“A Walk in the Park” or the Orcevo Adventure

One cold Saturday morning in mid-January, fifteen friends and I set off on an unforgettable adventure in the Rhodope Mountains. Our journey began at Septemvri train station, where we caught the famous narrow-gauge train, one of the most scenic railway routes in Bulgaria. This small train moves slowly through the mountains, offering stunning winter views along the way. As we sat inside, we could see snow-covered forests, small villages, and frozen rivers passing by. The cozy atmosphere inside the train, mixed with the breathtaking scenery outside, made the journey feel magical.

After a few hours, we arrived at Avramovo station, the highest railway station in the Balkans, standing at 1,267 meters above sea level. The air was crisp, fresh, and cold, but the excitement kept us warm. We stepped off the train into a winter wonderland. The ground was covered in deep, untouched snow, and the silence of the mountains created a peaceful atmosphere. This was where our real adventure began!

From Avramovo, we started our hike towards Orcevo village, one of the highest villages in Bulgaria, located at an altitude of 1,550 meters. The path was not easy—there was a lot of snow, making each step a challenge. At some points, the snow was knee-deep, and we had to make our own trail. However, the effort was worth it! Along the way, we took short breaks to catch our breath and admire the spectacular views of Rila Mountain. The white peaks in the distance, the endless forests, and the golden glow of the winter sun created an unforgettable sight. We laughed, took photos, and enjoyed the quiet beauty of nature.

Since we were a big group and the snow made walking difficult, we arrived in Orcevo after dark. The village was quiet, and the warm lights from the houses welcomed us. The sense of remoteness and tranquility was incredible. It felt like stepping back in time, where life moves slowly, and nature is in control. We stayed in two cozy guesthouses, where the friendly hosts welcomed us with open arms. The best part of the evening was the delicious homemade food—freshly baked bread, warm bean soup, grilled meats, and the famous Rhodope patatnik, a traditional potato-based dish. Sitting around the table, sharing stories, and enjoying the hospitality made us feel at home.

The next morning, after a hearty breakfast, we split into two groups. Eleven of us took jeeps to Belitsa, while four of us decided to continue the adventure on foot. The second group walked through deep, untouched snow towards Smolevo village. It was a challenging but exciting trek, as the snow was fresh and no one had walked this route before. At times, we had to guess our way, following only the natural contours of the landscape. The silence of the forest, interrupted only by the crunching of our footsteps, made the journey feel like a true expedition.

When we finally reached Smolevo train station, we met the rest of our friends and took the train back to Septemvri, where our cars were waiting. The journey back was filled with laughter, shared memories, and a deep sense of satisfaction. We were tired but happy, knowing that we had experienced something truly special.

This adventure was an amazing experience, filled with breathtaking views, fresh mountain air, and great company. The combination of the narrow-gauge train, the snowy trails, the warm hospitality in Orcevo, and the thrill of hiking through untouched snow made this trip truly unforgettable. If you love hiking, nature, and winter adventures, I highly recommend trying this route! Whether you take the full hiking challenge or enjoy the comfort of a jeep, the Rhodope Mountains in winter are a magical place worth exploring.