Breze – vrah Grado

Climbing Grado Peak (1082 meters above sea level) is one of the most pleasant, panoramic, and accessible hiking routes in the Ponor Mountain (part of the Western Balkan Mountains). Grado Peak is truly iconic for the picturesque village of Breze, rising as its natural stone guardian. Its name is not accidental—it derives from an ancient fortress (meaning "grad" or town in old Bulgarian), whose modest stone ruins can still be traced just below the summit. The trail offers a fantastic opportunity for an easy weekend trek packed with expansive views over karst plateaus, deep canyons, and the distant horizons of Rila and Vitosha. Route Parameters and Logistics - Starting Point: The main square in the center of Breze village, where an information board and signposts are located. It is easily reachable by car (public transport in the area has become rare). - Ending Point: Grado Peak – 1102 meters above sea level. - Distance: Approximately 5.5 kilometers one way. - Elevation Profile: Minimum altitude – 772 m, maximum – 1102 m. The total ascent along the trail is 468 meters, and the total descent is 194 meters. - Marking: Clearly visible summer tourist marking in white-green-white, accompanied by numerous descriptive signposts. - Important Advice: It is highly recommended to return using the exact same path. Because the area has been completely unpopulated for decades and lacks grazing livestock, any alternative old paths have been completely reclaimed by thick nature, making a loop route nearly impossible. Trail Description - The Initial Paradox and Breze River: A whimsical feature of this trek is that the climb to the peak actually begins with a descent. Within a few minutes of walking along the wide dirt road, you descend into the riverbed of the Brezenska River. Right where the road crosses the water, a lovely resting area has been built, featuring a fresh water spring, a brick barbecue, and wooden benches. - The Ascent to Bardo Hamlet: From the river, a smooth and gradual ascent begins. The road winds upward, passing a second wooden gazebo with a traditional stone votive cross and bypassing the turnoff for the nearby Siromashki Ray (Poor Man's Heaven) shelter. After a series of switchbacks, the road emerges onto the ridge of a small Ponor section, reaching the first houses of the abandoned Bardo hamlet. At this junction, the signs direct you to turn left (the right fork goes toward Mogilata Peak, while continuing straight descends to Zavidovtsi village). - Along the Ridge to the Top: Past the hamlet, the slope flattens significantly, providing a very relaxed hike. Expansive panoramas open up toward Kom Peak, Vitosha, and the Rila Mountains. Along the way, the path passes a curious little treehouse built high up in the branches (used either for recreation or as a hunting blind). It is wise to stay alert in this area during the official wild boar hunting seasons. Finally, the trail takes a well-marked left turn (the path straight ahead leads to Kukla Peak). Summit Panoramas and Geological Legends - The Fortress Ruins: Shortly before reaching the highest point, you will notice a small ancient stone structure. These are the last remaining ruins of the old fortress that gave the peak its name. - Views over Golyamt Ponor: Grado Peak is an exceptional observation point facing north. From the top, a majestic view unfolds over the main karst plateau of Golyamt Ponor, showcasing its famous formations—the sheer Stolo cliff, the Omega rock, and Lupova Glava Peak. - The Vranevo Canyon and the Nishava River: The most stunning view remains the bird's-eye perspective looking straight down at the central square of Breze village where your car is parked. From the summit, you can also see the deep Vranevo Canyon, which connects the villages of Brakyovtsi, Breze, and Iskrets. Old local legend has it that thousands of years ago, the Nishava River used to flow right through this canyon before geological shifts altered its course completely, directing it west toward Serbia.