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Regional tourist association Stara Planina 9, Opalchenska Street 5300 Gabrovo, Bulgaria tel: +359 66/ 807 137 fax: +359 66/ 809 161 e-mails: |
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The mountain welcomes its visitors with the freshness of its air, with the sweet-and-bitter fragrance of herbs and flowers, the meadows bathing in morning dew, the coolness of its forests and the magnificence of its peaks.
The greatest treasure of Stara Planina is its magnificent nature, preserved within the Central Balkan National Park (717 sq. km) and Bulgarka Nature Park. The nine strictly protected reserves of the Central Balkan National Park: Boatin, Tsarichina, Kozya Stena, Steneto, Severen Djendem, Peeshti Skali, Sokolna, Djendema and Stara Reka are all areas included in the UN List of Representative Protected Areas. They preserve the unique flora and fauna of the Balkan Mountains. The centuries-old forests of beech, fir and white fir are the home of the brown bear, wolf and chamois, all near extinction in Europe. Eagles, falcons and other large birds of prey can be seen flying high over the rocky mountain peaks while in the tranquility of the night one can hear the hooting of the owls.
Bulgarka Nature Park protects beech-tree forest ecosystems, flora, fauna and cultural heritage over a territory of 21,772 ha. It includes parts of the National Museum Park of Shipka-Buzludja, Etura Open Air Museum and smaller protected sites. 31 of the plant species in the park are listed in the Red Book of Bulgaria. The Park provides a great variety of animal life – imperial eagle, quail, woodcock, otter, wolf, red deer and doe.
The mountain offers plenty of hospitality to the admirers of active and non-standard tourism – watching of rare bird and animal species, photo-hunting and horse riding.
From early spring till late autumn the mountain grants its visitors with the abundance of wild berries, mushrooms and curative herbs.
The Hunting Reserves near Gabrovo, Sevlievo, Apriltsi, Troyan and Teteven offer a real challenge to the devoted hunters of big game.
The charm of nature in Kazanlak region combines the beauty and the majesty of the Balkan with warm mineral springs, the fertility in the valley of aromatic roses and the greatness of Thracian culture, witnessed by the numerous uncovered tombs.
Away from the hue and crowds of the big cities, one can find an abundance of colours, tranquility and peace, filling his heart with birds’ songs, forest air and grass whispers.
WINTER
In the winter, the mountain is full of real magic. Sparkling-white snow refracts sun rays in a fairy tale come to life. The snow-capped mountain is quite hospitable. Winter sports’ lovers can find enjoyment and pleasure at the ski runs in Uzana near Gabrovo, Bazov Dyal near Apriltsi, Brekina Mogila in Ribaritsa and Mt. Buzludja. Children and parents alike take the opportunity of spending whole days within the white of the mountain, on ski and sledges. Terrains are easy and accessible, ski-drags and ski-schools are available for the inexperienced.
The comfort and warmth of the nearby huts and hotels welcome all their visitors with hot herbal tea and drinks served by the open fires.Discover and enjoy a snowy holiday in Stara Planina!
SUMMER
If the traveler should take the sun’s path from sunrise to sunset, he would pass through the emerald magnificence of forests – the biggest treasure of the Balkan. Lungs are filled with fresh air, mixed with the aroma of herbs and wild berries, while the eyes follow the hasty run of a doe or the proud flight of the eagle in astonishment. Mountain trails offer the beauty of intact nature together with the excitement of seeing preserved virginity.
Under the cool shelter of high ridges, all settlements in the region are located along the courses of picturesque rivers. The streams in the mountain are full of trout, barbel and other freshwater fish bouncing in the clear water, a real paradise for the devoted fishermen. Numerous river pools offer freshness and pleasure in hot summer days. Dam beaches, swimming pools and mineral springs at Voneshta Voda, Shipkovo, Chiflik, Ribaritsa and Pavel Banya are greatly appreciated by hundreds of visitors for the coolness and enjoyment they offer.
Those who are keen on extreme adventures can find plenty for themselves at the Kazanlak Airport, in the parachuting club, while lovers of delta-planes are given the opportunity to have an over-view of the beautiful rose valley.
Seekers of water sports are offered facilities on Sopot Dam near Troyan, Koprinka Dam nearby Kazanlak and on Alexander Stamboliiski Dam near Sevlievo.Numerous high mountain waterfalls splash down craggy slopes and jagged rocks to turn into thousands of drops of cool freshness. Raiskoto Praskalo, the highest Bulgarian waterfall seems as if it springs out from the highest point of the Balkan Mountains, Mt. Botev. Its rainbow-coloured waters merge with the green of the mountain.
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© 2003 - 2010 RTA Stara Planina. All rights reserved. |
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