Mount Vihren (2914.7 m) is the highest peak in Pirin, the second highest in Bulgaria, and the third on the Balkan Peninsula, following Musala (2925 m) and Mytikas (2918 m). It is located on the main ridge in Northern Pirin, between the Banderitsa and Vlahinska rivers. To the north, it connects to Kutelo Peak via the Premkata Saddle, and to the south with Ovinnati (Hvoynati) Peak via Kabata. Surrounding it are the Great and Small Kazan cirques, the cirque of the Vlahinska River, and the partially formed Kabata cirque. Viewed from the north and northeast, the peak resembles a trapezoid, while from the south and southeast, it appears as a four-sided pyramid.
Mount Vihren marks the end of the marble section of the main ridge of Pirin. The upper half, as well as the northern and eastern slopes of the peak, are composed of marble, which descends in places to the level of the Banderitsa River. Beneath the marble lie calcium-silicate rocks, occupying the middle part of the western and northwestern slopes. Below these, there is a granite base. The contact between these two types of rocks is clearly visible at the Kabata Saddle.
The slopes of Mount Vihren are barren, with only certain parts, mainly on the eastern and western slopes, covered with forests of approximately 100-year-old dwarf pine and centuries-old white and black fir trees. On the eastern slope, near the road connecting the Banderitsa and Vihren huts, lies the ancient black pine tree known as Baikusheva Mura, a popular tourist attraction.
In clear weather, Mount Vihren offers a stunning panoramic view. To the north, you can see the Razlog Valley and Rila, to the northwest, Kutelo Peak and the Marble Ridge. To the southwest lie the Vlahini Lakes in the Vlahinski Cirque, which form the headwaters of the Vlahinska River. To the south is Ovinnati (Hvoynati) Peak, with Muratov Peak behind it. Moving counterclockwise from there, you can see Banderishki Chukar, Momin Dvor, Samodivski, and Todorin Peaks. The view concludes with the Strazhite to the southeast and the Rhodopes.
Convenient starting points for a half-day ascent to the peak are the Banderitsa and Vihren huts. Longer routes begin from the town of Bansko, Yavorov Hut, and Zagaza Hut.
To Mount Vihren from Banderitsa Hut
The ascent starts at the entrance of the hut. Head up the small meadow to the right of the fountain, between the main hut building and the adjacent smaller structure. Initially, the path is relatively gentle through the forest, but it gradually becomes steeper and the terrain more challenging. The trail crosses the Small Kazan cirque and zigzags upward to reach Kazana Shelter, where it merges with the trail from Vihren Hut. This is a suitable spot for a longer break. Continue following the red trail markers. A flat section is followed by a steep climb, which leads above Kazana and then continues more gently toward the Premkata Saddle. From there, the final and most difficult part of the ascent begins—a steep climb of about 40–50 minutes. Just before reaching the peak, the incline decreases, leading to the summit pyramid. Total ascent time: approximately 3 hours.
To Mount Vihren from Vihren Hut
The ascent starts from the platform in front of the hut, following the red trail markers, which begin to the left of the fountain. After about 15 minutes, after crossing the stream descending from Kabata, there is a fork in the trail. Here, two paths with the same markings split (as they are variants of the same route - E4). The right path skirts the eastern slope of Mount Vihren and merges with the route from Banderitsa Hut at Kazana Shelter. The left path continues almost straight up toward the Kabata Saddle. From there, the route proceeds right to the steep southern slope, where many alternative paths have been formed by numerous hikers ascending the peak. Total ascent time for the Kabata route: approximately 3 hours.
To Mount Vihren via the Djamdjiev Ridge
The trail along the Djamdjiev Ridge is not part of the official tourist routes in Pirin National Park.
To Mount Vihren from Yavorov Hut
This route is significantly longer than the previous ones. Climbing to the peak and returning to Yavorov Hut in a single day is possible but demanding, so consider descending via the Banderitsa River valley. The route follows the red markers of the international E4 hiking trail, which skirts the southern slope of the karst ridge, ascends Banski Suhodol Peak, and merges with the previously described routes at the saddle between Kutelo and Vihren. Standard duration: approximately 7 hours (not including the time needed for descent to Vihren Hut). Note that much of the route is in exposed high-mountain terrain, with no easy way to exit the trail. In unstable weather, especially with a risk of thunderstorms, it is not advisable to attempt this route.
To Mount Vihren from Zagaza Hut
One last, less popular route to Mount Vihren starts from Zagaza Hut, located in the forested zone on the western slopes of Pirin. There are two options: a marked trail via Zidanitsata Shelter and Albutin Peak to the Suhodolski Pass, or following the Vlahinska River to the Black Water area and then up to the Suhodolski Pass. For the second option, the hike begins on a blue-marked trail, which changes to yellow in the Vlahinska River valley. At the Suhodolski Pass, turn right onto the red-marked trail.