In a mountainous region approximately 50 kilometers from Sofia, the village of Sturgel offers a hidden gem for hikers and history enthusiasts alike. Located 4 kilometers from the Sofia–Karlovo railway and the Sofia–Burgas sub-Balkan road, this serene village is also near the Vitinya and Arabakonak mountain passes, both connected to the Hemus Highway.
Navigating the Trails Around Sturgel
From the saddle junction, several unpaved roads diverge: one leads to Gramade Peak, another to the Etropole Saddle, and a third to the Sturgel Dairy Farm. Following the northwest path toward the dairy farm, hikers encounter partial white-red-white trail markings along the renowned Kom–Emine route.
The incline steepens gradually before the trail bends westward. After a short ascent of 100 meters from a spring near the bend, a meadow with an abandoned wagon appears to the north of the trail (85 minutes from the starting point). Here, the marked Kom–Emine trail branches off into a pine forest behind the wagon, while the unpaved road continues westward.
Ten minutes later, the road reaches another junction near the Sturgel Dairy Farm (95 minutes in total). To ascend Mount Zvezdets, hikers take the lesser-used northern path, which, though unmarked, intuitively guides you upwards. The trail meanders through open meadows and young pine forests, eventually reaching a stand of older pines that the path circumvents from the south.
Exiting the forest, a vast meadow unfolds north of the Kamenna Mogila area, offering the first panoramic view southward toward the Kamar Basin. Beyond the meadow, the trail climbs to the mountain’s main ridge, between Mount Zvezdets and a rocky unnamed peak. From here, sweeping views of the Klisura River Valley and the Bilo Mountains open up to the north.
The grassy ridge continues northeast toward Mount Zvezdets, with a stone pyramid marking the halfway point of the ascent (145 minutes from the dairy farm junction). The final stretch to the summit takes 15 minutes, bringing the total hiking time to approximately 160 minutes. The summit, flat and grassy, offers breathtaking 360-degree vistas, making the 400-meter elevation gain worth every step.
The Historical Tapestry of Sturgel
Sturgel is cradled in the northeastern corner of the Kamar Plain, beneath the shadow of Mount Zvezdets (1,655 meters), the highest peak in the region. To the east lies the Galabets Ridge, separating the Sofia Basin from the Zlatitsa-Pirdop Basin. This location has been a crossroads since ancient times.
The Roman-built Kaldermata Road (also known as the Roman Drum or Etropole Pass) once traversed the village. Before Midhat Pasha constructed the Arabakonak Pass in 1866, this Roman road was the main thoroughfare between northern and southern Bulgaria. Sturgel’s strategic position near the Roman road shaped its destiny as a village tasked with guarding the pass and providing shelter for travelers.
The name Sturgel is derived from the Bulgarian word “стърга” (starga), meaning “to stand guard,” a testament to its historical role. Several trails begin in the village, leading to nearby landmarks such as Mount Zvezdets and the Chavdar and Rudinata mountain huts.
The Legacy of Mount Zvezdets
Mount Zvezdets, the highest point in the western Etropole Mountain, has carried many names throughout history. Its oldest name, Shindarnika (shinda meaning beech plank), reflects its dense forests. During the Ottoman era, it was called Yeldaztabiya (yeldaz – star, tabiya – fortress), inspired by a star-shaped fortress once perched on its summit.
During the Russo-Turkish War, the summit and its slopes were fortified with redoubts and trenches, earning it the nickname Okopana (“entrenched”). The Shkorpil brothers later theorized that the Asparuh Wall, a defensive line marking the Byzantine-Bulgarian border under Khan Asparuh, passed through this peak.
Despite its modest altitude, Mount Zvezdets’ prominence is accentuated by the low Arabakonak and Etropole Saddles flanking it. With steep slopes and a dome-shaped profile, the peak commands attention, appearing loftier than its actual height. From the village of Sturgel to its summit, hikers ascend approximately 850 meters, rewarded with a summit rich in history and natural splendor.
Why Visit Sturgel?
Whether you’re drawn by the challenge of hiking to Mount Zvezdets, the allure of ancient Roman roads, or the tranquility of a mountain village, Sturgel offers an unforgettable escape. Its blend of historical intrigue, scenic beauty, and cultural significance makes it a destination that resonates with both the adventurous and the contemplative traveler.
