Central Balkan National Park
A vast mountain sanctuary stretching 85 kilometres through Bulgaria’s highest range, where primeval beech forests and endangered wildlife persist within one of Europe’s most significant protected landscapes.
At a glance
The Central Balkan National Park encompasses 716.69 square kilometres of the Balkan Mountains, rising from 550 metres near Karlovo to Botev Peak at 2,376 metres. Bulgaria’s third-largest protected territory, it spans five provinces and comprises nine nature reserves protecting 28% of the park’s total area.
History
Established on 31 October 1991, the park represents Bulgaria’s commitment to preserving its alpine and forest ecosystems. Since 2017, its ancient beech forests have been recognized as part of the Primeval Beech Forests World Heritage Site, acknowledging their global botanical significance.
What you see
Forests dominate the landscape, covering 56% of the park’s area. The park’s terrain spans altitudinal zones from lower deciduous forests to alpine meadows. Nine distinct nature reserves—Boatin, Tsarichina, Kozya Stena, Steneto, Severen Dzhendem, Peeshti Skali, Sokolna, Dzhendema and Stara Reka—each protect specific ecological communities and geological formations.
Cultural significance
The park is classified as Category 2 by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and holds status as a UN Representative Protected Area. Four nature reserves participate in UNESCO’s Man and Biosphere Programme. The park maintains self-regulating ecosystems and contains historical sites of global scientific and cultural importance.
Key facts
- Country: Bulgaria
- Area: 716.69 km²
- Length: 85 km (west to east); average width: 10 km
- Highest point: Botev Peak, 2,376 metres
- Flora: 2,340 species and subspecies of plants
- Fauna: 59 mammals, 224 birds, 14 reptiles, 8 amphibians, 6 fish, 2,387 invertebrates
- Coordinates: 42.77°N, 24.50°E
- UNESCO Primeval Beech Forests World Heritage Site (since 2017)
Practical information & getting there
The park spans parts of Lovech, Gabrovo, Sofia, Plovdiv and Stara Zagora provinces. Access is available from multiple towns including Karlovo at the park’s lowest elevation. Consult local tourism offices for seasonal conditions, permitted activities and visitor facilities.
Sources & resources
Find it on the map
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