Radomir
2,029 m
Bulgaria, Greece
Also known as Радомир, Σιδηρόπετρα (ή Καλαμπάκα), +1Also known as
Радомир · Σιδηρόπετρα (ή Καλαμπάκα) · Радомир / Σιδηρόπετρα
- Elevation
- 2,029 m
- Prominence
- 1,587 m
- Difficulty
- 2/10
- Hike
- Best Season
- Sep–Oct
- Routes
- 1
Routes
1Sources differ: No technical difficulties, very long day (ridge traverse) (Bulgarian Tourist Union)
The usual Bulgarian approach to the highest summit of Belasitsa: from the Belasitsa hut above Petrich up to the Kongur hut, a former border post, then through forest to the Varshiloto meadow, over Kongur peak (1,951 m) and west for about 5 km along the frontier ridge to Radomir. About 6 hours and 1,300 m up, usually split with a night at Kongur.
Elevation Profile
approximate line- Distance
- 11.9 km
- one way
- Ascent
- +1,465 m
- −132 m lost on the way up
- High Point
- 2,029 m
- Time Up
- 6h 38m
- DIN 33466
- Time Down
- 4h 52m
- DIN 33466 · same way back
The Belasitsa hut (about 720 m) stands on the northern slope of the range above Petrich and can be reached by vehicle; groups usually leave transport there and walk about 2 hours up to the Kongur hut (about 1,280 m), a former border outpost with a cold-water fountain, meadows and picnic tables. Most parties spend the night at Kongur. From the Kongur hut a steep path climbs through forest for about 2 km before the trees thin out, reaching after about 30 minutes the broad meadow of Varshiloto, with benches and a large Bulgarian flag. A well-trodden path, crossing a track several times, continues to Kongur peak (1,951 m), about 2 hours from the hut. Descend the west slope of Kongur on a clear but unwaymarked path to a small widening known as the 'helicopter pad', where it joins a track running just below the ridge. Follow this almost level for about 5 km westwards; a short, steep path then leads in about 30 minutes to the summit, on the Bulgaria–Greece border, with views in all directions including Lake Kerkini. Mlad Planinar gives 4 hours, 9 km and 970 m of ascent from the Kongur hut to the summit; a Bulgarian Tourist Union itinerary allows about 2 hours to Kongur peak and 2½ hours more to Radomir. Return the same way, or continue east along the ridge past Demir Kapia to Tumba and descend to Skrat, a very long day. There is no water on the ridge. Start early to be back in daylight.
Start
Belasitsa hut693 m
- Buses reach Petrich; no public transport to the Belasitsa hut was found
- Parking at the trailhead
Stages
| Day | Stage | km | m ascent | m descent | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Belasitsa hut → Kongur hut | 3.3 | 589 | 0 | 2h 22m |
| 2 | Kongur hut → Radomir | 8.6 | 876 | 132 | 4h 16m |
Waypoints
- Hut: Belasitsa hut693 m
- Hut: Kongur hut1,282 m
Former border post; water fountain
- Feature: Kongur1,948 m
- Summit: Radomir2,029 m
Key Passages
- Forest climb to Varshiloto
- Unwaymarked descent of Kongur's west slope
- Short steep final climb to the summit
Equipment
0/7 packedDownloads
Route confidence 70%Overview
The highest summit of Belasitsa (2,029 m), on the Bulgaria–Greece border above Petrich and Lake Kerkini, and one of Europe's ultra-prominent peaks. A long but non-technical hike from the Kongur hut along the open frontier ridge.
Belasitsa (Greek: Belles or Kerkini) is a fault-block range about 60 km long and 7–9 km wide, shared by Greece, North Macedonia and Bulgaria, with the three borders meeting at Tumba. Radomir, called Sidiropetra or Kalabaka on the Greek side, is its highest point, 9 km south-west of Petrich in Bulgaria and 7 km north of Neochori in Greece. The frontier runs along the crest, so the summit is shared between the two countries. With about 1,590 m of prominence it rises well clear of the surrounding lowlands of the Struma valley and Lake Kerkini.
The northern, Bulgarian side is steep, forested and cut by streams and waterfalls; much of it forms Belasitsa Nature Park. Above the forest the ridge is broad and grassy, with occasional steep drops into ravines on either side. The climate has a strong Mediterranean influence: summers are hot in the valleys, while the crest catches wind and cloud.
The usual approach is from Bulgaria: up to the Kongur hut, a former border post, then over Kongur peak and west along the ridge. It is a long day rather than a difficult one. Approaches also exist from the Greek villages below the south side, but they were not researched in detail here.
Climbing Notes
Plan two days from the Belasitsa hut: about 2 hours up to the Kongur hut on the first day, then about 4–4½ hours from Kongur to the summit (9 km, about 970 m of ascent) and the same back on the second. The final ridge section follows a track and is not technical, but the day is long and exposed to sun and wind, with no water above the Kongur hut; carry 3 litres.
The route runs close to the state border. Carry an identity document, expect border police checks, and notify the Border Police of your route in advance as Bulgarian clubs advise. In winter the ridge carries snow and there are avalanche-prone slopes and ravines on both sides; it is then a serious winter route.
For a longer outing, continue east along the ridge past Demir Kapia to Tumba, where Bulgaria, Greece and North Macedonia meet, and descend to Skrat.
History
Under its old name Kalabak, the summit was renamed Radomir in Bulgarian in 1942 after Tsar Gavril Radomir, who took part in the Battle of Kleidion in these mountains in 1014, a defeat that proved decisive for the fall of the First Bulgarian Empire. In antiquity the range was known to the Greeks as Orbelos. Kongur Glacier on Smith Island in Antarctica is named after the Kongur peak and reserve.
Season
Best Sep–Oct- January: Possible
- February: Possible
- March: Possible
- April: Possible
- May: Good
- June: Best
- July: Good
- August: Good
- September: Best (best window)
- October: Best (best window)
- November: Possible
- December: Possible
- Jan
- Snow; winter experience required
- Feb
- Snow; avalanche-prone slopes
- Mar
- Snow on the ridge
- Apr
- Snow lingering on the crest
- May
- Snow patches high up
- Jun
- Good conditions
- Jul
- Hot; start early and carry plenty of water
- Aug
- Hot; start early
- Sep
- Good conditions
- Oct
- Good conditions; autumn colours
- Nov
- Short days; first snow
- Dec
- Winter conditions
Access & Permits
- Permits
- Border Police notificationRequired
Bulgarian hiking clubs advise notifying the Border Police in advance of your stay and planned route near the state border; carrying an identity document is mandatory and checks are possible.
- Hut Booking
- Belasitsa and Kongur huts: book ahead, especially for groups; Kongur is a popular overnight stop.
- Rules
- Border zone along the Bulgaria–Greece frontier: carry ID and follow instructions from border police
- Belasitsa Nature Park: stay on marked paths
- Getting There
Petrich, Bulgaria (9 km north-east); Neochori, Greece (7 km south)
Thessaloniki (SKG); Sofia (SOF)
- Car: from Petrich to the Belasitsa hut by road
- Buses reach Petrich; no public transport to the huts was found
Hazards
- Weather
- Avalanche
- Remoteness
Huts & Shelters
2- 720 m
Belasitsa hutHut
- 1,280 m
Kongur hutHut