The highest waterfall in the peninsula, the tallest mountain peak in the Balkan Mountains and the deepest precipice cave in Bulgaria. The biggest population of brown bears and the largest beech forests under protection in Europe. Central Balkan National Park is superlative! Its biggest appeal however lies in the area’s overwhelming biodiversity which enabled them to become part of the UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve Network. 2340 species of plants, 60 species of mammals and 123 nesting species of birds live in the park. Hikers can explore Bulgaria’s Garden of Eden on an extensive network of walking trails that lead through century old beech, spruce, pine and maple forests.
The difficult access to the park’s passes, canyons and peaks made the Central Balkan area a stronghold of Bulgarian culture and resistance in the past. It was here that the April uprisings began, a significant armed opposition, which ultimately led to the Bulgarian liberation of Ottoman rule. Some hikers’ huts, little mountain villages and peaks are named after the heroes of the liberation movement. The revolutionary monuments, ancient fortresses and orthodox monasteries in the park’s surroundings make popular day trips.
Beech forests are the dominant vegetation in the national park and occupy 44% of the park’s territory. Together with the beech woods of the park’s surroundings, they form the widest and most homogenous beech areas in Europe – approximately 60,000 hectares. They can be found in all Strict Nature Reserves in the park but in Boatin Reserve – founded in 1948 - you can see the most impressive old and untouched beech forest.
One of these forests is the most preserved and imposing kingdom of beech trees in Europe. Centuries old forests can be seen in Dzhendema Reserve and trough the trails from Kalofer to Rai chalet in Severen Dzhendem Reserve (Vidima – Water holes), Steneto Reserve (Cherni Osam village – Ambaritsa chalet and Dobrila chalet).
The present-day mountain relief in the Central Balkan National Park is the product of mighty geological processes, refined over millennia by water and wind; where rounded ridges and high peaks alternate with deep canyons, vertical rock faces and caves. Mountain cliffs and rocky landscapes occupy about 2,000 hectares. The highest peak of the park is Botev at 2,376 meters.
Unique rock formations can be found in Dzhendema Reserve (Dzhendem meaning “hell in English) and Steneto Rserve, at the Stara Reka (Old river) and the Cherni Osam River and in the Peeshti Skali Reserve (Singing rocks).
Bulgaria’s deepest precipice cave, the Raichova Dupka Cave, and the country’s longest water cave, the “Kumanitsa” Cave, both lie in the national park. Many caves are inhabited by bats. There are 18 different bat species in the park, and eight of them are endangered.
The Balkan mountain range forms the main water division between the Black Sea and the Aegean Sea. The steep riverbeds create impressive waterfalls. Bulgaria’s three highest cascades are; Raiskoto Praskalo (125 m), Vidimskoto Praskalo (80m) and Kademliyskoto Praskalo (72m) - all in the national park.
For good reason, Bulgarians call the Central Balkan Mountains the “Mountains of the Rising Sun”. The sun rise and sun sets in the Bulgarian wilderness are unforgettable, highlighted by the magnificent mountain backdrop.
There are plenty of ancient Roman and Thracian fortresses, roads, watchtowers and camps in and around the national park. The most famous archaeological monuments are Thracian-Roman road Eskus - Philippopolis near Troyan Pass, Roman roadside station (mansio) in Vlashki mandri area, the highest pass in the Central Stara Planina - Rusaliiski (Marin) Pass, east of the Magagidik (Rusalka) peak, Anevsko medieval castle fortress - north of Sopot, the Paunov Kamak and the Djuglata Fortress near the village of Tazha.
The 17th century Troyan Monastery is one the most famous monasteries in the park’s surroundings. It is the third largest in Bulgaria. The frescoes in the monastery and in the church exterior were painted by Zahari Zograph, one of the most famous artists of the Bulgarian National Revival Period. The interior and the monastery houses the famous 17th century icon of the Three handed Virgin.
Around the national park various monuments commemorate the April uprisings of 1876, which had its beginnings in the Balkan Mountains. Memorable characters of prominent revolutionaries and activists of the Bulgarian Revival include - Hristo Botev, Vasil Levski, Vasil Aprilov and Ivan Vazov.
The Craft’s Museum in Troyan shows an impressive collection of Bulgarian craft and folk art, including ceramics, metalwork, national costumes and wood carvings. The History Museum in Teteven, dedicated to 18th and 19th century Bulgarian life and traditions, is also worth a visit. The National Museum of Education and the House of Humor and Satire in Gabrovo keep national and international resources related to education and culture.
Many old traditions carry on to this day. Troyan hosts the Plum and Plum Brandy days, Klissoura celebrates Potato Day, Gabrovo holds the Festival of Humor and satire, an annual festival of Roses is held in several towns stretching from Rosino to Kazanluck in accordance with the rose-picking season.
Can you hear the mountains calling? There are 670 km of hiking trails crisscrossing the park, ranging from easy mountain walks to alpine treks that last several days. The international trekking route E3 runs through the park with one end at the Atlantic Ocean and the other at the Black Sea.
Watch the stunning black vulture span its enourmous wings! There are 123 bird species in the park, many of them are rare.
Mount a Balkan mountain horse and enjoy a wild ride to the Singing Mountains. There are ten riding trails in the national park.
Get rid of your muscle aches in a mineral spa! You can find excellent spa resorts on both sides of the park.
Visit one of the traditional festivals in the mountain villages, like the Festival of Roses in the rose picking season or the Plum and Potato Festival in the Autumn. A real high-light is the Festival of Humour and Satire in the town of Gabrovo.
The best season to visit the Central Balkan National Park is late summer and autumn when the weather is stable and good for walking, trekking, bird watching, photography and enjoying wild flora and fauna.
For the whole season it’s important to have a rain coat, warm pullover, boots, food and water.
http://www.centralbalkannationalpark.org/en/map_base.html
The closest airport is Sofia international airport, which is 2.5 hours drive from the park.
On the northern side take a bus from Sofia to Teteven (connecting to Ribarica, Divchevoto or Cherni Vit); to Trojan (connecting to Chiflika, Beklemeto, Cherni Osam); or to Aprilci (connecting Vidima, Ostretc)
On the southern side take a bus or train to Karlovo, Gabarevo, Tuzha, Kalofer, Klisura, Karnare, Rozino, Pirdop.
One can also start from a central point - Trojan Pass which is accessible almost all the year round from Trojan or Karnare.
In the south take a train to Karlovo, Gabarevo, Tazha, Kalofer, Klisura, Karnare, Rozino, Pirdop. Sofia – Burgas; Sofia - Varna via Karlovo
Road: Sofia – Kazanlak, Sofia – Varna
The road network around the park is well developed and fit for cars. Only 37.4 km of the national road network lies within the park. Asphalt-paved roads can usually be used during winter period.
The main entry and exit points for tourists – named after the nearby main settlements - are as follows: Karlovo, Rozino, Kalofer, Apriltsi (Vidima and Ostrets), Cherni Osam, Troyan, Ribaritsa, Sopot, village of Tazha and Anton, Klisura, Gabarevo, Lagat, Cherni Vit, villages of Chiflik, Hristo Danovo, Karnare
There are 5 information centres around the national park. Two of them operate especially as ecological education centres. They implement nature focused programs such as green schools, outdoors classes, eco-games, eco-competitions, the other three also offer tourist information
- green schools for children and their parents
- specialized routes for botany and nature interpretation
The park has a well developed system of places for short rests, camping and bonfires, as well as many panoramic sites to help hikers enjoy their stay. The surrounding villages and towns offer a large number of small hotels, restaurants, and shops for the visitor. These provide opportunities for accommodation, meals and the purchase of souvenirs, as well as for hiring guides and renting horses and bikes.
Presently there are 20 mountain huts, and four tourists’ shelters – small buildings with plank-beds. The prices vary between 3 and 10 BGL(lev)(1BGL – 50 Euro Cents) per night. 18 of the huts are owned and managed by tourist societies, and several are leased.
You can find fireplaces with short-term rest facilities (fireplaces, alcoves, benches, water fountains etc., waste bins where necessary):
Along the trail Lagat – Mazalat chalet
Near Mazalat chalet;
Near Tazha chalet.
Near Mazaneto locality (the end of the road)
Near Vartyazhkata locality (winter trail to Pleven chalet)
Near Pleven chalet
Near Bunara locality (monument of Tsanko Dyustabanov)
Near the water fountain of T. Minkov (locality Studenia ulei)
In the Dvata Buka locality
In the Paradzhika locality
In Haidushka Pesen chalet
In the Chernia Bor locality
In the Sladkata voda locality
In the Dzhendem Dere locality (near the road fork)
The park management has identified special routes for:
• specialized botany and nature interpretation
• mountain biking
• horseback riding
• cultural and historic treks
• winter ski and snowshoes trails
There are 470 km of hiking paths throughout the park. There is also the international trekking route E-3 that passes along the central ridge of the park. This route has one end at the Atlantic Ocean and the other at the Black Sea.
9 marked tourist routes start at the southern gateways, and another 16 marked hiking routes start in the northern side of the park.
- Beklemeto trail for disabled people
- Babsko pruskalo interpretative trail
- Beklemeto interpretative trail
- Byala reka eco-trail
- Vidimsko pruskalo eco-trail
- Vodnite dupki interpretative trail
The Bulgarian Mountain Rescue Service is the organization responsible for the rescue activities in all mountains in Bulgaria. Their web site is www.pss.bg (only Bulgarian).The national phones are: 1470 (from mobile) and +359 2 963 2000 (ordinary phone) and of course everyone can dial 112 for emergency only in the whole country.
Beklemeto trail for disabled people – the only in the park.
When in the Park, please keep in mind:
- “Take only photographs leave only footprints.” Wilderness has the right to remain untouched. To be curious about the environment is normal, but in order to preserve what you see, it is important to refrain from interfering with natural processes.
- We are guests. Follow park rules, and refer to our signs, leaflets and park staff as necessary.
- The national park is home to wild animals. Hunting and disturbing wildlife are not permitted.
- Cutting trees and breaking branches are prohibited.
- Flowers should not be picked since there are rare and endangered species among them.
- “Carry In – Carry Out”. Let’s not leave behind any litter.
- Mountains can be dangerous. To be safe, stick to marked tourist paths and obey the park regulations.
- Berries and mushrooms can be picked in designated areas, in reasonable quantities, and without causing damages.
- Fires are only allowed at designated areas.
- Fishing is not allowed
- When driving, use only the roads and parking lots indicated.
- Collecting fossils and destroying rock formations are prohibited.
The hut Marinka, Botev, Orlovo Gnezdo
Chalets owned or managed by the Bulgarian Tourist Union
1. Momina Polyana – Vezhen Tourist Society – Teteven
2. Vezhen – Vezhen Tourist Society – Teteven
3. Benkovski– Vezhen Tourist Society – Teteven
4. Echo– Akademik Ruse
5. Kozya Stena– Akademik Ruse
6. Planinski Izvori– Paskal Tourist Society – Pirdop /not operational/
7. Haidushka Pesen– Balkanska Zvezda Tourist Society – village of Chiflik, Troyan area
8. Dermenka - Stratesh Tourist Society – Lovech
9. Dobrila – Ivan Vazov Tourist Society – Sopot
10. Ambaritsa– Ambaritsa Tourist Society – Troyan
11. Hubavets– Vasil Levski Tourist Society – Karlovo
12. Balkan Roses – Vasil Levski Tourist Society – Karlovo
13. Pleven – Kailashka Dolina Tourist Society – Pleven
14. Vasil Levski– Vasil Levski Tourist Society – Karlovo
15. Ravnets– Vasil Levski Tourist Society – Karlovo
16. Rai- Haidut Tourist Society – Kalofer
17. Tazha– Rositsa Tourist Society – Sevlievo
18. Mazalat – Rositsa Tourist Society – Sevlievo
19. Sokolna – Sokolna Tourist Society – village of Gabarevo
20. Rusalka – Tazha Tourist Society – village of Tazha
Buildings owned by other organizations offering tourist accommodation
Kordela Forest Home - Vitales Ltd., – Teteven
Komitski valog Resort Facility - Vitales Ltd., – Teteven
Nezabravka chalet - Sopot Military Machines Plant
Camping Grounds:
bivouac Byala Reka; near Mazalat chalet, Tazha chalet, Pleven chalet, Rai chalet,
http://www.centralbalkannationalpark.org/
http://www.visitcentralbalkan.net/?l=1
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Watch tour operators in action
13 January 2010
Tour operators participated in a tourism workshop organised by PAN Parks Foundation in the Bulgarian PAN Park, Central Balkan National Park.The international and incoming tour operators discussed the ways of cooperation in the PAN Parks tourism model. Now you can watch a video of the trip!The 2-day workshop covered introduction of the PAN Parks...more |
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Central Balkan tests national model
27 April 2009
Bulgarian PAN Park, Central Balkan has been chosen to test a national model during the update of its long term management plan. The project aims to propose a model for national level management with the participation of stakeholders.The project that has just been launched is estimated for 18 months and the envisaged activities will include target...more |
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WWF Major Donor Trip to Central Balkan National Park, Bulgaria
04 October 2008
WWF Netherlands organised a major donor trip to Central Balkan National Park in Bulgaria in autumn this year - one of 11 existing PAN Parks scattered throughout the Europe. The trip was an opportunity for group of major donors of WWF NL experience some of the benefits that PAN Parks and WWF had brought to the area through they support to create a...more |
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Renewal verification in Central Balkan National Park
24 February 2008
Following the PAN Parks verification procedure, Central Balkan National Park is going to be the third park undergoing renewal verification of the PAN Parks standard.The PAN Parks verification process works in a five years cycle. At the end of the cycle the PAN Parks Foundation and the protected area sign a new contract expressing interest...more |
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Alone in Wildlife
05 December 2007
The Central Balkan National Park Directorate commemorated the 22nd of September - the International Car Free Day - with a special children's contest named "Alone in Wildlife". The event took place in the area of the Byala reka Eco-path and the Dzhendema Eco-centre in the territory of one of the park sections - to be more precise - Kalofer....more |
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Dedicated Employees Save Central Balkan NP from Total Destruction
05 September 2007
Two reserves in the Central Balkan National Park have been saved from complete destructive fire. The scorching wave of fires in Bulgaria didn't pass the Central Balkan National Park. There were 9 fires. It took 12 full days including night shifts to contain the fiercest one on the northern and northeastern slopes of the Kosista Peak, at immediate...more |
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Fire's Scorch Southern European PAN Parks
22 August 2007
High temperatures, strong winds, and little rain are to blame for Southern Europe's recent wildfires. Unfortunately, the fires have directly affected two PAN Parks - Central Balkan NP in Bulgaria, and Majella NP in Italy.Central Balkan NP representative Gencho Iliev, informed the PAN Parks Foundation that two fires have burned in the...more |
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New tourism perspectives in Central Balkan
21 November 2005
Central Balkan National Park first officially promoted the twelve PAN Parks local business partners offering tourist services in the region of the park at the Eighth Regional Contact Tourist Fair, an important event for national tourism with the participation of 119 representatives of tour operator companies, hotel owners, managers, and the...more |
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New PAN Parks supported projects
26 September 2005
The PAN Parks Foundation funded two projects through its Small Grants Fund (supported by DOEN Foundation) in 2005. One of the projects, carried out in Central Balkan National Park, Bulgaria, aims at developing the capacity to manage the PAN Parks certification process. The second grant, which went to Paanajärvi, Russia, set the goal to ensure the...more |
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Threatening investment in Bulgarian Kalofer
25 September 2005
Take action for Kalofer, Bulgaria where an unsustainable investment project is threatening the Byala river lying in the immediate vicinity of Bulgarian PAN Parks member Central Balkan National Park!In the immediate vicinity of Bulgarian PAN Parks member Central Balkan National Park lays the valley of the Byala River. Both picturesque and...more |
