains lies on the southern outskirts of Sofia.

Vitosha seen from Sofia

The Vitosha Mountain [' vitoʃa ] (also written Vitosha, Bulgarian Витоша ) rises on the outskirts of Sofia in Bulgaria. It occupies an area of 278 km ² and is divided into four main sections. With 2,290 meters of Cherni Wrach ( Черни връх - literally: Black Peak ) is the highest peak.

Location

The mountain lies to the south of Sofia. The foothills extend to the Sofia ring road, so far as the suburbs. The mountain silhouette defines the overall cityscape of the capital. Vitosha Mountain is a popular destination not only the capital city but also by many walkers and tourists. It offers a good panoramic view of Sofia and a distant view to the Rila Mountains, 60 km away. Sometimes the view extends even to the northern Balkan Mountains ( about 50 km). The highest peak is located on a treeless barren rocky plateau with dimensions of approximately 2 × 2 km. The actual summit is only a relatively small hill on this plateau dar. In the northern section the Slatni Mostowe lie ( Golden Bridges ), Knjashevo, Simeonovo. In the east, the Plana Mountains joins up with the mountains Resnjovete and Goljam Kupen, the nature reserve Bistrischko branishte and with the winter resort Aleko.

In the Southwest section, there are at the foot of the southwest side near the village Bosnek ( Bulgarian Боснек ) an entrance to the cave system Duchlata ( Bulgarian Духлата ). With its 17,600 meters total length it is the longest cave in Bulgaria. The cave system is not yet fully understood, it is believed that it runs through the entire mountain and also has an entrance on the north side. Such is, however, not yet been discovered. The north- western section adjacent to the Lyulin Mountains.

From the south side is derived ( at the sources of the Struma River ) drinking water for the capital.

The basic form of the Vitosha Mountain is almost circular, with a diameter of about 15 km.

History and Origin of the name

The mountain was named by the first settlers Skomios, Skopios or Skombros. This name comes from the Greek, meaning " sharp, steep mountains". The name Vitosha appear until the 11th century for the first time in a document. Not entirely clear is the name of origin, a version comes from an ancient Greek term " two-part " and means " dividing " the mountains. The second, more probable version sets based on the derivation of a person named Vitosch.

National park

The Vitosha Nature Park established in 1934 covers about 27 079 hectares, which is 90 percent of the mountain area. Within the park there are nature reserves Uschite ( the tubes) and Tschernata scale (the black rock), ranging up to the summit Cherni Vrach, one of which was declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Since 1935 is located on the highest peak and a weather station.

Although the mountain range is extensively used as a recreational area, it is home to more than 2,700 plant and animal species, more than any other European mountains. As trees here especially the pines have settled after the previously existing forest was destroyed by the people.

As a natural wonder, the karst spring "living water " ( Shivata Voda ) and the " stone rivers " are: elongated boulder fields of up to 4 meters wide, smooth cliffs that are formed by the weathering. The longest of these rivers Stone - Slatni Mostowe ( Golden Bridges ) - is 2 km long and 50 m wide. The diversity of nature is complemented by high moors and waterfalls.

Tourism

The winter with snow and ice here keeps much longer than in the Sofia plain, there are differences in temperature of almost 20 degrees Celsius measured. Therefore, the Vitosha Mountain serves as a winter sports area. Because of these good conditions Sofia ran with the Witoscharegion as already hosted the Winter Olympic Games. In the summer it is used for long walks, mountain climbing or down-hill bike tours. Occasionally use hang gliders Vitosha Mountain. The descent from Cherni Wrach up to the foothills towards Sofia takes about 4 hours. Until the city center is then a further 3 hours walk.

Summit

The highest peak of Vitosha Mountain are:

  • Cherni Wrach - 2290 m;
  • Goljam Resen - 2277 m;
  • Skoparnik - 2226 m;
  • Besimenen ( in German: The Nameless ) - 2208 m;
  • Kupena - 2196 m;
  • Malak Resen - 2182m;
  • Jarlowski Kupen - 2173 m;
  • Goljam Kutor - 2113 m;
  • Samara - 2108 m;
  • Lawtscheto - 2052 m;
  • Selimitsa - 2041 m;
  • Siwa Gramada - 2003 m;
  • Siwa Gramada - 2003 m;
  • Goljam Kupen - 1930 m;
  • Uschite - 1906 m;
  • Tschernata scale - 1869 m;
  • Kamen del - 1862 m.

There are some other peaks that are over 2000 m high, but have no name.

Refuges

  • Aleko mountain hut (1810 m)
  • Mountain hut Kumata ( 1725 m)
Struma (river)
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