National Parks of Bulgaria

Bulgaria is a nation located in southeastern Europe and is bordered by the countries of Romania, Serbia, Macedonia, Turkey, and Greece. The country also has a coastline on the Black Sea to the east and encompasses an area of 110,994 square km.

Bulgaria has a high level of biodiversity. Nearly 35% of Bulgaria’s territory is occupied by forests where some of the world’s oldest trees like the Granit oak and the Baikushev's pine grow. Over 3,800 species of flora grow in the country, 170 of which are endemic and 150 endangered. Brown bears, rock partridges, owls, the eastern imperial eagle, and the Eurasian lynx are some of the iconic fauna of Bulgarian wilds.

3. Pirin National Park

The 403.56 square km Pirin National Park is located in southwest Bulgaria and includes a large section of the Pirin Mountains. The national park is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The elevation of the park varies between 950 m to 2,914 m. The park hosts 118 glacial lakes which enhance the natural beauty of the landscape. Almost 95% of the forest cover in the park includes coniferous forests. 45 mammalian species, 159 avian species, 11 reptilian species, 8 species of amphibians, and 6 fish species inhabit the Pirin National Park. The park is a major tourist destination in Bulgaria. It provides an interactive exhibit, a 30-seat projection room with multimedia equipment, tourist accommodations, 20 marked hiking trails, and other tourist facilities.

2. Central Balkan National Park

The Central Balkan National Park is located in the heart of the country where it is nestled in the Balkan Mountains. The elevation of this national park varies between 550 m to 2376 m. The park, established on 1991, is one of Europe’s biggest and most treasured protected areas. Rare and endangered fauna and human communities are hosted by the Central Balkan National Park. 56% of the area of the park is covered by forests featuring 2340 species and subspecies of flora. 2387 invertebrate species, 6 fish species, 224 bird species, 14 species of reptiles, and 59 mammalian species live in the Bulgarian national park.

1. Rila National Park

Rila National Park, encompassing an area of 810.46 square km is Bulgaria’s biggest national park. It was established on February 1992 and has elevation ranging between 800 m and 2925 m. The Musala Peak, the highest peak in the Balkan Peninsula, is within the boundaries of this national park. The Maritsa River and Iskar River, two major rivers of the region are part of this national park. 120 glacial lakes are housed in the park. 66% of the national park’s landscape is occupied by forested land. 48 mammalian species, 20 reptilian and amphibian species, 5 fish species and a great diversity of invertebrates live in the Rila National Park. 282 species living in the national park are endemic to the region.