Interesting facts about Pirin mountains, Bansko
Although the second tallest in Bulgaria, there are many curious facts about the Pirin Mountains that are not popular. For example, if we say Orbelus, not Pirin, very few people will know that this is its Thracian name. Besides its beautiful resorts - Bansko, Razlog and Dobrinishte, Pirin has much to boast about. The mountain is 66 km long and is distinguished by its alpine relief - carved, with sharp falls and slopes, in some places even mountain lakes were formed. The name Orbelus means "snow-white mountain" and bears the symbolism, exactly of the raw nature.
Vihren Peak can be climbed from Bansko and with its 2914 meters it is not an easy peak to conquer. Its old name is Eltepe, which means "peak of the storms." The storms have certainly not changed, but after 1942 its name changed. If you are staying at one of the hotels in Bansko you can see the top, like a broken pyramid - the view is not to be missed. If you want not only to see it but also to climb it, it is a good idea to be well prepared. In addition, the second highest peak in Pirin is Kutelo Peak and is only 6 meters lower.
Hikers know saddle Koncheto that even with a rope railing, is a challenge to climb. But the edge is so beautiful and tempting and anyone who is not afraid of high can try. Years ago, when the rope rail was not folded, passing through it was like riding a horse because the gaps on both sides are huge.
Above Banderitsa hut you can see the small cave "The Khan". If you go towards the cave, you will pass three old pines, which are more than 300 years old, so walking in this direction is justified. There are not many places where such vegetation has been preserved over the years. Of course, any activities that can harm nature, such as burning fire and writing names on the bark of trees, are prohibited.
In Pirin you can see also the oldest tree in Bulgaria - Baikusheva mura. It is 1300 years old, making it one of the oldest trees in the world. The diameter of the tree is over 2 meters, so you can't wrap it with your hands.
Undoubtedly, Pirin can surprise with many bizarre shapes. Some of them are the Melnik Pyramids, which consist of Neogene and Quaternary rocks. They impress with their height and their vertical sandy slopes. They were declared a national landmark in 1960.
As you can see, Pirin is a unique mountain. Few people know, but it's actually made of granite in its heart - it has a 62% granite core. Due to its icing, numerous circuses have formed, which are now small lakes with crystalline water. If we haven't surprised you yet, then it's time to mention that Pirin is the place to go if you need quality marble.
The legend of Pirin Mountain
According to the beliefs, God Perun settled to live in the mountains. His beautiful and hardworking sister Iris lived with him. For her was known that she was weaving white sails all winter and that is the reason why the peaks are white. When spring came she would go down the lakes to wash the sails. In one of these lakes, a water ram is thought to live. He did not allow other animals to enter the lake and, as many times as people tried to fish the lake, they never made it. Shortly after the lake was fished, the animals were thrown ashore.
When to visit Pirin?
Throughout the year there is plenty to see in Pirin. If you like skiing or snowboarding, winter is your season to visit Pirin and Bansko. If you want to climb some of the beautiful peaks of the majestic mountain, then summer is best season. Three routes start from Bansko - one to Kresna and two to Janе Sandanski hut. The one to Kresna and the one to Yane Sandanski hut, which goes through the Banderitsa hut and Vihren hut are marked in yellow. The second to Yane Sandanski hut, which goes through the Demyanitsa hut and the Begovica hut is marked with a blue line on the trees.
