Bulgaria has a long tradition of nature conservation. Its first protected area, the 'Silkosiya' Nature Reserve was established in the Strandzha Mountains in 1931. Three years later, in 1934, a 'People's Park' was established on the Vitosha Mountains, becoming the first such “national nature park” to be established on the Balkan Peninsula. Today, Bulgaria’s protected areas encompass approximately 4.3% of the country’s territory, and comprise 90 nature reserves, 3 national parks, 11 nature parks, 457 natural landmarks, and 175 protected localities.Bulgaria's three National Parks (IUCN Category II) are:
- 'Pirin' National Park (40, 332.4 hectares)
- 'Rila' National Park (81,046 hectares)
- 'Central Balkan' National Park (71,669.5 hectares)
This blog is dedicated to describing the wonderful hiking and wildlife watching opportunities in Bulgaria's national parks, and to promoting the protection and conservation of what are outstanding mountain regions rich in an exceptional flora and fauna.
