Pirin Mountains Region | Pirin Mountains Region |
Pirin National Park Few countries can rival the superb mountain scenery of Bulgaria, and the 35,000km of trails on which to explore it. Its natural beauty and the rich diversity of flora and fauna are a natural asset treasured by the formation of no less than ten national parks across Bulgaria. The Rila and the Pirin rival the alps with their rugged peaks, great ridges and panoramic vistas, yet the Bulgarian mountains are visited relatively infrequently in comparison with their more famous neighbouring ranges in other European countries; in Bulgaria you can really appreciate the peace and tranquility, and enjoy a sense of breaking new ground. The "Vihren" National Park, located in the South West of Bulgaria, was opened in 1962 and eleven years later it was renamed the Pirin National Park after the imposing Pirin Mountain range located within. The park, one of the most beautiful in Bulgaria, includes unique ecosystems, rare animal and plant species, and an abundance of lakes, caves and waterfalls and currently covers an area of approximately 40, 000ha. The park is listed as a UNESCO protected World Cultural and National Heritage site with 100 peaks over 2,000 meters, some 200 high mountain lakes, about 230 mineral springs (1/3 of the mineral waters of the country), being rich in flora (over 1000 species including the near extinct Edleweiss) and home to varied fauna (172 vertebrate species) and much more to offer besides. The alpine character of the Pirin range is accentuated by deeply grooved relief formations. The highest point is the Vihren peak, 2915 m high, and the lowest one is the entrance gate to the park over the town of Bansko - 950 m. Pirin is the best developed of all ranges in Bulgaria in terms of mountain tourism infrastructure with a well-established network of 13 major and 17 secondary routes connecting 8 huts and 5 shelters on the territory of the National Park. Flora and Fauna
Bulgaria has a number of national parks which abound in rare flora and fauna, brid species and endangered animal species. Nowhere is this more true than in the Pirin National Park where many rare plant species such as the near extinct Edelweiss are preserved.
There are 172 vertebrate species found in the park; this includes 4 fish, 10 amphibians, 14 reptiles, 102 birds, and 42 mammals. 114 of these species are listed as threatened to varying extents...
Five species are included in the World Red Data Book - the Greek turtle, the Big night bat, the Grey wolf, the Pole cat, and the European otter. Four species in Pirin are threatened with extinction in Europe - the Long eared bat, the Brown dormouse, the Mole, and the Brown bear. Among the mammals and birds listed as threatened within Bulgaria are the Brown bear, the Grey wolf, the Pine marten, the Rock marten, the Polecat, the European otter, the Wild cat, the Balkan chamois, the Golden eagle, the Capercaillie, the Hazel grouse, the Eagle owl, the Black woodpecker, and the Three toed woodpecker.
Other Points of Interest
The beautiful Fish Lake
Dolnoto ribno ezero (The Lower Fish Lake) is the largest and most preferred by the tourists. The winter landscape as seen from Todorin Reak is really magnificent. The Oldest Tree in Bulgaria Near the Bunderitisa chalet stands the oldest tree in Bulgaria - the Baikusheva Mura (white fir) - 9.5 m thick and 27 m high. Its age is more than 1300 years. |
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