Central Balkan National Park

Central Balkan National Park protects a large portion of the central Stara Planina (Balkan Mountains) in central Bulgaria and conserves high-mountain ecosystems, old-growth forests and alpine meadows. The park is noted for high peaks, deep river valleys and several strict nature reserves established to protect biodiversity.

The park was established to protect the central Stara Planina environment and its endemic and relict species; protections and reserve designations have been expanded since the park’s creation to include multiple strict reserves and conservation zones.

The park occupies the central section of the Balkan Mountains (Stara Planina) in central Bulgaria and spans parts of several provinces; towns such as Karlovo and Kalofer are common gateways for visitors reaching trailheads and hut networks.

• Notable natural features: Contains Botev Peak (2,376 m), the highest summit of the Central Balkan range, and Raysko Praskalo waterfall (about 124.5 m), Bulgaria's tallest waterfall in the Balkan Mountains.
• Access restrictions and trails: Several strict reserves within the park limit independent access; guided routes and marked trails are concentrated in designated visitor zones with mountain huts and marked trailheads.

What to See #

• Botev Peak area: The Botev Peak area contains the mountain's summit (Botev Peak) and alpine meadows used as a starting point for many ridge hikes; the summit reaches an elevation of 2,376 metres and is the highest point in the park.
• Raysko Praskalo waterfall: Raysko Praskalo is the park's prominent waterfall, with a drop of about 124.5 metres, and is reached via marked trails from the central park zones.
• Central reserves (Steneto and core areas): The park core includes strict nature reserves such as Steneto that protect old-growth beech and mixed mountain forests and restrict access to scientific or guided visits.