Hotel Saint George → Aleko Hut

The first part – towards Vitoshko Lale

At the beginning, the route follows the same trail as the hike from Hotel Saint George to the lower part of the Vitoshko Lale ski slope.

The route passes through the forested slopes above the hotel, by the intermediate station of the Simeonovo lift and Severina Hut. In some places, the trail is rocky and uneven, so sturdy hiking shoes are strongly recommended.

After Severina Hut, the terrain gradually becomes gentler and the route reaches the area at the base of the Vitoshko Lale ski slope.

This is where the easier part of the hike ends.

After Vitoshko Lale, the more serious ascent begins

From the base of Vitoshko Lale, the route continues towards Aleko Hut, and in this section the elevation gain increases again.

The trail begins to gain elevation more noticeably and gradually leaves the lower forested areas. This is where the route becomes significantly more demanding than the hike only to Vitoshko Lale.

It is best to cover this part at a steady pace, with short breaks if needed.

As the altitude increases, the character of the mountain gradually changes, and the feeling becomes quite different from the beginning of the route near the hotel.

Towards the higher parts of Vitosha

Continuing upwards, the route reaches elevations of over 1700 m and gradually approaches the area of Aleko Hut.

Here, you are already in the higher part of Vitosha, where conditions can be significantly different from those around the hotel.

Temperatures are usually lower, the wind can be stronger, and cloud cover and visibility may change relatively quickly.

This is one of the reasons why the route requires better preparation than the shorter walks in the lower part of the mountain.

Aleko Hut

After approximately 6.4 km and around three hours of ascent, the route reaches Aleko Hut, at about 1800 m above sea level.

The area is one of the most popular starting points for hiking in the higher part of Vitosha and offers a good opportunity for a longer rest before the return.

Many routes to other parts of the mountain start from here, including the route to Cherni Vrah.

For this hike, however, Aleko Hut is the natural final point.

After a break, the return to Hotel Saint George follows the same route. Although the way back is mostly downhill, because of the duration and uneven terrain it is best to leave enough time and energy for it as well.

Who the route is suitable for

This hike is suitable for:

• people with good physical preparation;
• hikers with some mountain experience;
• guests who want to dedicate most of the day to hiking;
• people who feel comfortable with a long ascent;
• lovers of longer mountain routes.

With around 780 m of positive elevation gain and nearly 13 km total distance, this route is no longer just an ordinary walk.

We would describe it as moderate to difficult, especially for people without regular physical activity.

What you will see along the route

During the hike, you will pass through:

• the forested slopes above Hotel Saint George;
• rocky mountain sections;
• the intermediate station of the Simeonovo lift;
• Severina Hut;
• the Vitoshko Lale ski slope area;
• a gradual transition from forest to higher mountain terrain;
• the higher part of Vitosha;
• Aleko Hut.

This route shows very well how the mountain changes as the altitude increases.

Useful tips

For this route, we recommend quality hiking shoes, not ordinary sports shoes.

Bring enough water and food for a hike lasting several hours. It is also a good idea to have a windproof or waterproof outer layer, even when the weather around the hotel seems calm.

Allow enough time for the return and do not start the route too late in the day.

In fog, strong wind, thunderstorms or other unfavourable conditions in the higher part of Vitosha, it is wiser to postpone the hike.

Before setting off, check the current forecast and conditions in the mountain.

From the hotel to Aleko Hut on foot

This route shows one of the great advantages of the location of Hotel Saint George.

You can start directly from the hotel at around 1020 m above sea level and reach Aleko Hut at approximately 1800 m on foot, without a car or transfer to the start of the hiking route.

The hike combines forest, rocky trails, the Vitoshko Lale area and the higher parts of the mountain, and is an excellent choice for guests who want to dedicate a whole day to Vitosha.

For the best-prepared hikers, Aleko Hut can also be an intermediate point towards the next major goal — Cherni Vrah.