Bulgaria

UNESCO Listed - Pirin National Park

With an area of over 27,400ha, Pirin National Park is a spectacular Balkan example of nature at its best.  With expansive glacial lakes, cascading waterfalls, dark caves and rugged pine forests located in the heart of the Pirin Mountains, the park ranges in altitude from  950 - 2,915m above sea level. The rugged terrain is home to a wide range of endemic and rare plant and animal species including Macedonian pine Pinus peuce, Pirin poppy Papaver pirinica , the jackal Canis aureus, and the brown bear Ursus arctos.  Approximately 50 species of animals located in the park are unique to Bulgaria.

Nature Reserves

The park has is home to two nature reserves - Bayuvi Doupki - Dzhindzhiritsa Biosphere Reserve covers an area of 2873 hectares and Yulen Reserve covers an area of 3156.2 hectares.  The national park has both natural sites as well as cultural-historic attractions.

Huts & shelter for hikers

The park has a number of huts and shelters for hikers wanting to experience the splendor of the area for more than one day.  Well planned routes are laid out throughout the park and huts with and without amenities are located along all the routes.  Tourist information maps are available to help plan your route. A number of guide companies also specialize in trips and excursions through Pirin National Park.

UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site

Pirin National Park has been listed as a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Natural World Heritage Site since 1983. The park offers visitors a variety of opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing and wine-tasting tours and the main park headquarters are located in Bansko.  For outdoor enthusiasts, this valuable Bulgarian natural resource is a definite must-see.