Wild Horses on Stara Planina – Best Time to Visit & Photograph

📍 Where Wilderness Still Roams Free

High in the untamed ridges of Stara Planina, along Serbia’s eastern border with Bulgaria, lives one of the country’s most majestic secrets: a herd of wild horses roaming freely across alpine meadows. These semi-feral beauties, neither completely wild nor domesticated, have captured the hearts of nature lovers and photographers alike.

And if you’re wondering when to catch them in their most photogenic glory—the answer is simple: May.

🌸 Why May Is the Perfect Month

1. Lush Greenery and Flowering Pastures
As the snow melts off the peaks, May transforms Stara Planina into a mosaic of vibrant greens and wildflowers. The scenery becomes an ideal backdrop for photography—alive, colorful, and deeply atmospheric.

2. Horses in Motion
This is the time when the horses are more active—searching for grazing areas, moving in groups, and often seen galloping across the open highlands. Their coats are shiny, their behavior energetic, and the lighting is soft from the spring sun—perfect for nature shots.

3. Mild Weather & Fewer Tourists
Unlike July and August when heat and crowds rise, May offers comfortable temperatures and quieter trails. You’ll have more uninterrupted time to find and photograph the horses in peace.

4. Better Light for Photography
Early sunrise and golden-hour evenings give photographers extended opportunities to capture the horses in dramatic natural light—without the haze of summer or the harsh shadows of winter.

📷 Best Spots to See the Horses

The horses aren’t in a fixed location, but local guides often track their movements. Key areas include:

Arbinje Plateau – Open pastures perfect for longer-lens shots.
Tri Čuke and Midžor trails – Especially early in the morning.
Jabučko Ravnište – One of the highest points with panoramic views and good horse sightings.

Midžor, photo: Mikel Iturbe Urretxa, CC BY-SA 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

You’ll likely need a guide or ranger to help you find the herds. They can also assist in approaching safely and respectfully.

🧭 How to Get There

Base camp: The villages of Temska, Topli Do, or Rsovci are good starting points.
From Pirot, you can drive toward these villages and then continue by foot or jeep.
For photographers: Bring zoom lenses, sturdy hiking boots, and possibly a tent if planning early-morning shots.

✅ Ethical Reminders

Keep your distance – These horses are not pets; don’t try to approach or feed them.
Stay on paths – Disturbing their habitat can cause unnecessary stress.
Use silent shutter modes when possible, especially in close proximity.