ABOUT THE CENTRAL BALKAN NATIONAL PARK
The Central Balkan National Park is one of the most valuable and largest protected areas in Europe. The park was established for the conservation of the unique nature of the Central
Stara planina mountain as well as for the preservation of local culture and customs. Covering an area of 716 sq. km. in the highest parts of the
Stara planina mountain. The highest of
Stara planina mountain peak
Botev (2376) is also located within the Park territory.
One - third of Park territory is comprised of nine reserves in which strict protection of species is observed. Four of those reserves
Boatin,
Tsarichina,
Steneto and
Djendema are part of the world Biosphere Reserves Network under the Unesco Man and Biosphere Program. The other reserves are:
Severen Djendem,
Stara reka,
Kozia stena,
Peeshti skali, and
Sokolna. Central Balkan is one of the few places in the world in which wildlife and wilderness have remained untouched.
The Central Balkan National Park is among the world temples of the wild nature. With its beautiful nature, magnificent landscapes, swift – flowing rivers, huge precipices, numerous waterfalls and hundred – years forests, this part of the mountain is attractive place for every one who just a little know this magic. The local people have preserved the crafts. The hospitality of the local people, the favourable climate and the unique nature, the numerous historical, natural and cultural landmarks give excellent opportunities for recreation and entertainment. Many marked tourist trails lead to the most magnificent places of the mountain and connect the 22 mountain hostels and shelters in the park.
Only here you can enjoy to the incredibly beautiful fast rivers and waterfalls:
“Suchurum”,
“Karlovko praskalo”,
Raisko praskalo (124,5 – the highest in Bulgaria),
Kademliisko,
Vidimsko.
FLORA AND FAUNA
The Central Balkan forest cover both the southern and the northern parts of the mountains and make up 56 % of the Park territory. They represent 1% of total forested area of Bulgaria. The average age of the forest is 111 years while the age of the deciduous forest is 121.
One third of the park’s territory is covered by nine reserves. 1900 species of higher plants (over 50 % of the flora represented in Bulgaria) can be found in the park, 30 species of which can be seen only in Bulgaria and 11 species and 2 subspecies grow only on the territory of the Central Balkan Park. This part of the mountain is inhabited by 70 % of the invertebrate species and 62 % of the vertebrate species in Bulgaria. The wild magnificence of the
Balkan includes also 229 species of moss, 256 species of mushrooms, 208 species of algae and more than 200 species of herbs. The bird life in the park is represented by more than 130 species – a variety, which makes the Central Balkan National Park an ornithological object of international importance.
The brown bear is the symbol of the National Park. Dim mountain recesses of the
Stara planina mountain are the bear’s realms. Central Balkan hosts the largest protected habitant in Europe for the brown bear.
Of the 30 species of European bats, 18 can be found in the Park. Eight of the species are considered globally endangered species. Among their favorite shelters are caves and old woods.
TOURISM
The National Park gives great opportunities for development of all kinds of ecological tourism. Here the visitors can walk, ride or cycle along the mountain trails in the open air. The guests can visit the local historical and natural science museums, see the ethnographic collections, exhibitions of local crafts, participate in the traditional folk and religious festivals, and swim in the natural mineral water pools. The wild life admirers can take the opportunity to visit remote and wild places revealing secrets of the real mountain. At the end of the exciting day the tourists may enjoy the peacefulness of a mountain hostel or a village house, songs of sheep bells, sounds of shepherd’s pipe around the fire, under the stars. The villages around the park provide good opportunities for the tourists – there are numerous small hotels, restaurants and shops, tourists’ centers which offer tourist guides’ services, horses and cycles for lease. Nowadays, the Central Balkan National Park has become a favourite place for tourists, nature lovers and for all who have felt its magic power.
CONSERVATION
The directorate of the National Park – a regional structure of the Ministry of Environment and Waters - is responsible for the protection and preservation of the natural resources. The park officials control and coordinate the activities on the territory of the park of all organizations, institutions, tourists and nature lovers. The park employees from the seven local offices facilitate the tourist visits – they secure their safety, prevent acts of violence and monitor the flora and fauna in the park. The directorate has developed a rich data base and elaborates and applies educational programmes for the visitors.
INFORMATION
- Department Central Balkan National Park , town of Gabrovo, 3 “Bodra Smyana” Str.
tel./ fax: +359 66/801277, 801278, 801279
e-mail: office@centralbalkan.bg
www.centralbalkannationalpark.org
- Ecology information and education center, village of Ribaritsa, Teteven municipality
tel./ fax: +359 6902/2479, 2220
e-mail: natura@abv.bg
- Toursm and Nature Preservance Information Center, town of Karlovo, 35 “Vodopad” Str.
tel.: +359 335/95373
e-mail: infokarlovo@rozabg.com
infokarlovo@rozabg.com
- Cherni Ossum Information Center, Troyan municipality
Museum of Natural Science, +359 6962/371
- Klissoura Information center, Karlovo municipality, p.k. 4341, “20 April 1876” Chitalishte (Community center)
tel.: +359 3137/2095
- Information Center, town of Kalofer, 3, “Georgi Shopov” Str.
tel.: +359 3133/ 2405
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