Travel Guide Central Balkan National Park

Balkan Central National Park has also been declared Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO and belongs to the PAN Park European network.It is located in the heart of the mountain Stara Planina, in the highest parts. Here, several ecosystems coexist: six areas of characteristic vegetation and historic monuments of great cultural importance. Most of the park is covered with forests and old-age wood. Almost half of the flora of Bulgaria lies in that territory. Several species of plants and animals, invertebrates, mammals, predators, birds live there: 59 mammal species and 123 bird species Several of these are listed in the Bulgarian Red Book of Threatened Species. Nearly 1 900 plant species of which 90 are rare or threatened with extinction have been identified.An educational trail (Byala Eco-Trail) was built to discover the park while enjoying fun. Contact the Tourist Information Centre of Kalofer. The town of Kalofer, located 17 km from Karlovo town, is the gateway to the park.