Raysko Praskalo

Raysko Praskalo, the heavenly spray, drops about a hundred and twenty-four metres in a single fall from the edge of the plateau below Botev peak in the Central Balkan park, which makes it the highest waterfall in the Balkan peninsula. The water comes from snowmelt and springs on the plateau above, so it runs hard in late spring and early summer and reduces sharply by August, and in some dry years it nearly disappears. Reaching it means a walk of four to five hours from Kalofer up the Byala reka valley through beech forest and then open ground, with a hut on the way, and the return makes it a long day or an overnight. The fall is in a strict reserve zone and the path is the only access.

What you actually see

• A 124-metre single drop - the highest fall in the Balkans.
• The plateau edge above - water coming off the ground below Botev.
• The Byala reka valley walk - beech forest then open ground on the approach.
• Snowmelt flow in early summer - the fall at its strongest in June.

When to go

June to September, with June and early July for the strongest flow; by late summer it is much reduced. A long day or an overnight at the hut. Start early and watch the weather on the open section.

Honest expectations

It is a long walk with significant height gain and the return is on tired legs. Flow drops sharply after early summer and can disappoint. Weather on the upper section changes fast. There are no facilities beyond the hut.

Nearby

Kalofer is at the foot of the valley; Botev peak is on the plateau above.