National Parks
Bulgaria has a number of national parks which abound in rare flora and fauna, bird species (including vultures, eagles and falcons), as well as endangered animal species such as bears, wolves and red deer. Facilities for nature and outdoor enthusiasts have improved in recent years, with different types of accommodation, including small hotels, lodges, private chalets and camping becoming increasingly available. Guided tours or private visits are possible; for some areas, a permit is required. For details, contact the Ministry of Economy (Tourist Department) or Balkan Holidays (see Contact Addresses section).
The Pirin National Park is situated on the highest part of the Pirin mountain range. The landscape varies from the ancient Baikusheva pine forests to crystalline lakes and limestone rocks. Many rare plant species, such as the near extinct Edelweiss, are preserved within the park, which also contains nearly 180 glacier lakes. In the southwest, the Rila National Park covers nearly half of the Rila mountain range and is renowned for its seven lakes and its 10th-century monastery. Vitosha National Park, just outside Sofia, is home to many species of butterflies and offers shelter to wolves, bears and wild cats. The Vratchansky Balkan National Park, in the northwest, has spectacular rock formations, waterfalls and ancient caves. It incorporates the Vratchansky Karst Nature Reserve, whose caves provide a habitat for many species of bats. The Central Balkan National Park, located to the northeast of Sofia and reached via the Troyan Pass, is noted for the Raiskoto Praskalo waterfall – the highest in Bulgaria - and its 50 protected plant species, many of them native to these mountains. The small Sinite Kamani National Park has spectacular rock formations. The Shoumen Plateau National Park near the town of Shoumen has a varied landscape of thick forests and steep rock formations and is home to the Shumenska Krepost archaeological reserve. Situated near the River Danube close to the town of Rousse, the Roussenski Lom National Park is known for its rich wildlife and fauna. The Strandzha National Park in the southeast is Bulgaria’s largest. It borders the Black Sea and is famous for its oak and beech forests. The nearby Ropotamo Reserve on the banks of the River Ropotamo has a diverse landscape ranging from cliffs and forests to sandy beaches, dunes and swamps; the Arkutino swamp is a shelter for many rare bird species.
|
