Nature of Bulgaria - national parks and reserves for active recreation

Bulgaria is famous for its nature and national parks. At any time of the year you can find a picturesque corner for rest. Situated in the center of Europe, the country has become a natural oasis with forest reserves and beaches of the Black Sea. In Bulgaria there are 11 national parks, each of which is under the protection of the state. Tourists especially highlight the Rila National Park, famous for the Rila Monastery and the Seven Lakes. A zone for intensive tourism has been created specially for visitors. It includes bicycle, horse and ski trails as well as various recreation centers. Each route is marked for convenience and safety of tourists. Special places for campfires and camping are allocated. For those who prefer to plunge into the wild, it is suggested to go on the botanical route.

The most unusual place in Bulgaria was the Belogradchik Rocks Park, which is located at the junction of the borders of Serbia and Romania in the most north-western part of the country. In addition to the rocks of magical beauty, on the territory is the largest fortress in Bulgaria, neighboring with a small town Belogradchik. In it family hotels, colorful and low-cost cafes are organized. The place is quite far from the main tourist paths and to get to it, you need to know the terrain. For the fact that such a nature is not found in southern Europe, often Belogradchik rocks are compared to the Greek Meteor.

Founded in 1952, the Pirin Park or, as it is also called, Vihren, is located in the south-west of Bulgaria. On its vast territory of 26 thousand hectares, is an unusually valuable natural complex from the lakes of the Pirin mountain range and karst landscape. Three kilometers of mountains are a spectacular sight. They are dappled with caves, funnels and gaps. The foothills of the mountains are covered by fir and beech forests, which are the storehouse of the country's forest resources. Among the pines, you can find copies about 500 years old. More than a hundred lakes cover the numerous kilometers of the park especially the glacial lakes located at the highest point of the mountain range which stand out for their beauty. According to UNESCO, the park was included in the number of World Heritage sites. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Unlike the huge Pirin Park, Srebarna Reserve, founded in the same year, does not differ much in size, but it deserves to be called one of the most beautiful places in Bulgaria. Its pearl is the Silver Lake. It was formed in the floodplain of the Danube and gives shelter to more than 180 species of birds. A lot of birds live in the reed beds covering almost all the lake. About a hundred species build nests, the rest stop to relax during the flight. Not far from the reserve is a museum filled with exhibitions about animals and birds inhabiting Srebarna. In addition, it houses a base for studying the flora and fauna of the lake.

On the mountain Vitosha is the oldest of the natural parks of Bulgaria. In 1934, it was given the status of a reserve for an amazing pine forest; some of the trees are already more than a hundred years. It is a real natural treasure. The flora of the park has more than two and a half thousand plants. Due to a large number of trees and meadow plants, Vitosha is called Sophia's lungs. On the territory there are tourist and sports bases as well as recreation houses, sheltered in a cozy place. To climb the mountain, you can take advantage of cable-chairlifts, one of which can lift tourists almost to Cherni Vrah, the tops of Vitosha.

Near the steep slopes of the Central Balkans, you can see the nature park Bulgarka. Its location is famous for the variety of reliefs and favorable climate, as a result of which the flora and fauna of the area is also uncommon. On the territory of the park, many archaeological and historical discoveries were made, connected with its geographical location. The center of the park is located near the architectural and ethnographic complex of Etyra, and in the areas of Todorka and Uzana you can practice equestrian sport. In this area ecotourism is well developed and all the conditions for a holiday away from civilization are created