Monument
National park Central Balkan

National park "Central Balkan" is among the most valuable and largest natural areas in Europe. Situated in the heart of the Balkan Mountains on the territory of the 5 districts ( Lovech, Gabrovo , Stara Zagora , Plovdiv and Sofia ) , 8 municipalities and adjoins the lands of 33 villages. An area of ​​71,669.5 ha park protects a unique wealth of forests , plants and animals . The park has nine reserves, four of which are included in the UNESCO program "Man and Biosphere " . Forests cover 56% of the park . Main lesoobrazuvatel is beech - this protects the largest in Europe protected areas of old beech forests. Treeless zone is shaped secondary and largely covered by shrubland among which the most significant contribution have juniper and various types of berries . In the park there are 1,900 species of vascular plants (more than 50 % of the flora of Bulgaria ), of which about 30 species, found only in Bulgaria , and 11 species and 2 subspecies of them are found only in the Central Balkans and elsewhere in the world . Wild magnificence of the mountain includes 229 species of moss , 256 species of fungi , 208 species of algae and 200 species of medicinal plants. Bird life in the park is represented by 130 species - diversity, which makes the "Central Balkan" an ornithological important internationally. Over 130 species - higher plants and vertebrates have been recorded in the Bulgarian and the World Red Book . "Central Balkan" is one of the last in Europe habitats of large raptors , bears, wolves , Balkan chamois . The park is of national importance for the conservation of populations of white-backed woodpecker, the royal and imperial eagles , weasels , Ural owl , hazel grouse , dozens of species of bats. National Park creates excellent conditions for the development of all kinds of ecological tourism. Depending on interest , visitors can visit the local historical and natural science museums , ethnographic collections , exhibitions of local crafts , traditional folk and religious festivals of the locals, spas , swimming pools. Lovers of the wild can visit the remotest corners of the mountain and watch the live mountain inside. In the park there are numerous hiking trails located on the northern or southern part of the mountain ridge . The total length of these routes is about 670 km. Paths along which the primary tourist routes are well marked and secured. Marked hiking trails are 16. Of the park are 20 chalets , 4 departmental bases and 3 tourist shelters . In accordance with the objectives of the park, it increases mainly hiking and recommended limiting the number of overnight stays in huts within the reserve zone of the park. For lovers of nature , extreme sports , horseback riding and bicycling highlands have developed specialized routes only in certain places in the park to reduce adverse impacts on the environment . Information about the park and visitor services are offered mainly in huts and recreation areas around the park . Opportunities for housing, food and buying souvenirs, renting horses and bicycles offer many smaller hotels , restaurants and shops in the villages around the park. For the safety of visitors in the park take care of local units of MRS to the Red Cross . Through them can commit and mountain guides for the park. Central Balkan is a favorite place for recreation among all Bulgarians and tourists worldwide. Enjoy this amazing journey through the perfection of the Bulgarian countryside and experience the magic of the mountain.

• Parks