Bulgaria - Central Balkan National Park

The National Park includes territories from 5 administrative districts: Lovech (28 827,5 ha), Gabrovo (3 192,4 ha), Stara Zagora (10 550,7 ha): Plovdiv (25 702,1 ha) and Sofia (3 396,8 ha). Central Balkan National Park, situated in the heart of Bulgaria, includes the central and highest parts of Stara Planina Mountain (The Balkan Mountain Range). The park extends in East-West direction for about 85 km, covering a 10 km wide stripe and altitude from 550 m up to the highest peak of Stara Planina mountains - Botev peak - 2 376 m a s. l. Central Balkan National Park contains forests with total area of 44 000, 8 hа (61 %), and mountain pastures and meadows with total area of 27 668,7 hа (39%). The park was established to protect the unique wilderness of Central Stara Planina Mountains and the local traditions and livelihoods linked to it.