Central Balkan National Park

The Central Balkan National Park is a real kingdom of nature in the center of a modern European country. What more can ecotourism fans and lovers of picturesque landscapes ask for?

The Bulgarian nature park is hidden from the cold winds in the high Balkan Mountains. The amber southern sun warmed its expanses, and the ringing waterfalls filled it with clear water. Grateful plants and trees bloomed with all the summer colors. The songbirds came. Rare species of animals, fish, and reptiles settled here. And so this corner of nature has become quiet, calm, and cozy. Today, it is even hard to imagine that it is located only a few kilometers from the beautiful capital of Bulgaria, Sofia.

The park, with a total area of ​​over 700 square kilometers, was founded in 1991. It comprises as many as nine Bulgarian natural reserves. 8 of them are under UN protection, 4 four have the honorary status of a biosphere reserve. This is not surprising, because the park lies in the territory of mixed forests. There are about 2,500 species of various plants and trees, 166 of which are considered medicinal and protected by state law. Several plant species are included in the Red List.

The National Park is home to more than 220 species of birds that attract not only curious travelers and photographers but also ornithologists. It is not every day that one can enjoy the beautiful flight of a rare imperial eagle or see a graceful wildcat on a hunt.

The charming park is equipped with numerous routes with comfortable high railings and wooden bridges. Travelers of all levels of physical fitness and ages can go on an exciting journey through the park. The main thing is to wear comfortable shoes, a waterproof windbreaker, and a bucket hat to be protected from bad weather. And the fluffy paws of the local Balkan fir trees provide better shelter than an umbrella from both the rain and the hot sun.