Ruen Peak

Ruen Peak (2,251 meters above seal level) is the highest point in the Osogovo Mountain Range and the fifth-highest peak in Bulgaria.

Starting points for an ascent of Ruen Peak are The Osogovo Shelter (a walk of 3 hours and 50 minutes to the top), The Three Beeches Hotel (3½ hours), or the village of Gyueshevo (3½ hours).

The ascent is gentle, without any precipitous inclines. The peak is also accessible by mountain bike. There are two way stations on the trail – Beg Bunar (which has a spring) and Ruen.

On a clear day, the panoramic views from the peak are impressive. To the north it is possible to make out parts of the western Stara Planina (Central Balkan) Range; to the northeast can be seen the Konyavsko, Lyulin, Vitosha, and Verila Mountains; to the southeast lies the Pirin Range.

Hikers who climb to the very top of Ruen peak can make out the Shar Mountains and the mountains of southern Serbia to the northwest.

Every year, the Osogovo Tourist Association in the city of Kyustendil organizes a hike to the peak with the Ruen Mountaineering Club from the Macedonian city of Kriva Palanka.

The Osogovo Tourist Association can provide further information about hiking trails in the region.