Line © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), checked by Global Adventurer.
The walk
From the car park by Rila Monastery, walk east up the valley of the Rilska river on a track and then a path through beech and fir forest to the hermitage of St Luke, with its small church and the buildings of an old school. The path climbs on through the forest to the church beside the cave of St Ivan of Rila, the hermit who lived here in the 10th century and whose followers founded the monastery. Return the same way, with views down to the monastery's domes.
It is 6.4 km there and back with 247 m of ascent; allow about 2½ hours. The grade is Easy: a forest track and a steady path, with a steeper climb near the cave.
Rila Monastery is on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Dress modestly to visit the monastery and the churches on the way, and keep your voice down in the cave church. The forest path is muddy after rain and shady on hot days.
There are pay car parks beside the monastery, at the end of the road up the valley from the town of Rila.
Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.
Good to know
- Rila Monastery was founded in the 10th century by followers of the hermit St Ivan of Rila
- St Ivan lived his last years in a cave above the valley; a small church stands beside it
- The path passes the hermitage of St Luke, with its chapel and old school
- The monastery is on the UNESCO World Heritage list
Getting there
Start: Rila Monastery, car park · Pay and display. 42.13397, 23.34076
Places to stay nearby
Rooms in and around Rila Monastery: Booking.com → Expedia →
Affiliate links: if you book, Global Adventurer earns a small commission at no cost to you.
Paths change, and the weather decides the day. The line and figures come from OpenStreetMap and our own checks; take a map, check the forecast, and turn back if it isn't right.