Ruy Mountain is located right on the border between Serbia and Bulgaria, between the village of Rakita in Serbia and the village of Ezdimirci in Bulgaria. The highest peak, also named Ruy, stands at 1,706 meters, while hikers often visit Vetren (Rakitski Kamen) as well, which rises to 1,456 meters. Every June, a traditional ascent of Ruy is held, bringing together Serbian and Bulgarian hikers. The mountain is forested, but its peaks are open meadows offering stunning panoramic views. At the foot of Ruy lies the Zvonačka Spa and the Jerma River Canyon.
Tour plan:
Departure from the hotel at 7:00 a.m. We travel via highway to Bela Palanka, then continue through Babušnica to the village of Rakita. Though unassuming at first glance, this village has a rich history – it was first mentioned in the 15th century, and in the late 1920s, one of the first Yugoslav films, Rudareva sreća (The Miner’s Luck), was filmed here. The residents of Rakita are also known for their courageous fight against the construction of small hydropower plants. Our 20 km circular hike begins from the village center. The steep trail first leads us to the sharp peak of Rakitski Kamen (1,456 m), which we reach after about two hours of hiking. From the summit, breathtaking views open up toward Ruy, Vlaška Planina, Greben, the Jerma River Canyon, Asenovo Kale, and Suva Planina. After a short break at the peak, we continue for another two hours along the border trail, crossing scenic meadows to reach the highest point of Ruy Mountain (1,706 m). The descent follows a route through the village of Vuči Del, leading us back to our transportation in Rakita. On the return journey to Niš, we will pass through Zvonačka Spa and the Jerma River Canyon. After a break in Pirot, we arrive in Niš in the evening. End of the program.
Details:
- Transportation,
- Guiding service,
- Travel organization expenses.
- Meals,
- Personal expenses.
Sneakers or climbing shoes, several pairs of socks, T-shirts, a hooded waterproof jacket, a sweatshirt, spare pants, sunglasses, a cap, and sunscreen. It’s also recommended to pack some energy bars, snacks, refreshing drinks, and bottle of water. Carry everything in a small backpack.
A 50% advance payment of the total arrangement price is required at the time of booking. The remaining amount must be paid no later than 20 days before the start of the trip (with the option of installment payments). This program is based on a minimum of 6 registered participants. In case of changes in the monetary market (or the market of goods and services) or an insufficient number of registered participants, the tour organizer reserves the right to adjust prices, modify the program, or cancel the trip no later than 5 days before the scheduled departure.
According to the Serbian Law on Tourism (Article 79), for one-day excursions (trips shorter than 24 hours), protection is not provided in terms of travel guarantee.
The organizer of the trip is travel agency Nature Travel Office, licence number OTP 38/2025 issued by the Business Register Agency as of May 06, 2025. Nature Travel Office is insured by an insurance policy against responsibility for travel agencies in case of insolvency and liability in case of damage to the traveller, number 30000049351, by the insurer MILENIJUM OSIGURANJE ADO Belgrade. The policy is valid from April 01, 2025 to April 01, 2026. In this program, travel agency Nature Travel Office applies their general terms and conditions of traveling, which are included in signing up for the trip.
