What to do
Experience wilderness: take a walk by the foot of enormous mountains
What to see
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 Central Balkan 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.
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.
What to do
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.
Adventure tips
Central Balkan National Park (PAN Park) offer a wide variety of wilderness experiences. We collected those adventures that help you best experience PAN Parks wilderness.
The Byala Reka (white river) eco trail takes you through a meandering canyon that was inaccessible for a long time - offering really wild adventures with bushes, trees covering its walls. You can make a loop taking 1.5-2 hours.
Take a trail to Rai chalet from Karlovo village to hike through the national park’s wilderness, the largest beech forests of Europe. Above the chalet you’ll find the stunning Prescalo waterfall and after crossing the ridge offering amazing views you can again enter forested wilderness.
Local partner offering an activity related to this adventure:
Balkan Trek
Watch the stunning black vulture span its enourmous wings! There are 123 bird species in the park, many of them are rare.
Local partner offering an activity related to this adventure:
Pandion-D
Balkan Trek
Get to know the nature of Central Balkan National Park riding a horse!
Local partner offering an activity related to this adventure:
Riding Base Balkan
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