Topolitsa South

Topolitsa South launches from the Stara Planina (Balkan) range above Topolitsa village in Bulgaria, about 40 km north-west of Burgas and 12 km from Aitos. The wide, clean grassy takeoff sits roughly 350 m above the valley floor and is considered good for beginners, with a second launch, Topolitsa East, 1.2 km away for different wind directions. Wind directions from south-east through south to south-west suit the site, and it's flown for thermalling, ridge soaring, cross-country, hike-and-fly and flatland flying, with views over the mountain, fields and forest below. The drive up follows the old Burgas-Sofia road through the villages of Karageorgievo and Topolitsa, then a signed turn climbs the mountain to a dirt track leading to the South takeoff, with the East takeoff another 1.5 km on. The landing field is large, but power lines run along its right-hand side near the road before the village, so plan the approach with that in mind. If the wind at South takeoff comes from the west, expect turbulence.

Launch & conditions

The South takeoff is large, clean and considered good for beginners, about 350 m above the valley floor. A second launch, Topolitsa East, sits 1.2 km further along for different wind directions.

Getting there & local rules

From Burgas, follow the old road toward Sofia through Karageorgievo to Topolitsa village, then turn and climb the mountain road; a dirt track on the right leads about 100 m to the South takeoff, with the East takeoff another 1.5 km further on.

Check conditions before you fly

A forecast for the valley is not a forecast for the launch. Before heading to Topolitsa South, read the wind and thermals for the site itself, confirm the day's rules with the local club, and remember the standing rule — when in doubt, don't launch. In the free OutDare app you can open Topolitsa South with a 7-day forecast built from high-resolution weather models, see who else has been flying, and get there with offline maps.