Orlovets, Mountain summit in Rila range, Bulgaria
Orlovets is a mountain summit in the Rila range that rises to 2686 meters, located in the Malyovitsa section and featuring steep granite walls and pegmatite rock formations. The north-facing walls form impressive vertical barriers, while the slopes expose layered geological structures typical of this Alpine region.
German mountaineers Hermann Hund and Toni Wiedemann made the first recorded ascent of the northwest wall in 1935, marking an important milestone in Bulgarian mountaineering history. This early achievement brought attention to the peak and established its reputation as a climbing destination.
The summit functions as a training ground where Bulgarian mountaineers practice and improve their climbing skills on various rock routes. Local climbers of all levels return here regularly to tackle different challenges and build their Alpine experience.
The route begins at the Mecha Polyana parking area near the Central Mountain School and follows marked red trails toward the Elenino Lake area. From there, climbers ascend steep terrain with marked paths, but weather can change rapidly at higher elevations and loose rock requires careful footing.
The south-facing slopes contain multiple channels carved by water and ice that create hazards from rockfall and avalanches throughout the year. The north-facing walls form nearly complete vertical barriers of solid rock that enclose the valley below in a dramatic formation.
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