ST712 Plovdiv - Asenovgrad
The ST712 Plovdiv – Asenovgrad is a roughly 20 km point-to-point hiking stage in south-central Bulgaria, climbing about 350 m as it leaves the Thracian Plain for the foothills of the Rhodope Mountains. Rated expert within the wider 2,500 km Sultans Trail, it links Bulgaria's second city with a medieval fortress town in a single demanding day.
About the ST712 Plovdiv - Asenovgrad
The ST712 Plovdiv – Asenovgrad is one numbered stage of the Sultans Trail, a 2,500 km (1,600 mile) cultural long-distance route that runs from St. Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna to the Süleymaniye Mosque in Istanbul. The full trail crosses nine countries — Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Greece and Turkey — and was developed by volunteers from the Netherlands-based NGO Sultans Trail – A European Cultural Route. It commemorates the 1529 campaign of Suleiman the Magnificent, who departed Istanbul on 10 May 1529 and reached Vienna 141 days later, and today is promoted as a path of peace open to walkers of all faiths.
This particular leg sits deep inside the Bulgarian section, which overlaps in places with the European long distance path E8. It begins in Plovdiv — at roughly 6,000 years of continuous settlement, one of Europe's oldest inhabited cities — and ends in Asenovgrad, the gateway town to the northern Rhodope Mountains. The Sultans Trail Foundation operates the route and maintains its waymarking. Unlike the alpine stages further west, the Bulgarian legs are where the trail earns its reputation: the foundation notes that, apart from the Bulgarian mountains, the trail can be walked year-round, which is precisely why this stage carries an expert rating.
The walk is short in distance but rich in transition. You leave a UNESCO-listed historic core, cross the orchards and vineyards of the Thracian Plain, and arrive where the land buckles upward into forested limestone ridges. It rewards walkers who care about history and landscape as much as raw mileage, and it makes a logical staging point before tackling the harder mountain sections that follow toward the Greek border.
Route Overview & Stages
The ST712 is itself a single stage of the Sultans Trail, but it is useful to break the day into walkable segments. Distances below are approximate, reflecting the on-the-ground route between the two towns rather than a published per-stage figure.
| Segment | Distance | Elevation gain | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plovdiv Old Town to city edge | ~4 km | ~40 m | Roman theatre, Nebet Tepe, Maritsa River |
| City edge to Thracian Plain orchards | ~8 km | ~80 m | Vineyards, rural lanes, views to the Rhodopes |
| Foothill approach | ~5 km | ~150 m | First climbs, Chepelarska River valley |
| Arrival in Asenovgrad | ~3 km | ~80 m | Asen's Fortress overlook, town centre |
The cumulative profile is gentle for most of the day, with the real character coming in the final third as the trail leaves flat agricultural land and starts working uphill toward the mountain front. The expert rating reflects route-finding through farmland and unmarked rural sections, summer heat exposure, and the lack of intermediate services rather than technical climbing.
Highlights & Points of Interest
- Plovdiv Roman Theatre — a 2nd-century AD amphitheatre seating around 5,000, still used for performances, sitting on one of the city's three central hills.
- Nebet Tepe — the original Thracian settlement on Plovdiv's old town hill, with ruins layered from the Bronze Age through the Ottoman era.
- Kapana district — Plovdiv's restored craft quarter, a good place to provision and eat before setting out.
- Maritsa River crossing — the trail follows and crosses the Maritsa, the largest river of the southern Balkans at around 480 km long.
- Thracian Plain vineyards — the Plovdiv region is the heart of Bulgaria's Mavrud wine country, with vines and orchards lining the route.
- Chepelarska River valley — the river that drains the northern Rhodopes and guides the trail toward Asenovgrad.
- Asen's Fortress (Asenova krepost) — a 13th-century stronghold above Asenovgrad, dramatically perched on a rock spur with the surviving Church of the Holy Mother of God.
- Bachkovo Monastery — founded in 1083, Bulgaria's second-largest monastery lies a short detour south of Asenovgrad and is a classic continuation point.
Best Time to Hike the ST712 Plovdiv - Asenovgrad
The single best month to hike the ST712 is May. Spring brings stable, mild weather to the Thracian Plain, with daytime highs typically around 20–24 °C, green orchards in blossom or early fruit, and rivers running full from snowmelt in the Rhodopes. As of 2026, late spring also avoids the punishing midsummer heat that makes the lowland sections genuinely hazardous.
April and early June are strong alternatives. April can be wet but offers the freshest landscape; June is reliable and long on daylight, though afternoons start to warm quickly. Plovdiv summers are among the hottest in Bulgaria, regularly exceeding 35 °C in July and August, and the open farmland on this stage offers little shade — most walkers should avoid midday hiking in high summer entirely. September and October return comfortable temperatures and bring the grape harvest, making early autumn the second-best window.
Winter is the season to avoid. While the foundation notes the trail is largely walkable year-round, the Bulgarian mountain sections are the exception, and even this foothill stage can be cold, muddy and grey from December through February. Start any summer attempt at first light and carry more water than you think you need.
Practical Information
Accommodation
Because the stage starts and ends in towns, you do not need to camp on the ST712 itself. Plovdiv has the widest range of options in the region: hostel dorm beds run roughly €12–18 per night, while mid-range guesthouses and small hotels in the old town cost around €40–70 for a double. Asenovgrad is smaller and cheaper, with family-run guesthouses and small hotels generally €30–50 per double. On the wider Bulgarian section of the trail, the Sultans Trail Foundation recommends carrying a tent for stretches without services, but that does not apply to this town-to-town leg. If you continue toward Bachkovo, the monastery offers simple pilgrim lodging for a modest donation.
Getting There & Back
Plovdiv is well connected. The nearest major airport is Sofia Airport (SOF), about 150 km northwest, with frequent buses and trains to Plovdiv taking roughly 2–2.5 hours. Plovdiv Central Station sits on the main Sofia–Istanbul rail line. From Asenovgrad, regular regional trains and buses return to Plovdiv in about 20–30 minutes, so the stage is easy to walk one-way and reverse by public transport. Bulgarian State Railways (BDŽ) operates the Plovdiv–Asenovgrad line, and tickets cost only a euro or two. For schedules, check the national operator at Bulgarian State Railways (BDŽ).
Permits & Fees
No permit or fee is required to walk the ST712 — the Sultans Trail is a free, open public route, and Bulgaria's countryside and footpaths are freely accessible. You will only pay for optional attractions: Plovdiv's Roman Theatre and museums charge small entry fees (typically €3–5), and Asen's Fortress has a modest ticket of around €3. Route information, GPX downloads and stage notes are published by the route authority at the official Sultans Trail website.
Gear & Packing List
This is a single-day, town-to-town stage, so a light daypack is ideal — you do not need full backpacking capacity unless you are linking multiple Sultans Trail legs. For a one-day push, a 12–20 litre running-style vest like the ADV Skin 12 or the larger ADV Skin 20 carries water, snacks and a layer comfortably. If you are walking several Bulgarian stages and carrying a tent for the gaps the foundation warns about, step up to a proper pack such as the Abisko Hike 35.
Beyond the pack, prioritise sun protection (hat, sunglasses, SPF) given the exposed farmland, at least 2 litres of water capacity, sturdy trail shoes for the rougher foothill sections, and a rain shell in spring. Because there are few resupply points between the two towns, plan your food before leaving Plovdiv — our guide on how many calories you need hiking a full day helps you pack the right amount. For wider gear inspiration, see our roundup of the best ultralight backpacks of 2026.
Similar Trails You Might Like
If the cultural-route character of the ST712 appeals, Bulgaria's long-distance network offers natural next steps. The Sultans Trail overlaps the E8 here, and the country is crossed by another major European path as well. Both options below carry you deeper into the Rhodope and Balkan ranges and connect to the same waymarked tradition.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to hike the ST712 Plovdiv – Asenovgrad?
May is the single best month. Spring delivers mild 20–24 °C days, green orchards and full rivers, while avoiding the extreme summer heat of the Thracian Plain, which regularly tops 35 °C in July and August. April and September are strong alternatives, and winter is best avoided due to cold, mud and grey conditions in the foothills.
How difficult is this stage?
The ST712 is rated expert, though not for technical terrain. The challenge comes from route-finding across unmarked farmland, significant summer heat exposure with little shade, the climb into the Rhodope foothills, and limited services between towns. Fit day-walkers comfortable with navigation and self-sufficiency will manage it; less experienced hikers should pick cooler months and start early.
How far is the ST712 and how long does it take?
The stage covers roughly 20 km from Plovdiv to Asenovgrad with around 350 m of ascent. Most walkers complete it in a single day of about 5–7 hours including breaks. Because both endpoints are towns linked by frequent trains, you can walk it one-way and ride back, making it an easy day rather than a multi-day commitment.
Where can I stay along the route?
You stay in the towns, not on the trail. Plovdiv offers hostels from about €12–18 a night and guesthouses around €40–70 per double. Asenovgrad has cheaper family-run guesthouses at roughly €30–50. No wild camping is needed for this leg, though the Sultans Trail Foundation recommends a tent for service gaps on other Bulgarian sections.
Do I need a permit or pay any fees?
No permit or fee is required to walk the ST712 — the Sultans Trail is a free, open public route and Bulgarian footpaths are freely accessible. You only pay for optional attractions, such as Plovdiv's Roman Theatre (around €3–5) or Asen's Fortress (around €3). GPX files and stage notes are free to download from the official Sultans Trail website.
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Download GPX FileThis route is generated from open map data (OpenStreetMap) and has not been independently surveyed or walked by HikeLoad. Use it for planning and inspiration only — always cross-check with official maps and local information before setting off, and hike within your ability.
| Difficulty | Expert |
| Country | Bulgaria |
| Type | Point-to-point |
| Network | IWN |
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