National Parks in Bulgaria
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Bulgaria's ladscape is varied. There are either lakes or four mountain ranges. The highest pick reaches 2825 metres above the sea. 12 national parks are located in Bulgaria. The most popular are Rila National Park, Pirin National Park, Central Balkan National Park and Witosz National Park.
Pirin National Park is situated in Pirin mountains. It was established in 1962 and covers the area of 272 km2. It was inscribed into UNESCO's list in 1983. The park features crisal clear lakes and many mineral springs. There are also about 100 peaks which are more than 2000 metres above the sea high. The highest one is Wichren (2914m).
Rila National Park was established in 1992. It is one of the most beautiful parks in Bulgaria. It is located in the highest park of Rila mountains, only 100 km south of Sofia. In the park, there are special biosphere reserves inscribed into UNESCO list: Parangalica with 200-years-old spruce forest and the ecosystem of alpine and sub-alpine floors as well as Skakawica reserve wit protected mountain pine and Ibar reserve with protected Mecedonian pine. On the area of the Rila Park, there are 1400 species of plant and rich fauna (bears, mountain goats, deer, eagles, falcons, and more.
Central Balkan National Park was opened in 1992. It is located in the real heart of Bulgaria, in the higher and central part of Balkan mountains. It features beautiful landscaped, picturesque gorges, scenic high-mountain meadows, stunning waterfalls and majestic hills. There are numerous protected species of plants and animals.
Vitosha National Park covers a gentle mountain massif of Vitosha. The highest peak is Czerny Wrych which is 2290 meteres. This park is called 'the lungs of Sofia'. In the wintertime, the park become the perfect place for winter sports, alpinism and climbing, and in the summertime – trekking or berrypicking. The rivers of Istyr and Struma flow out slopes of Vitosha. There are also hot springs and cold mineral springs. The Park is divided into two reserves: Bistriszko braniszte (UNESCO heritage site) and Torfeno braniszte (protected bogs). There can be found deer, wolves, martens, many species of birds and the wonderful world of plants.
