ST501 Sofia - Aleko vs ST524 Ardino - Kitnitsa
A side-by-side look at distance, elevation, difficulty and the best time to hike each — so you can pick the right route.
Units
| ST501 Sofia - Aleko | ST524 Ardino - Kitnitsa | |
|---|---|---|
| Distance | 10.0 mi17 km | 17 mi27 km |
| Elevation gain | 4,111 ft1,253 m | 2,083 ft635 m |
| Typical duration | 1 day | 2 days |
| Difficulty | Moderate | Expert |
| Route type | Point-to-point | Point-to-point |
| Network | International | International |
| Country | Bulgaria | Bulgaria |
| Best time to hike | Best months: April, June, September | Best months: June, August, September |
| Route & GPX | Route & GPX |
ST501 Sofia - Aleko vs ST524 Ardino - Kitnitsa: which should you hike?
At 17 mi27 km, ST524 Ardino - Kitnitsa is the longer route — roughly 6.2 mi10 km more than ST501 Sofia - Aleko (10.0 mi17 km). If you want the bigger challenge or a longer trip, that's the one; for a shorter or first multi-day hike, ST501 Sofia - Aleko 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.