Sultans Trail

The trail uses mainly country roads, connecting villages and towns through lovely countryside. Along the Danube, we come across marshland, flood plains, and fertile arable land.
In Serbia, the trail turns south, gradually ascending the Morava valley. The hills slowly encroach upon the trail until it crosses over the watershed at the Bulgarian border into the Sofia plain.
Past Sofia, the trail divides into two branches, with one continuing through the Maritza valley and the other crossing the Rila mountains and the pristine hills of the Rhodope. Upon entering Turkey, the trail meanders through the expansive and fertile Thracian valley, adding to the journey’s diversity.

All along the trail, we encounter specific protected natural areas from the “Neusiedler See” to the preserved Danubian wetlands in Slovakia and Hungary, from the Pilis Mountains to the extensive floodplains of Gemenc National Forest in Hungary. Also, we encounter “the Amzone of Europe”, the Danube-Sava nature reserve at the borders of Hungary, Croatia, and Serbia, the Fruska Gora and the Suva Planina in Serbia, as well as rare karst marshes in Bulgaria, and the unspoiled last remaining wildlands in the Rhodope area.

The local cuisine features a delightful mix of traditional dishes and oriental influences. The culinary experience in this region has been shaped by surrounding cultures such as the Mediterranean and the Middle East, as well as historical influences from the Austro-Hungarian and Ottoman Empires.

Embark on a culinary adventure and indulge in well-known dishes such as Hungarian goulash, Turkish delight, ajvar, Ćevapčići, dolma, and the ubiquitous shopska salad. Start your day with a hearty breakfast of burek with ayran and end it with the delicious sweetness of palachinka. These dishes, each a unique expression of the local culture, are served in traditional restaurants along the trail.

The preferred local drink is Slivovitz or Rakia, which you may be offered at any time of the day. However, be cautious if you plan to continue your hike that day; it is potent.

In previous times, people’s occupations and social status were evident in their clothing, showcasing the diversity of society through vibrant colors. While not as prevalent today, this diversity still thrives. The Balkan region is renowned for its history of migrations, leading to the coexistence of various cultures influenced by Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Slavic, and Ottoman legacies—a rich tapestry for those who appreciate it.

Migration and conflicts among empires shape the region’s history. After the Roman Empire split and the Western Empire fell, the remaining Byzantine Empire had to defend itself against invading tribes from both the East and the West. These tribes, including the Hungarians and the Slavs, even established their kingdoms before the Ottomans eventually conquered the empire. Traces of history, such as remnants of the recent communist past and the Nazi occupation during WWII, can be found throughout the region. You can explore the area’s historical background in the local villages and museums.

Next to the monumental cities Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest, Sofia, Plovdiv, Edirne and Istanbul, the trail passes several exquisite UNESCO heritage sites. But just as interesting are the many local historical sites and history museums.

Traditional music is renowned for its complex rhythms and incorporates a variety of instruments including drums, bagpipes, carambas, bells, string instruments, and flutes. Gypsy bands are often hired to bring liveliness to wedding celebrations. Hearing well-executed orthodox church chants can be a spine-tingling and awe-inspiring experience. Folk dancing remains popular in the region and is often observed during various events.