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Vihren is the highest peak of Pirin, with its 2914 meters. The mountain is second highest in Bulgaria after Rila and on third place in the Balkans after Olympus in Greece.

Pirin rises majestically in the southwestern part of Bulgaria between the deep river valleys of Struma and Mesta. Marble chain of dozens of gray-white pyramid peaks creates an illusion that it is covered with snow throughout the year.

Typical alpine landscape of the Pirin Mountains, the diverse plant and animal species require part of the mountain with an area of about 40,000 ha to be declared a national park "Pirin". The National park is of international importance designated as a biosphere reserve and is under UNESCO protection.

Vihren has the shape of hexagonal pyramid made of white stone, which occupies the southern end of the marble part of the Pirin Mountains. Viewed from Bansko (northeast) and Graniten Peak (Muratov peak) from the southwest, it is trapezoidal, and from the summit of Mount Todorin (southeast) is like a cone. Of the northern karst ridge has the form of irregular pyramid. Located on the main ridge between the valleys of rivers and Banderitsa and Vlahinska, Vihren connects to the north by Mount Kutelo saddle, and to the Southwest - by Vihrenski Preslap saddle - with Hvoynati peak.

Vihren offers a general review of the Pirin mountain peaks. The panorama from the peak is open in all directions and it is exceptional: in the long run to the north and northeast stands the powerful array of Rila Mountain, the extending ridges east of the Rhodope Mountains, to the southeast - Slavyanka Mountain, to the south - Belasitsa, to the southwest, west and northwest - Ograzhen mountain, Malashevska and Vlahina mountains.

Vihren is included in the national movement "Conqueror of the ten tallest mountains" and through it passes the European hiking route E-4.

Traditional tourist routes to climb Vihren start at Banderitsa refuge and Vihren refuge, which are connected by asphalt road to Bansko. From Banderitsa trail passes through forest belt and squats, climbs steeply to the Large and Small Kazan circuses, situated at the foot of the impressive north face of Vihren, with moderate slope reaches the saddle and by a steep and rocky trail for about 3-4 hours you can reach the top. Displacement is about 1100 meters. Tourists staying in Banderitsa can see natural landmark Baykusheva fir, whose age is estimated to be 1300 years old.

Most often Vihren Peak is climbed from Vihren refuge. The time to reach the summit is around 3 hours, and the displacement is about 960 meters. Well shaped path passes between the squat and stones, reaching the saddle Vihrenski Preslap and the southern rocky slope with multiple coils reaches the elevation of the summit.

Pirin is a popular tourist destination for decades. Mountain climbing is suitable for both summer and winter. Among all peaks, Vihren is most difficult to conquer, but each year thousands of people climb up it. In winter, there are organized alpine courses. Until 1942 Vihren was called Eltepe. The old Thracian name of the mountain is Orbelus - "snow white". The name "Pirin" comes from the Thracian word "perintos" - rock. If you go to Vihren, be sure to see the symbol of Pirin - the white edelweiss, which is protected plant species.