Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe
Central Balkan
Location: Central Balkan National Park is located in the heart of Bulgaria, covering a large area of the Balkan Mountains. The park stretches over 71,000 hectares and is located about 150 km east of the Bulgarian capital, Sofia.
Date of Inscription: 1991
Criteria: (vii) contain superlative natural phenomena or areas of exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic importance.
Overview: Central Balkan National Park is a stunning natural area that features a diverse range of landscapes, including forested hills, rocky cliffs, and deep gorges. It is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including rare and endangered species. Visitors can explore the park on foot or by car and can take part in a range of activities, from hiking and mountain biking to bird watching and wildlife spotting.
Prominent Features: Some of the most prominent features of Central Balkan National Park include:
History: The Central Balkan National Park was established in 1991 in order to protect the natural and cultural heritage of the Balkan Mountains. The area has a rich history, dating back to ancient times, and has been inhabited by Thracians, Romans, and Bulgarians over the centuries.
Family Friendly Activity: The park offers a range of family-friendly activities, including hiking, camping, and wildlife spotting. There are also several visitor centers and information points where families can learn more about the park's history and ecology.
Fun Fact: The Central Balkan National Park is home to several rare and endangered species, including the Balkan lynx, the brown bear, and the gray wolf.
Entry Fees: There is no entry fee to visit Central Balkan National Park, but some of the attractions within the park may have individual fees.
How to Reach It:
By Car: The park is located about 150 km east of Sofia and is accessible by car via the A2 highway. There are several parking areas throughout the park.
By Bus: There are several bus companies that operate services to the park from Sofia and other major Bulgarian cities. The closest bus station to the park is in the nearby town of Gabrovo.
By Train: The closest train station to the park is in the town of Karlovo, which is located about 40 km from the park. From there, visitors can take a bus or taxi to the park.
Where to Stay: There are several options for accommodations in and around the park, including guesthouses, hotels, and campsites. Some popular options include the Hotel Balkan in Karlovo, the Hotel Hitar Petar in Tryavna, and the Guesthouse Paradise in Gabrovo.
Date of Inscription: 1991
Criteria: (vii) contain superlative natural phenomena or areas of exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic importance.
Overview: Central Balkan National Park is a stunning natural area that features a diverse range of landscapes, including forested hills, rocky cliffs, and deep gorges. It is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including rare and endangered species. Visitors can explore the park on foot or by car and can take part in a range of activities, from hiking and mountain biking to bird watching and wildlife spotting.
Prominent Features: Some of the most prominent features of Central Balkan National Park include:
- Botev Peak: At 2,376 meters, Botev Peak is the highest peak in the park and the third highest in the Balkan Mountains. Visitors can climb to the top for panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
- Raysko Praskalo Waterfall: This spectacular waterfall is the highest in the Balkan Mountains, with a height of 124.5 meters. Visitors can hike to the waterfall from the nearby village of Tazha.
- Devetashka Cave: This massive cave system features stunning rock formations and is home to a large colony of bats. Visitors can explore the cave on guided tours.
- Boatin Nature Reserve: This protected area is home to a diverse range of plant and animal species, including the rare Saker Falcon.
History: The Central Balkan National Park was established in 1991 in order to protect the natural and cultural heritage of the Balkan Mountains. The area has a rich history, dating back to ancient times, and has been inhabited by Thracians, Romans, and Bulgarians over the centuries.
Family Friendly Activity: The park offers a range of family-friendly activities, including hiking, camping, and wildlife spotting. There are also several visitor centers and information points where families can learn more about the park's history and ecology.
Fun Fact: The Central Balkan National Park is home to several rare and endangered species, including the Balkan lynx, the brown bear, and the gray wolf.
Entry Fees: There is no entry fee to visit Central Balkan National Park, but some of the attractions within the park may have individual fees.
How to Reach It:
By Car: The park is located about 150 km east of Sofia and is accessible by car via the A2 highway. There are several parking areas throughout the park.
By Bus: There are several bus companies that operate services to the park from Sofia and other major Bulgarian cities. The closest bus station to the park is in the nearby town of Gabrovo.
By Train: The closest train station to the park is in the town of Karlovo, which is located about 40 km from the park. From there, visitors can take a bus or taxi to the park.
Where to Stay: There are several options for accommodations in and around the park, including guesthouses, hotels, and campsites. Some popular options include the Hotel Balkan in Karlovo, the Hotel Hitar Petar in Tryavna, and the Guesthouse Paradise in Gabrovo.