RUJ (1706 m)

Mountain Ruj lies on the border of Serbia and Bulgaria. The highest peak is mutual and while you heading toward it, you will be walking by the borderline, with one foot in Bulgaria and another one in Serbia.

Trail starts at the village Rakita. Rakita is about 40 km away from Pirot. From Pirot you must drive toward Dimitrovgrad and then turn for the village Sukovo, you will see a signpost. I recommend a short visit to Sukovo monastery. Monastery is dedicated to the Holy Virgin.

On your way to Rakita, you will pass through the picturesque canyon of the river Jerma.

Then you will come to the village Poganovo. You should visit the monastery which is dedicated to St. John the Theologian.

Then you will drive forward to Zvonacka Banja. Village Zvonce is 3 km away from Zvonacka Banja. That is your next destination.

Another 3 km of drive and you will arrive at village Rakita (700 m). Marked path starts at this village.

The trail is marked very well, till Rakitski kamen (or Vetren). A path to Vetren goes through the woods. Just below the top, there is a meadow. You can see Vetren (1457 m) from this place.

You will enter into the forest again and soon you will see a turn to Vetren.

 

After the turn, there are two or three markings on the trees, then markings dissapears. You must keep the left direction, peak is on that side. After 10 minutes of forest hike, you will reach Rakitski kamen (1457 m). From Vetren you will see mountains Ruj, Vlaska planina, Greben, Asenov kale and Suva planina. Distance between village Rakita and Vetren is about 2 hours of walk.

From Vetren, go back to the forest trail and continue toward Ruj. From Vetren to Ruj, you will need about 2 hours of walk. Trail is marked, but the marks are rare, so pay attention. Just follow the road with tracks of tires and there will be no problem! After you come out of the forest, you will be on a slope below the summit. Markings are located at the metes. Some 300 m below the top is the well, you will see a white stick. 

And then, the top! A magnificent view!

 

Ruj is my kind of peak. There are no trees to  block the view, the grass is low and the view is beautiful! The whole ridge of Ruj is an ideal place to enjoy! Too bad that more interesting part of the reef is in Bulgaria. From the top you can see Jarlovsko lake in the Zne field. They call it a Bulgarian Pester.

You can return by the same path.

June 2013.