Пешеходен маршрут Ком - Емине (част от Е3)
European long distance path E3 - part Bulgaria
The place
Walking path
Why go
Kom Peak (2,016 m) with panoramic views. Vrachanski Balkan Nature Park. Shipka Pass (monument to the 1877–78 Liberation). Kazanlak Thracian Tomb (UNESCO). The Central Balkan with the Bozhenishki Urup. Cape Emine on the Black Sea coast.
A bit of history
The route was laid out by the Bulgarian Tourist Union (BTU) in the late 19th and early 20th century, as the hiking movement grew alongside the national liberation ideas of the time. The network of mountain huts was built between 1920 and 1960. The Kom–Emine crossing is associated with the names of mountaineering pioneers such as Aleko Konstantinov.
Getting there
Kom: bus from Sofia to Berkovitsa (2h), then taxi or on foot. Emine: bus from Burgas. Sofia has an international airport.
Recommended gear
Mid-height hiking boots. Windbreaker and rain jacket. Sleeping bag for mountain huts. Map of the Balkan range (1:50,000).
Best season
June to October. July–August are the most popular months. Snow may linger along the ridge in spring, until May.