Sign up Forgotton password
(A+)
Bigger font: А+
Smaller font: A-
Normal font: A

Flora

10/11/2025

CBNPD participates in a workshop on biosphere reserves

A workshop on "Cooperation within the framework of UNESCO's European Biosphere Reserves" was held in Eberswalde, Germany, between November 4 and 7.

Read more  >>
03/11/2025

Read more  >>
31/10/2025

The Central Balkan National Park Directorate removed an illegally parked camper from the territory of the National Park

On October 30, in accordance with the Order No. RD-PAM – 1/05.06.2020 of the Director of the Central Balkan National Park Directorate (CBNPD), an illegally parked truck (camper) was removed from the borders of the Central Balkan National Park

Read more  >>
31/10/2025

Today, the Central Balkan National Park celebrates

On this date in 1991, by order of the Minister of Environment, the Central Balkan was established.

Read more  >>
31/10/2025

We will celebrate the International Day of Biosphere Parks with a festival in Karlovo

On Sunday, November 2, the last of this year's autumn holidays of the Central Balkan Biosphere Park will take place in Karlovo.

Read more  >>
24/10/2025

The ban on the movement, stay and parking of motor vehicles, including ATVs and UTVs of all classes, on the road from Hotel "Tabite" to Botev Peak is lifted

We inform you that by Order No. RD 275 of 20.10.2025 of the Director of the Central Balkan National Park Directorate, the ban on the movement, stay and parking of motor vehicles (MPV), incl. ATV and UTV of all classes, on the road Hotel "Tabite" (H. "Tazha") - Botev peak

Read more  >>
21/10/2025

CBNPD held an informational campaign regarding the requirement to register groundwater abstraction facilities on the territory of the CBNP

Today, October 21, 2025, the Central Balkan National Park Directorate (CBNP) held an informational meeting for the owners and users of groundwater abstraction facilities supplying water to buildings within the territory of the National Park.

Read more  >>
20/10/2025

Read more  >>
20/10/2025

The autumn festivals Partner of the Central Balkan Biosphere Park have started

On Saturday, 18.10.2025, the Directorate of the Central Balkan National Park, with the support and hosting of the Troyan Municipality, opened the first of the three festive events of the festival "Partner of the Central Balkan Biosphere Park".

Read more  >>
13/10/2025

Central Balkan NPD participates in an annual meeting on old-growth beech forests in Muzcne, Poland

From 5 to 8 October, the annual meeting of the Joint Management Committee (JMC) of the serial World Heritage Site “Old and Primary Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions in Europe” was held in Muzcne, Poland (Biezchady National Park).

Read more  >>
07/10/2025

Read more  >>
04/10/2025

Read more  >>
03/10/2025

Read more  >>
02/10/2025

Renovation of the Byala Reka Visitor Complex has started

The implementation of the contract for the complete renovation of the Byala Reka Visitor Complex, which includes the Byala Reka Bivouac and the Djendema Ecocenter, has begun.

Read more  >>
01/10/2025

Read more  >>
30/09/2025

42 years since the declaration of the Northern Dzhendem Reserve

Today, the Northern Dzhendem Reserve celebrates - one of the notable reserves in the Central Balkan National Park, which remains in the memory of the visitor with its impressive rock formations and secret forests.

Read more  >>
24/09/2025

Read more  >>
20/09/2025

Н

Read more  >>
16/09/2025

European Mobility Week 2025

From 16 to 22 September, we celebrate European Mobility Week, a campaign aimed at promoting sustainable transport and mobility.

Read more  >>
11/09/2025

Central Balkan National Park Directorate presented the methodology for assessing pasture resources in Kalofer

Experts from the Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Studies (IBES) at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences and the Director of the Central Balkan National Park Directorate (CBNPD) – Georgi Krastev, presented to users of pastures in the Central Balkan and interested citizens the methodology for monitoring and assessing pasture resources, which is applied in the Park.

Read more  >>
10/09/2025

Eight students from the Central Balkan National Park region participated in the first youth exchange dedicated to beech forests as a UNESCO site

From 20 to 31 August, Germany hosted the first youth exchange called “UNESCO World Heritage – European Beech Forests”. A total of 60 young people and group leaders from six countries – Bulgaria, Italy, Slovenia, the Czech Republic, Ukraine and the hosts from Germany – participated.

Read more  >>
08/09/2025

LIST OF ADMITTED AND NOT ADMITTED CANDIDATES TO PARTICIPATE IN A COMPETITION

LIST OF ADMITTED AND NOT ADMITTED CANDIDATES TO PARTICIPATE IN A COMPETITION

Read more  >>
05/09/2025

CBNPD presented the results of the first scientific project for the territory of the Central Balkan Biosphere Park

The results and activities carried out under the project “Study of forest ecosystems in mountain watersheds in the Central Balkan Biosphere Park” were presented yesterday at the “Nauka 1870” Community Center in Troyan.

Read more  >>
05/09/2025

Read more  >>
05/09/2025

Actions against poachers in the Central Balkan National Park

In just one day, the security forces organized two actions in the protected area.

Read more  >>
04/09/2025

Read more  >>
30/08/2025

Reserve "Elenova Gora" turns 64 yaers

n today's date - August 30, in 1961, the reserve "Elenova Gora" was declared. It is located in the Central Balkan Mountains in the Kalofer Mountains, outside the Central Balkan National Park (NBNP), near its eastern border.

Read more  >>
29/08/2025

August 29 - Bat Night in Bulgaria

The Night of Bats has been celebrated on the last weekend of August since 1997 and started with the signing of the Agreement for the Conservation of Bats in Europe (EUROBATS).

Read more  >>
19/08/2025

A working meeting with pasture users in the Park was held in the Park office

​On August 18, a meeting with users of pastures in the Park and citizens was held at the Central Office of the Directorate of the Central Balkan National Park in Gabrovo. The topic of the meeting concerned the processes of assessing the pasture resource, which are the basis for planning future uses.

Read more  >>
19/08/2025

ADVERTISE COMPETITION FOR ADVERTISE COMPETITIONS FOR VACANCIES POSITION

Vacancies and necessary application documents

Read more  >>
15/08/2025

The movement, stay and parking of motor vehicles of all classes, on the road Tabite Hotel - Botev Peak (parking lot on Botev Peak) is temporarily prohibited.

The introduced ban does not apply to vehicles of the Ministry of Environment, as well as to other vehicles with a special traffic regime when performing official duties and contractors of construction and installation works.

Read more  >>
11/08/2025

Central Balkan National Park launches campaign to clean its hiking trails

In recent days, employees of the Central Balkan National Park Directorate have begun cleaning the overgrown sections of the tourist routes in the Park.

Read more  >>
01/08/2025

CBNPD officers detained a poacher in the Sokolna reserve after an operation

Due to violations and increased reports of poaching in the area of the Sokolna hut, on the orders of Georgi Krastev, Director of the Central Balkan National Park Directorate (CBNPD), measures have been taken in the area for daily patrolling and surveillance by park guards.

Read more  >>
29/07/2025

We celebrated the Park Rangers' Day with many new challenges and entertainment

On July 26, in connection with World Ranger Day, the "Ranger's Day" was held for the sixth consecutive year.

Read more  >>
28/07/2025

Lighting fires is prohibited in the Central Balkan

By Order No. 196/24.07.2025 of the Director of the Directorate of the Central Balkan National Park, it is prohibited to light fires in the open air in any form, manner and occasion on the territory of the Central Balkan National Park.

Read more  >>
26/07/2025

Successfully extinguished fire in the Central Balkan

On the 24th, shortly before noon, a signal was received about a fire spotted under Maragidik Peak. A hard-to-reach, juniper-covered area within the borders of the Central Balkan National Park in the Stokite park section was burning

Read more  >>
22/07/2025

For another year, "Central Balkan" participates in "Uzana Polyana Fest"

Employees of the Park Directorate took part in two of the initiatives of the Gabrovo Municipality, held during the days of the environmental festival "Uzana Polyana Fest", which this year took place from 18 to 20 July.

Read more  >>
22/07/2025

In connection with the increased incidence of forest fires throughout the country and the expected significant increase in daytime temperatures, the Directorate of the Central Balkan National Park calls on all visitors to the Central Balkan during their stay in the Park to comply with all fire safety requirements and to exercise extreme vigilance and responsibility!

Read more  >>
21/07/2025

The "Ranger Day" - 6 years of new knowledge and fun

On July 26, 2025 (Saturday) from 10:00 to 14:00, the sixth edition of the "Ranger Day" initiative will be held.

Read more  >>
21/07/2025

Successful operation against treasure hunting in the Central Balkan National Park

On Saturday, July 19, employees of the Central Balkan National Park Directorate (CBNP) conducted an operation against treasure hunters in the area of Gorni Polenitsi in the security section "Vidima" of the park section "Stokite".

Read more  >>
18/07/2025

Central Balkan National Park employees caught poachers near the Park

An employee of the Park Directorate received yesterday a photo from a camera trap, which captured violators with long-barreled hunting weapons near the border of the Central Balkan National Park (CBNP) with the forest territories of the State Forestry Administration (SFA) - Teteven.

Read more  >>
18/07/2025

76 years of Tsarichina Reserve

On July 18, we celebrate 76 years since the announcement of the Tsarichina Reserve.

Read more  >>
11/07/2025

Two of the reserves of the Central Balkan National Park celebrate today

On today’s date, July 11, 46 years ago, two of the reserves located within the borders of the Central Balkan National Park were declared. These are Peeshti skali and Sokolna – both impressive with their characteristic and unforgettable relief forms and landscapes.

Read more  >>
08/07/2025

The beech forests of the Central Balkan National Park will be presented at the session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in Paris

The Central Balkan National Park Directorate will present its unique and preserved beech forests as one of the components of the Serial World Heritage Site “Old and Primary Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions in Europe” during the 47th session of the World Heritage Committee of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization

Read more  >>
04/07/2025

The activities of the Visitor Information Center "Vezhen" are suspended indefinitely

By Order No. RD 168 of 04.07.2025 of the Director of the Directorate "Central Balkan National Park" in connection with a fire, the Visitor Information Center "Vezhen" is closed

Read more  >>
01/07/2025

Visiting the “Green Classroom”

In June, 140 children from four Gabrovo schools visited the Directorate of the Central Balkan National Park.

Read more  >>
01/07/2025

“Where the River is Born” – How Forest Ecosystems Influence Rivers

With a creative workshop “Where the River is Born”, experts from the Central Balkan National Park Directorate presented the role of mountain ecosystems in the management and quality of water in river catchments.

Read more  >>
30/06/2025

Monitoring the brown bear species

In July, field work on the project "Monitoring the Brown Bear Species" is expected to begin in the mountainous regions of our country. The three directorates of the national parks - "Pirin", "Rila" and "Central Balkan" and five of the six state forestry enterprises.

Read more  >>
24/06/2025

"Central Balkan" NP celebrated the holiday of herbs together with the "ETAR" museum

At the invitation of the Regional Ethnographic Open-Air Museum "ETAR", experts from the Directorate of the Central Balkan National Park (DNPCB) joined the festivities on the occasion of the celebration of Enyovden, organized by the Museum.

Read more  >>
24/06/2025

The search and capture of the predator within the boundaries of the Shumen Plateau Nature Park continues

For another day, the Director of the Central Balkan National Park Directorate (CBNP) Georgi Krastev and specialists from the Directorate are assisting in the search and capture of the wild animal from the Cat family, which was filmed on the territory of the Shumen Plateau Nature Park.

Read more  >>
13/06/2025

Children and the "Park as a Classroom"

This week, as part of the Central Balkan National Park Directorate’s educational program, “The Park as a Classroom,” two groups of children visited us and gained new and interesting knowledge.

Read more  >>
12/06/2025

Boatin Reserve celebrates today

Today, June 12, 2025, we celebrate 77 years since the announcement of the oldest reserve - "Boatin", which is located on the territory of the Central Balkan National Park.

Read more  >>
06/06/2025

Together with students from Gabrovo we celebrated World Environment Day

On Environment Day, June 5, 44 children from the “St. St. Cyril and Methodius” Primary School in Gabrovo visited the Green Classroom of the Central Balkan National Park, where two of the Directorate’s experts, through various eco-games, enriched their knowledge about the main pollutants in nature, possible ways to beat them and protect the environment.

Read more  >>
05/06/2025

On June 5th we celebrate World Environment Day

Today we celebrate World Environment Day and this year the focus is on the plastic that has become a comfortable part of our lives

Read more  >>
04/06/2025

Second graders from Gorna Oryahovitsa visited the Central Balkan National Park

On June 3, 15 children from Gorna Oryahovitsa joined the campaign of the Directorate of the Central Balkan National Park - "With a Ranger in the Central Balkan", visiting the Eco-Trail "Vidimsko Praskalo".

Read more  >>
30/05/2025

The Director of the Central Balkan National Park Directorate met with livestock breeders from Kalofer

The meeting took place in connection with requests from local users. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss and resolve pressing issues, mainly related to the grazing of domestic animals in the National Park.

Read more  >>
29/05/2025

European Diploma for Protected Areas – an award with a 60-year history

Last week marked the 60th anniversary of the prestigious award of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe – the European Diploma for Protected Areas.

Read more  >>
28/05/2025

Today is the day Bulgaria's parks celebrate

Today we celebrate the Day of Parks in Bulgaria. There are a total of 14 parks in our country – 3 national and 11 natural, which are celebrated on May 28.

Read more  >>
23/05/2025

Read more  >>
22/05/2025

Read more  >>
21/05/2025

Directorate of the Central Balkan National Park visits the fourth "A" class at the "Raycho Karolev" Secondary School on the occasion of Natura 2000 Day and Biodiversity Day

On May 20, on the occasion of the European Natura 2000 Day, celebrated on May 21 and the International Day for Biodiversity – May 22, experts from the Central Balkan National Park Directorate held eco-activities with 21 students from the Raicho Karolev Secondary School in Gabrovo.

Read more  >>
19/05/2025

Two important dates on the conservation calendar are coming up

This week, on May 21, we celebrate the European Natura 2000 Day, and in 2025 we will celebrate 33 years since the creation of the Natura 2000 network of protected areas in the European Union.

Read more  >>
16/05/2025

Let's not disturb animals in nature!

Small deer and fawns have already begun to be observed in the forest, in this regard we remind you that if you meet a small deer, a fawn in the forest, it is not abandoned or lost and you should not touch it, disturb it and even more so take it with you to save it.

Read more  >>
15/05/2025

Temporary restrictions on vehicle traffic are being introduced on the road from Troyanski Prohod to Dermenka hut

By Order No. RD 130 of 14.05.2025 of the Director of the Directorate "Central Balkan National Park", temporary restrictions are introduced for the movement, stay and parking of motor vehicles (MPV) (including ATVs and UTVs of all classes) for road No. 12 Troyanski Prohod - Dermenka hut

Read more  >>
08/05/2025

The Annual Plan for Grazing and Use of Hay in the Central Balkan National Park for 2025 was approved

By Order of the Director of the Park Directorate today, May 8, 2025, the Annual Plan for Grazing and Use of Hay in the Central Balkan National Park for 2025 was approved.

Read more  >>
02/05/2025

With a call to protect nature, the Director of the Central Balkan National Park Directorate opened the new office of the Directorate in the village of Ribaritsa

On April 29, at a solemn ceremony, Georgi Krastev, Director of the Central Balkan National Park Directorate (CBNPD), had the honor of opening the long-awaited, newly built office of the Teteven Park District (PD) of the Park Directorate, located in the village of Ribaritsa.

Read more  >>
28/04/2025

​Eco event for Earth Day in the town of Byala Cherkva

On April 25, the Central Balkan National Park Directorate, together with the Historical Museum in the town of Byala Cherkva, organized an exciting eco event in the center of the town of Byala Cherkva on the occasion of International Earth Day and in connection with the celebration of the 40th anniversary of the establishment of the Natural History Exhibition at the Museum.

Read more  >>
23/04/2025

On Earth Day we were together with the students from the "Petko Rachev Slaveykov" Secondary School - Tryavna

On the occasion of Earth Day, April 22, experts from the Central Balkan National Park Directorate visited the Secondary School in Tryavna – “P. R. Slaveykov”, where they met with 22 students from the upper year of study.

Read more  >>
22/04/2025

A lesson was given at the "Vasil Levski" Secondary School - Karlovo by an employee of the Central Balkan National Park Directorate

Last week, an employee of the park ranger of the Central Balkan National Park Directorate, together with a representative of the Mountain Rescue Service - Karlovo, gave an educational talk

Read more  >>
22/04/2025

For 55 years now, the whole world has been celebrating Earth Day

On April 22, many people around the world join various initiatives and campaigns on the occasion of Earth Day

Read more  >>
17/04/2025

The Directorate of the National Park is pleased to invite students in the high school stage of their studies between 8th and 12th grades to apply for participation in a youth international meeting under the EU's Erasmus+ program for supporting education, training, youth and sport in Europe.

Read more  >>
14/04/2025

An expert from the Central Balkan National Park Directorate brought the forest to the preschool group of the St. Cyril and Methodius Primary School – Troyan

In connection with the Forest Week, the children from the preschool group of the St. Cyril and Methodius Primary School had the opportunity to learn more about the forest, its inhabitants and how we can protect them.

Read more  >>
08/04/2025

The Central Balkan National Park Directorate celebrated Forest Week together with the Natural History Museum in the village of Cherni Osam

Yesterday, on the occasion of Forest Week, eco-activities were held with children from two age groups - from 1 to 4 grades and from 5 to 7 grades.

Read more  >>
01/04/2025

For more than a century, April 1st has been celebrating World Bird Day

April 1st was declared World Bird Day by the UN and has been celebrated since 1906, making it one of the oldest initiatives in the world.

Read more  >>
28/03/2025

Today we celebrate 72 years since the declaration of the Djendema Reserve

On this date in 1953, in order to protect valuable species and their habitats, the "Djendema" reserve was declared.

Read more  >>
26/03/2025

Preparation for the upcoming monitoring of species from the Gliridae family in the Central Balkan National Park

On March 21, employees of the Central Balkan National Park (CBNP) visited one of the sites for monitoring the species of the Gliridae family, located in the area of the Neshkovtsi Conservation Area, Troyan State Park.

Read more  >>
23/03/2025

Celebrated Water Day together with the fifth graders from the "Vasil Levski" Primary School in the village of Shumata

On the occasion of World Water Day, employees of the Central Balkan National Park Directorate held educational eco-activities at the primary school in the village of Shumata, Sevlievo municipality.

Read more  >>
05/03/2025

Violators with high-pass vehicles in the Central Balkan National Park have been sanctioned

Park Directorate employees detected unregulated movement of motor vehicles in the Park over the past weekend.

Read more  >>
04/03/2025

Returning home

On 28.02.2025, experts from the Directorate of the Central Balkan National Park and experts from Green Balkans released three birds.

Read more  >>
29/11/2024

Illegally parked van removed from Dzhendema Reserve

After a Central Balkan National Park Directorate employees’ action, an illegally placed van with a surveillance camera and a feeder for wild animals was removed from the territory of the Dzhendema Reserve.

Read more  >>
04/11/2024

EMERGENCY ACTION AGAINST MOTORISTS IN THE TERRITORY OF THE CENTRAL BALKAN NATIONAL PARK

On November 2nd and 3rd, an action was held against the unregulated movement of motorcycles on the territory of Central Balkan National Park, led by the Director of the protected area - Georgi Krastev, with the participation of employees from several park sections.

Read more  >>
23/08/2024

What you need to know when visiting Central Balkan National Park

Wildlife has a right to privacy. Preserve it in its natural state by using wisely your right to recreation and knowledge.

Read more  >>

News archive

Show

The Park has been identified 1,689 species of spore and seed plants, 238 species of mosses, 4 species of sedges, 4 species of horsetails, 28 species of ferns, 45 species of algae, 337 species of macromycetes, of which 57 species of edible mushrooms.

The phytofond of the Central Balkan National Park represents 41% of the species diversity of the flora in Bulgaria.

Nature conservation-significant taxa:

  • 78 species included in the Biological Diversity Act (BDA);
  • 58 species included in the Red Book of Bulgaria;
  • 120 species included in the Red List of vascular plants in Bulgaria;
  • 17 species included in the IUCN Red List;
  • 75 species of Bakan endemics;
  • 23 species of local endemics;
  • 101 relict species.
​FORESTS IN THE PARK


One of the most characteristic features of the forests in the Central Balkans is that a large part of them are little influenced by human intervention, especially in the more inaccessible parts of the Park. The conditions that have the strongest influence on the distribution of forests are the exposure, the altitude, which in turn determine the temperature and light regime, the type and richness of the soil, the soil and air humidity. This, as well as the specific requirements and biology of each species, determines the species diversity in the forest ecosystems in the Park, as well as their wide distribution.
 

  • Forests occupy the largest area – about 60% of the Park's territory;
  • A significant part of the forest area (84.8%) is deciduous;
  • Beech communities cover 42% of the Park's territory;
  • The average age of beech communities is 133 years, and on an area of ​​24,401 ha they are over 100 years old;
  • There are many more broad-leaved species. In addition to beech (Fagus sylvatica), mountain sycamore (Acer heldreichii), sycamore (Acer platanoides), wild cherry (Prunus avium), mountain ash (Fraxinus excelsior) and many others grow singly or in small groups. Of the more heat-loving and drought-resistant species found in the territory of the "Central Balkans", the winter oak (Quercus petrea), oriental hornbeam (Carpinus orientalis), ash (Fraxinus ornus) and others are found.
  • Of the coniferous tree species, the most widespread are the communities dominated by spruce (Picea abies), with the area occupied by spruce forests being 1,825 ha, and the average age of the forests in the belt being about 115 years. Other characteristic coniferous species are the common fir (Abies alba) and the white pine (Pinus peuce). The yew (Taxus baccata) is a species from the Red Book of the Republic of Bulgaria. The European pine (Pinus mugo) is represented by a single locality in the Park.
  • Very rare are the natural xerophytic forests dominated by black pine (Pinus nigra ssp. pallassiana) and the forests dominated by Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris), located mainly in the higher parts of the Central Balkans.

Forests have extremely important functions in the Earth's biosphere. They maintain the water regime of streams and groundwater, responsible for supplying settlements with drinking water. Also, with their soil-reinforcing and soil-forming functions, they resist erosion and limit damage from natural disasters. Forests form habitats, provide shelter and food for birds, bats and other mammals and are especially important for hard-to-see forest species, such as insects, mushrooms and lichens. Forests purify air and water, regulate the microclimate, participate in photosynthesis and the cycle of substances.
In addition to all this, they have scientific, educational and aesthetic value - the amazing color and diversity of landscapes charge with spiritual energy, awaken the thirst for discoveries and adventures, evoke a sense of pride in the amazing nature of Bulgaria. They create conditions for enjoyment among the wild world through tourism, recovery, sports, recreation and rest.

 

SHRUB SPECIES


Shrub ecosystems are mainly represented in the high-mountainous treeless zone of the National Park, and less often in small areas as part of the beech and coniferous forests.
In places, forest communities alternate with small secondary shrub communities, most often on the outskirts of forests or in roadside clearings. Hazel (Corylus avellana), dog rose (Rosa canina), sloe (Prunus spinosa), common hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna), etc. dominate in their composition. On the steep and eroded terrains on the southern slopes of the Stara Planina, mainly in the area of ​​the Sokolna reserve, red juniper (Juniperus oxycedrus) is most often found.
The alternation of shrub and grass communities is observed along the upper border of the forest, between 1500 and 1850 m above sea level. to the ridge of the mountain, but not on the highest peaks. The main dominant species in these communities are mainly coniferous and ericoid shrubs, such as Siberian juniper (Juniperus sibirica), bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus), and mountain ash (Bruckenthalia spiculifolia). Raspberry (Rubus idaeus), mugo (Pinus mugo), and bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) are more limitedly distributed. Shrub communities dominated by alpine rose (Rhododendron myrtifolium) in the areas of Tuzha hut and Yurushka Gramada peak are rare and highly vulnerable.

 

GRASSLAND ECOSYSTEMS


Grassland communities are mainly distributed in the high subalpine and alpine treeless areas of the Park. Under the influence of the intensive grazing regime in the past and the annual burning of the shrubs and woody vegetation on the ridge parts of the Park, extensive and species-poor pasture communities have formed, dominated by the cartel (Nardus stricta) with the participation of the field fescue (Agrostis capillaris), the sedge (Deschampsia flexuosa) and many other herbaceous species.
 

THE HERBS IN THE PARK


166 species of medicinal plants have been registered or 66.4% of their fund in the country. A number of species of medicinal plants are included in the Red Book of Bulgaria. Others are protected by the relevant nature conservation laws. Not all plants included in the Red Book are protected. But their presence there means: “Caution! Red signal! This species needs special attention and conservation measures, as it is relatively rare!

The following medicinal plants, common in the "Central Balkans", are included in the Red Book:

  • Yellow gentian (Gentiana lutea);
  • Spotted gentian (Gentiana punctata);
  • Folded gentian (Alchemilla plicatula);
  • Akhtar gentian (Alchemilla achtarowii);
  • Yumrukchal gentian (Alchemilla jumrukczalica);
  • Soft gentian (Alchemilla mollis);
  • Balkan gentian (Alchemilla catachnoa);
  • Undivided gentian (Alchemilla indivisa);
  • Star gentian (Alchemilla asteroantha);
  • Pyrenean gentian (Alchemilla pyrenaica);
  • Snowdrop (Galanthus nivalis);
  • Yew (Taxus baccata);
  • Kazakh juniper (Juniperus sabina);
  • Bulgarian ranilist (Stachys bulgarica);
  • Soft lungwort (Pulmonaria mollissima);
  • Valeriana Montana.


 

Silver fir (Abies alba)

Evergreen tree high up to 50 meters. Its crown is conical in young trees, becoming columnar in old ones, often with a flat top.

Read more
European beech or Common beech(Fagus sylvatica)

This  is the most typical forest tree in Central Balkan National Park. Broad-leaf tree with a height up to 35 meters.

Read more
Balkan maple (Heldreich`s Maple) (Acer heldreichii)

Broad-leaf tree, reaching a height of 25-30 meters. Its crown is conical. The bark is smooth and pink-gray in young trees.

Read more
European Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus)

Broad-leaf tree, high up to 30 meters. The crown is domed. The bark is gray-silvery smooth and thin.

Read more
English Yew (Taxus baccata)

Coniferous tree reaching a height of 20-27 meters with wide crown, formed by quickly growing lower branches. In Central Balkan National Park it possesses usually a shrubby growth form.

Read more
Norway spruce (Picea abies)

The Ordinary spruce (Picea abies) is a tree that reaches a height of 50 m and has a regular conical shape.

Read more
Siberian Juniper (Juniperus sibirica)

The Siberian Juniper is relatively small shrub occuring above the alpine timber line.

Read more
Macedonian pine (Pinus peuce)

In Central Stara Planina it is mainly distributed in the region of Tsarichina reserve, where the northernmost location is the world occurs.

Read more
Austrian Black pine (Pinus nigra)

Тhe Black pine-tree (Pinus nigra) reaches a height of 40 m and has an irregular in shape and patent crown. The bark of the tree is thick, grey in color and deeply cracked...

Read more
Balkan daphne (Daphne blagayana)

It is a small evergreen bush distributed in Central and Southeastern Europe. In Bulgaria it inhabits only the region of the Central Stara Planina.

Read more
Edelweiss (Leontopodium alpinum)

This species is credited as a symbol of mountain tourism. It is  perennial grass plant, high up to 12 cm, covered thickly by whitish hairs.

Read more
Janka`s Lily (Lilium jankae)

It is also called Yellow mountain lily or Wood- nymph tulip. This species is one of the most beautiful plants of Central Balkan National Park. It is a perennial plant with yellow flowers.

Read more
Blueberry (Vaccinium myrtillus)

The blueberry is a low deciduous bush – up to 40 cm. The stems are branched and with ribbed, green branches.

Read more
Yellow Gentian (Gentiana lutea)

The Yellow Gentian (Gentiana lutea) is a perennial herbaceous plant with a thick succulent root system.

Read more
Stara Planina primrose (Primula frondosa)

It is a perennial grass plant. In the region of the Park it occurs often, in wet grass habitats and along the streams, rock cervices, on limestone, predominantly in the belt between 1400 – 1900 m of elevation.

Read more
Snowdrop (Galanthus nivalis)

It is distributed in Central Europe and on the Balkan Peninsular. It inhabits bushes, forests and meadows up to 1800 m of elevation.

Read more
Mat grass (Nardus stricta)

The species is widely spread in Central Stara Planina, as well as in the other Bulgarian mountains. The reason for this are its characteristics – the powerful root system, consisting of two types of roots.

Read more
Globe flower (Trollius europaeus)

The Globe flower is a tall perennial plant up to 1m in height with typical palmate leaves. The flowers are large and yellow.

Read more
Belladonna (Atropa belladonna)

This is a perennial tall plant (up to 3m), with very typical large leaves, dark red to brown flowers and glimmer dark fleshy fruits.

Read more
Martagon Lily (Lilium martagon)

The Martagon Lily is an exceptionally beautiful bulbous plant, which reaches up to 1m in height.

Read more
Cranberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea)


It`s a small deciduous shrib up to 20 cm height. The fruits are edible, but their sweetness is mixed with an acidic taste.

Read more
Pančič Angelica (Angelica pančičii)

Pančič Angelica is a Balkan endemic and it`s included in Bulgarian Red data Book. In Central Balkan NP it occurs mostly along the rivers and small mountain streams.

Read more
Common yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

Common yarrow is known as milfoil, thousand- leaf and soldier`s woundwort, too.

Read more
Marsh Marigold (Caltha palustris)

Caltha palustris is a plant commonly mentioned in literature, from Shakespeare for example.

Read more
European Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia)

The Latin name (Sorbus aucuparia) means sorbeo – “absorb, swallow”, auca – “bird” and pario – “bear”.

Read more
Mezereon (Daphne mezereum)

This species is a small shrub, up to 2 m in height with extremely flexible branches. The flowering period is at the end of the winter and the flowers are very aromatic. The plant is poisonous and is used in the medecine.

Read more
St John's wort (Hypericum perforatum)

It`s a perennial plant with bright yellow flowers. It`s a wide spread medicinal species. The most common name comes from its harvesting on St John`s day, 24 June.

Read more
Oregano (Origanum vulgare)

Oregano is a widely used ingredient in different national cuisines. It`s an important part of the traditional preparation of a bulgarian tea, called  "Balkan tea".

Read more
Common (European) centaury (Centaurium erythraea)

The latin names comes from "centaurus" – “centaur” и гр. erithros – "red", from the colout of the flowers. The genus was formerly called Chironia, from the Centaur Chiron, who was famous in Greek mythology for his skill in medicinal herbs.

Read more
Wild raspberry (Rubus idaeus)

The species name idaeus refers to its occurence on Mount Ida near Troya in northwest Turkey, where the ancient Greeks were most familiar with it.

Read more
Common Mistletoe (Viscum album)

Common Mistletoe is a symbol of happiness, love, health or abundance in different myths and legends.

Read more
Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara)

The name of the genus - Tussilago means "cough suppressant", from latain tussio " - “cough".

Coltsfoot is a perennial herb, which is often found in colonies of dozens of plants.

Read more
Red Houseleek (Sempervivum erythreum)

This species is a succulent plant with typical rosette at the base and with beautiful pink to red flowers.

Read more
Wall germander (Teucrium chamaedrys)

Germander is widely used as an ornamental plant. It is known like a herb from the Antiquity and even like a magical flower.

Read more