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Orpheus Rocks – majestic views from the foot of Snezhanka Peak towards the Smolyan Lakes and the boundless Rhodope Ocean

  • Writer: Stefan Ivanov
    Stefan Ivanov
  • Apr 5
  • 4 min read

Updated: May 9

Sometimes we discover places that reveal such wonderful and beautiful views that words become completely unnecessary!


View from Orpheus Rocks towards the Smolyan Lakes
View from Orpheus Rocks towards the Smolyan Lakes and the boundless ocean of the Rhodope Mountains

Gazing at this immense beauty, we realize the greatness of the Creator!


View from Orpheus Rocks towards the Smolyan Lakes

Dear friends, I present to you Orpheus Rocks and the panorama opening from there towards the valley of the Smolyan Lakes and the boundless Rhodope Ocean!



I could not describe and convey the feelings I feel, standing in this place and contemplating infinity. Everyone should experience this emotion for themselves!


View from Orpheus Rocks towards the Smolyan Lakes

The thrill is powerful!


View from Orpheus Rocks towards the Smolyan Lakes

The feeling is delightful and wondrous, especially on a sunny, radiant, and brilliant day, when the air is so transparent that your gaze stretches far into eternity.


View from Orpheus Rocks towards the Smolyan Lakes

Blue everywhere!



Blue folds, ridge after ridge, ridge after ridge, like waves in a boundless blue ocean!


View from Orpheus Rocks towards the Smolyan Lakes
Lake Lagera, also known as The Lag

Centuries-old trees – firs, pines, spruces...


Legend says that Orpheus drew inspiration for his wonderful songs from this very place, and when he played his harp, the forest birds fell silent, the wind died down in rapture, the leaves of the trees stopped rustling, the sun froze in the sky.


Panorama from Orpheus Rocks to the Smolyan Lakes, Rhodope Mountains
Trevisto Lake (the first on the "Three Smolyan Lakes" eco-trail), also known as Trevnoto Lake

From Orpheus Rocks, two of the Smolyan lakes are beautifully visible - Lake Trevisto (the first on the "Three Smolyan Lakes" eco-trail), also known as Lake Trevnoto and Lake Lagera, also known as Lagut.


Panorama from Orpheus Rocks to the Smolyan Lakes, Rhodope Mountains
Lake Lagera, also known as The Lag

Dear friends, I have introduced you to Orpheus Rocks – magnificent views from the foot of Snezhanka Peak towards the Smolyan Lakes and the boundless Rhodope Ocean. Now I will inform you how it is possible to get here in any season.


How to get to the town of Smolyan?

Smolyan is a city in Southern Bulgaria, located in the Perelik-Prespa section of the Western Rhodopes at a high average altitude of 1035 meters, making it the highest located regional city in Bulgaria.


View of Smolyan from the Bride
View of Smolyan from the Bride

It is located about ten kilometers from one of the largest winter resorts in Bulgaria - Pamporovo and Mechi Chal.



The city was formed on June 18, 1960 as a result of the unification of the cities of Smolyan and Ustovo, as well as the villages of Raykovo and Ezerovo.


View from the town of Smolyan
View from the town of Smolyan

It is the administrative center of Smolyan Municipality and Smolyan District.


View of Smolyan from the Bride
View of Smolyan from the Bride

Smolyan is also one of the longest cities in Bulgaria - nearly 25 kilometers, which is due to its linear development along the Cherna and Byala rivers.


View from the town of Smolyan
View from the town of Smolyan

Smolyan is located:


  • 244 kilometers (about 3 hours and 36 minutes by car) from the capital

  • 98 kilometers (about 2 hours and 03 minutes by car) from the city of Plovdiv

  • 428 kilometers (about 5 hours and 56 minutes by car) from the city of Varna

  • 321 kilometers (about 4 hours and 04 minutes by car) from the city of Burgas


How do you get to Snezhanka Peak?

Depending on the season, there are different ways to reach Snezhanka Peak. The safest are the four lifts:


  • Studenets – Snezhanka

  • Smolyanski Ezera – Snezhanka

  • Malina – Snezhanka

  • Stoykite – Snezhanka.


In winter, there is hardly any other way to reach the peak, unless you are a fan of winter hikes and climbs.


In summer, accessibility to the peak is greater. The safe operating lifts are:


  • Smolyanski Ezera – Snezhanka

  • Studenets – Snezhanka.


In addition to them, a wonderful asphalt road leads to the peak, which in winter becomes the main ski area. A large parking lot for cars has been built right next to the tower.


Another alternative is the many cycling and hiking routes, for which the starting points to Snezhanka Peak are the many hotels in the resort. The incredible views and beautiful areas along the routes will leave an unforgettable memory if you decide to walk to this place.


The place is an excellent idea for a pleasant walk for the whole family.


Snezhanka Peak is located:


  • 234 kilometers (about 3 hours and 21 minutes by car) from the capital

  • 88 kilometers (about 1 hour and 51 minutes by car) from the city of Plovdiv

  • 433 kilometers (about 5 hours and 35 minutes by car) from the city of Varna

  • 311 kilometers (about 3 hours and 45 minutes by car) from the city of Burgas



How do you get to Orpheus Rocks?

A natural landmark and rock phenomenon, Orpheus Rocks, is located in the very green and beating heart of the Rhodope Mountains, at the foot of the Snezhanka television tower, rising on Snezhanka Peak - the highest in the area of ​​the Pamporovo ski resort and Bukova Mountain ridge in the Western Rhodopes.


"Snezhanka" television tower, rising on Snezhanka Peak - the highest in the Pamporovo ski resort area and Bukova Mountain ridge in the Western Rhodopes
"Snezhanka" television tower, rising on Snezhanka Peak

Orpheus Rocks rise below the peak itself, about a few hundred meters southeast of it. They rise at an altitude of about 1875 meters above sea level.


"Snezhanka" television tower, rising on Snezhanka Peak - the highest in the Pamporovo ski resort area and Bukova Mountain ridge in the Western Rhodopes
View of the Snezhanka TV Tower and Snezhanka Peak from the starting point of the trail to Orpheus Rocks

The starting point of the trail leading to Orpheus Rocks is located southeast at the foot of the peak near the end of the asphalt road leading to the peak. An excellent landmark is the wooden gazebo and the many parked cars. The trail to the rocks begins behind the cars.


The path leading to Orpheus Rocks

There is a yellow sign at the beginning. The trail is marked and there is no way you can go the wrong way.


The path leading to Orpheus Rocks

The trail is wide, easy and completely suitable for people of all ages.


The path leading to Orpheus Rocks

The trail markings are white - orange - white, and arrows point the way.


The path leading to Orpheus Rocks

Unnoticeably, in about ten minutes you will find yourself next to a second wooden gazebo. Here you should be completely careful, because from the gazebo you exit onto the rocks themselves. I advise you to be as concentrated as possible and carefully choose your every step. Hold the children by the hand!



Dear friends, before I show you what interesting sights you can see nearby, I would like to remind you of the special photo album, which has collected incredible beauty and impressive photo moments just for you, a link to which you will find at the end of the post!


Enjoy it!


And finally, my dear friends,

you shouldn't miss checking out

the special photo album with moments –

discovered, experienced, filmed and shared with you!



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