· International
· ST501
Hard
ST501 Sofia - Aleko
📏
16.6 km
Distance
⏱
4h 9min
Est. duration
⛰
Hard
Difficulty
➡
Linear
Route type
Stage in the Sultans Trail, a historic and cultural long-distance hiking route from Vienna to Istanbul.
At 16.6 km, this is a solid full-day hike. At an average walking pace you can expect to complete the route in roughly 3 hours and 42 minutes.
As a linear trail, this route has distinct start and end points. Return transport is worth arranging in advance unless you plan to walk back the same way. Look for the ST501 trail markings to stay on the official route.
As an International Walking Network (IWN) route, this trail is part of a network connecting countries across Europe and beyond. Quality standards for surface and signage are consistently high.
Elevation Profile
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Elevation data from SRTM via OpenTopoData (open dataset).
Map
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Waypoints
5 points along the routeA
Start
· Sofia, Nedelya
B
Finish
· Aleko hut
Photos
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Frequently Asked Questions
How far is it to walk ST501 Sofia - Aleko?
ST501 Sofia - Aleko covers a distance of 16.6 km.
How long does it take to walk ST501 Sofia - Aleko?
At an average walking pace, ST501 Sofia - Aleko takes approximately 4h 9min to complete.
Do I need to return the same way on ST501 Sofia - Aleko?
No — ST501 Sofia - Aleko is a one-way trail. It runs from Sofia, Nedelya to Aleko hut. You will need to arrange return transport or retrace the route.
Where can I begin walking ST501 Sofia - Aleko?
You can begin ST501 Sofia - Aleko at Sofia, Nedelya.
How difficult is ST501 Sofia - Aleko?
ST501 Sofia - Aleko is a challenging hike that requires a good level of fitness.
Who maintains the ST501 Sofia - Aleko trail?
ST501 Sofia - Aleko is maintained and managed by Sultans Trail Foundation.
Is ST501 Sofia - Aleko part of a larger trail network?
Yes, ST501 Sofia - Aleko is part of the International Walking Network (IWN), connecting this route to a wider network of long-distance hiking trails.