Hotels near Central Balkan National Park

Central Balkan National Park protects an 85 km strip of the Balkan range and is the second of Bulgaria's three national parks. Created on 31 October 1991, it covers 716.69 km² and holds nine strict reserves: Boatin, Tsarichina, Kozya Stena, Steneto, Severen Dzhendem, Peeshti Skali, Sokolna, Dzhendema and Stara Reka. Four of them are UNESCO biosphere reserves, and since 2017 the park's beech stands have formed part of the Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests World Heritage Site. Botev Peak, at 2,376 m, is the highest point in the entire Balkan chain.

There is no entrance fee. Driving inside Central Balkan National Park is regulated, and several access roads need clearance from the nearest park office. The park directorate is at 3 Bodra Smyana Street, 5300 Gabrovo, with local offices in Kalofer and Karlovo.

The trail that earns the trip starts at Panitsite, 4 km above Kalofer on a paved road. About 3 hours of forest walking brings you to Rai Hut at 1,422 m, and another 15 to 20 minutes reaches Raysko Praskalo, a single 124.5 m drop that is the tallest waterfall in Bulgaria.

Pro Tip: Direct ICF trains leave Sofia for Kalofer at 06:10, 13:15 and 16:45 and take about 2 hours 35 minutes, but seat reservations are compulsory. Book the 06:10 if you want the waterfall and a return on the same day.