HomeTrailsEuropean long distance path E8 - part Bulgaria vs ST526 Kardzhali - Madrets

European long distance path E8 - part Bulgaria vs ST526 Kardzhali - Madrets

A side-by-side look at distance, elevation, difficulty and the best time to hike each — so you can pick the right route.

European long distance path E8 - part Bulgaria ST526 Kardzhali - Madrets
Distance 402 km 22 km
Elevation gain 5,819 m 539 m
Typical duration
Difficulty Easy
Route type Point-to-point Point-to-point
Network International International
Country Bulgaria Bulgaria
Best time to hike Best months: February, April, June, August, September, October, November Best months: February, April, June, September, October, November
map Route & GPX map Route & GPX

European long distance path E8 - part Bulgaria vs ST526 Kardzhali - Madrets: which should you hike?

At 402 km, European long distance path E8 - part Bulgaria is the longer route — roughly 380 km more than ST526 Kardzhali - Madrets (22 km). If you want the bigger challenge or a longer trip, that's the one; for a shorter or first multi-day hike, ST526 Kardzhali - Madrets is the gentler pick. Check the elevation and best-season rows above, then open each route for the full guide and a free GPX download.