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Central Balkan National Park

Introduction

Central Balkan National Park lies in the heart of Bulgaria in the highest part of the mountains that gave the whole region its name: “Balkan”. The southern light, the mild and warm climate and the centuries-old beech forests give the mountains an appearance you’ll find to be unique in the world: Green mountains full of light and warmth.

The steep, green slopes are cut by deep canyons; white water is seeking its way around huge boulders, falling from pool to pool. You can see trout in the crystal clear water. Deep inside the gorges, in the jagged flanks hardly accessible by human beings, the sixty bears of the park have their winter caves.

High mountain meadows cover the vast open area above the tree zone, where an ages old shepherd tradition is still alive. In spring and early summer the pastures turn into a spectacular sea of flowers. Dropping down from the vertical rock faces, breath-taking waterfalls send their spray into the warm summer wind. Golden eagles circle in the thermals above the rock edges. The imprint of a big paw and scat along invisible lines reminds you that wolves seek their pray among the sheep and wild horses.

To discover Central Balkan National Park you don’t need special skills: Some experience in mountain hiking and orienteering, using your common sense as well as appropriate equipment will be sufficient to explore nature’s beauties on the well marked footpaths.