Articles from category: Preserves and protected areas from bulgariainside.com

Bourgas Lake (Vaia)

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 13:40:00 +0300

Bourgas Lake, also called Vaia, is one of the three lakes that surround the coastal city of Bourgas as a ring. The lake is an open coastal firth, situated west of Bourgas. It is the biggest natural lake in Bulgaria. The surface area is 28 sq km and the length and width reach respectively 9.6 and 4.5 km. Vaia is quite shallow and its depth is 1.3 m. Because of that shallowness, the lake is sometimes called a swamp. A channel connects Vaia to the Black Sea. The saltiness of the lake’s water varies from four to 11 percent. Aitoska, Sunder Dere and Choukarska rivers provide the lake with water. During the summer, sea water enters it. Clay deposits cover its bottom. Several small swamps are situated north of the lake. Breeding pools were constructed in the northwestern part. The eastern part of the lake neighbors industrial and residential Bourgas areas....

Sreburna

Fri, 02 Jul 2010 15:55:00 +0300

This is probably the most famous preserve in Bulgaria. Sreburna is situated 16 km west of the town of Silistra and 2 km south of Danube River. It includes a lake by the same name, as well as the surrounding territories. The lake’s depth varies between one and three m and its area is 2 sq km. Many legends explain how the preserve got its name (silver). One connects it to a Bulgarian khan, another tells about a hidden treasure. The most viable option connects the name to the surface of the lake during full moon. Sreburna’s water reflects the light and resembles a silver plate. More than 65 plant species can be observed in Sreburna. The animals inhabiting the preserve include 39 types of mammals, 21 types of reptiles and 10 types of fish. Sreburna’s biggest treasure is its bird diversity. Nearly 180 types of birds nest there. Migrating birds...

Pomorie Lake

Tue, 04 May 2010 14:34:00 +0300

Pomorie lake is situated 24 km north of Bourgas and two km away from the coastal town of Pomorie. The lake is one of Pomorie’s most recognizable landmarks. A natural sand strip separates the lake from Black Sea. Several channels on the southern side of the lake connect it to the sea and ensure the inflow of salty water. The lake’s area is 7-8.5 sq m. Its depth is 1.4 m. Healing mud is obtained in its southern part. The high ion concentration makes it one of the best natural healing products obtained in Europe. Salt is produced in the northern part of the lake. Several pools have been constructed and separated from each other via wooden barriers. The region houses the only Bulgarian salt museum. Because of the high salt concentration, the lake features some very specific plant and animal species. A specific water lily has been included in the Bulgarian...

Kresna Gorge

Sat, 10 Apr 2010 14:41:00 +0300

Kresna gorge is a favorite spot of extreme sports lovers. There, they can get the needed adrenaline rush and practice the preferred extreme activity. Those in favor of peaceful living can explore nature and the unusual for the Bulgarian climate animal and plant species. The gorge is situated in Blagoevgrad region, following the international road to Greece and shortly before Petrich. Kresna gorge that formed following Strouma River’s way through Pirin and Malashevska mountains is 18 km long. Two climate zones meet in the area and predetermine the unusual flora and fauna. Kresna gorge features plants and animals that are typical for continental and Mediterranean zones. The region is home of many birds, tortoises, reptiles, amphibians, bats, fish and insects. Some of the species have been included in Bulgaria’s Red Book of endangered plants and animals....

Rila National Park

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 15:46:00 +0300

Rila National Park happens to be the biggest park in Bulgaria. It is situated 100 km south of Sofia and spreads over the central parts and highlands of Rila Mountain. The park features rare animal and plant species, as well historic landmarks of international importance. One of the biggest Bulgarian rivers takes its source in the park. Four preserves form the park’s territory. Most of the forests in the park are ancient. The trees include spruce, pine and white fir. Many plants have been included in Bulgaria’s red book of rare species. The animal species inhabiting the region exceed 3000. Nearly 100 types of birds and five species of fish can also be observed there. The types of reptiles and amphibians reach 20. Rila National Park also features 100 peaks of height exceeding 2000 m. Other natural landmarks include more than 120 lakes. Hikers prefer...

Protected Area Poda

Wed, 24 Mar 2010 10:52:00 +0200

Poda protected area is situated several kilometers away from Bourgas, on the road to Sozopol. Despite its small area, the region features numerous habitats. This is the first region in Bulgaria that is under the management of the Bulgarian bird protection union. Poda was named a protected area in 1989. Some of the bird species that can be observed there make Poda a region of international importance. The number of animal and bird species there exceeds hundreds. A total of 240 types of birds can be observed. Some of the plants in Poda have been included in the Bulgarian Red Book of Endangered Species. Of the bird species nesting there, eight are of international importance and 132 are of special importance for Europe. The Bulgarian Red Book includes 70 bird species inhabiting Poda. People who like bird watching can enjoy the observation of some especially rare for...

Central Balkan National Park

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 14:46:00 +0200

Central Balkan is one of the three Bulgarian national parks. Its impressive landscape protects an incredible diversity of animal and plant species, as well as the Stara Planina traditions. The region was named a park of national importance in 1991. It spreads over an area of 716 sq m in the very heart of Bulgaria. Among its numerous treasures are the preserves of Boatin, Tsarichina, Steneto, Dzhendema, Kozya Stena, Severen Dzhendem, Stara Reka, Peeshti Skali and Sokolna. Stara Planina’s highest peak, Botev, is also situated there. Since 2003, Central Balkan is member of the European network of protected territories PAN Parks. Tourists that love exploring nature should certainly visit the park. The park features nearly 470 km of pedestrian tourism paths. Information is provided in the very beginning of the trip concerning the animal and plant species, as well as...

Poroi Dam

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 17:23:00 +0300

Poroi dam is situated on the territory of Pomorie municipality, 35 km away from the coastal city of Bourgas and 13 km away from Sunny Beach resort. It is located in the beautiful area between Orizare and Poroi villages. The dam is one of the places where you will be able to enjoy peaceful relaxation. The dam is an excellent fishing destination. You can fish, take a boat trip or simply have a picnic on one of Poroi’s banks. Access to the dam is free of charge. Numerous types of fish, among which carp, inhabit the waters of the dam. You can reach Poroi from all sides and you will find wonderful picnic spots nearby. Poroi dam is the host of an annual aviation models national tournament. The competition tales place during the first half of September. To reach the dam, you have to pass through Kableshkovo village, heading towards Poroi village. Otherwise, head to Sunny...

Patleina Preserve

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 11:15:00 +0300

Patleina preserve is located in northeastern Bulgaria, only a few kilometers away from Veliki Preslav. The preserve covers the northern slopes of Preslavska Mountain. It was named a preserve in 1948 for the purpose of protecting a rare plant species. The preserve is rich in plant species. Oaks, elms, hornbeams and various types of tulips grow there. Apart from the nature variety, Patleina is famous for its beautiful tourism landmarks. Probably the most important landmark situated there is the medieval St. Pantaleimon Monastery. Historians believe that during the Second Bulgarian Kingdom, the monastery acted as an important enlightenment center. During excavations, archaeologists discovered there a unique mosaics icon. Mecha Doupka cave is another preserve landmark that is worth visiting. The cave’s length is 76 m, though it has not been explored fully yet. Only...

Zhrebchevo Dam

Thu, 06 Aug 2009 15:58:00 +0300

Zhrebchevo dam is situated in an exceptionally beautiful region and surrounded by dense forests and green meadows. The dam is located on the territory of Nova Zagora, Tvurditsa and Gourkovo municipalities. The closest populated area is the village of Panicheri in Gourkovo municipality. Zhrebchevo is the third biggest dam in the country and ranks after Iskur and Stouden Kladenets. It was constructed in 1965 over the territory of Zhrebchevo village. The residents of the village migrated to nearby settlements. The length of the dam is 15 km and its depth varies. During the summer, the water is used for irrigation and the dam depth decreases significantly. Numerous types of fish inhabit the dam waters. Zhrebchevo is a popular place among fishermen and their most favorite spot is the Roman bridge over Toundzha. Fishing is possible both in the shallow and the deeper parts of the...

Roussenski Lom Nature Park

Fri, 17 Jul 2009 14:59:00 +0300

The region situated 30 km south of the Danube River city of Rousse was named a national park in 1970. It was named after Roussenski Lom River. Its territory totals 3408 decares. The river has carved the region throughout time to form its picturesque silhouette today. Roussenski Lom park is also the home of various rare plant and animal species. Numerous caves, rock formations and monuments of history are also part of this diverse region. Various animals and plants inhabit the area due to its specific climate. The winter is rather cold, the summer is hot and autumns are usually warmer than springs. Roussenski Lom is also characterized by the numerous archaeological findings. These vary from Antiquity landmarks, to Thracian and Roman fortresses. According to archeologists Roussenski Lom park was part of the Roman empire in the 1st century BC. Some of the fortresses...

Yulen

Wed, 19 Dec 2007 15:58:00 +0200

Yulen is a preserve situated inside Pirin National Park at a height of 1200 m. The preserve features many animal and plant species. Numerous lakes located on its territory give the start of many small rivers. The preserve’s biggest pride is the centuries-old white fir, pine and spruce forests. Some interesting flowers also grow in Yulen. A number of the species existed during the Ice Age and can still be seen in the preserve today. Many animals inhabit Yulen. The biggest diversity is exhibited among the bird species. Mammals living in the preserve include wolves, bears and wild goats.

Steneto

Wed, 19 Dec 2007 15:57:00 +0200

The biggest preserve on the territory of Central Balkan National Park is called Steneto. The park includes the upstream of Cherni Osum River. Steneto features many animal and plant species. The preserve also has some interesting rock phenomena and caves. More than 1000 plant species can be observed on the territory of Steneto. Nearly 80 percent of its territory is covered by beech trees. Many of the trees are over 200 years old. The biggest number of bird species in Stara Planina Mountain can be seen in Steneto. A number of rare species among which eagles and woodpeckers inhabit the preserve. Over 100 endangered animal species have also found a home in Steneto.

Severen Dzhendem

Wed, 19 Dec 2007 15:51:00 +0200

Severen Dzhendem preserve was created in 1983. It is situated in Central Balkan National Park and includes the area on the bank of Vidima River and the northern mountain slopes above the river. The preserve is connected to another protected area, Dzhendema, which makes various animal species migrate between the two. Nearly two thirds of the preserve’s territory is covered by forests. Depending on the height, the forests are either fir-tree or beech-tree. Most of the preserve’s territory is rocky. These areas are hardly accessible and many birds, like eagles and falcons nest there. The animals inhabiting the preserve include wild goats, bears, wolves and deer.

Peeshti Skali

Wed, 19 Dec 2007 15:48:00 +0200

Peeshti Skali (singing rocks) preserve spreads over the territories of several villages and the region of Rositsa River. It is one of the nine protected areas making up Central Balkan National Park. The preserve was created in 1979. It aims to preserve beech-trees and fir-trees. Its name comes from a rock phenomenon. The steep rocks make specific noises when wind passes through them. Many rare plant species can be seen on the territory of the park. Some of the trees include sycamore, hornbeam and ash trees. Peeshti Skali is inhabited by many animals. Some of these species are endangered. The preserve is the habitat of bears, wild goats, eagles and woodpeckers.

Parangalitsa

Wed, 19 Dec 2007 15:46:00 +0200

Parangalitsa is a preserve in the southwestern part of Rila Mountain. It got its status in 1933, which makes Parangalitsa one of the oldest preserves in the country. The name comes from Greek and means forbidden place. The preserve protects spruce forests situated at altitudes from 1750 to 2000 m. Deciduous forests grow on the lower parts of the preserve. More than 300 types of plants, 75 of which endangered, grow there. Bears, wild cats and deer live in Parngalitsa’s forests. The Rila Mountain lakes are rich in trout.

Orelyak

Wed, 19 Dec 2007 15:45:00 +0200

Orelyak preserve is situated in Pirin Mountain. A wide range of animals and plants can be observed there. The preserve was created in 1985 to protect huge beech tree forests. The average age of these forests is 150 years, which classifies them as rather young. Other types of trees, some of which endangered, also cover the territory of the preserve. Bears, boars, wolves, foxes and deer are some of the animal species in Orelyak.

Kozya Stena

Wed, 19 Dec 2007 15:43:00 +0200

Kozya Stena is the smallest preserve on the territory of Central Balkan National Park. It got its status in 1987 to protect the region’s forest and edelweiss. Several amazing rock phenomena can be seen on the territory of Kozya Stena. The preserve is hardly accessible, which aids the preservation of animals and plants there. Forty plant species, some of which endangered, can be seen there. One of the most interesting and rare plants is the edelweiss. Though the preserve is small, its territory features many animals and birds. Six of the bird species have been included in the Bulgarian red book of endangered species.

Kamchia Preserve

Wed, 19 Dec 2007 15:41:00 +0200

Kamchia preserve is situated on the bank of Kamchia River, very close to the Black Sea coast. It was named a preserve in 1951, in an attempt to protect the forests on the riverbank. The forest is made up of nearly 40 types of trees and its height reaches as much as 50 m. Some of the trees are oaks, poplars, willows and ash trees. Some unusual bushes also grow there. Lianas form a natural curtain and keep moisture inside the forest. Nearly 200 types of birds nest in the preserve. Some of them are endangered on a global scale. The animal kingdom representatives include boars, wild cats and foxes. Almost 40 types of fish swim in the river water. Some of them are marine fish that go upstream to search for food.

Ibur

Wed, 19 Dec 2007 15:39:00 +0200

Ibur preserve is situated in the northern part of Rila Mountain and is one of the four protected areas on its territory. Ibur and Belmeken peaks separate the preserve from the rest of the mountain. It was given its status in 1985. The preserve includes areas at differing altitudes and thus features many animal and plant species. Some very rare mountain flowers grow there. Many animals inhabit the preserve among which bears, boars, foxes, wolves, eagles and hawks.

Dzhendema

Wed, 19 Dec 2007 15:38:00 +0200

Dzhendema preserve is the biggest protected territory of Stara Planina Mountain. It was created in 1953. The preserve includes the entire Toundzha River bank and the Tuzha River gorge. This happens to be one of the most inaccessible mountain areas. Forests cover nearly 70 percent of Dzhendema’s territory. Some rare plants can be seen there. Wild goats and eagles are the animals that can be seen most often in Dzhendema. The preserve also houses Bulgaria’s highest waterfall, Raiskoto Pruskalo.

Central Rila Preserve

Wed, 19 Dec 2007 15:36:00 +0200

Central Rila Preserve is the biggest one on the Balkans. The preserve was created in 1992 and includes parts of eastern, central and northwestern Rila. The park includes some of the mountain’s highest points among which Mousala, Deno Mancho, Goliam Skakavets and Maluk Skakavets. It also features the valleys of Maritsa, Levi Iskur and Beli Iskur rivers. Many lakes can also be seen there. Most of the forests there are coniferous. The higher areas feature dwarf pines, some of which over 70 years of age. A big number of animals can also be seen there. Among the most typical species are wild goats and bears. Some endangered animal and plant species inhabit the preserve.

Tsarichina

Wed, 19 Dec 2007 15:33:00 +0200

Tsarichina preserve is situated in the central part of Stara Planina Mountain. It nearly reaches the village of Ribaritsa. The name of the preserve comes from the way locals call the flower avens. The preserve features a big white fir tree forest. Beech trees, spruce and several endangered plant species can be seen there. More than 600 types of plants can be seen in Tsarichina. More than 60 types of birds also live there. The preserve features all seven types of owls that inhabit Bulgaria. Some of the mammals that can be spotted there include bears, wolves, boars and deer.

Boatin

Wed, 19 Dec 2007 15:32:00 +0200

Boatin preserve is situated in the western part of Central Balkan National Preserve, in the vicinities of the village of Cherni Vit. The preserve was founded in 1948 to protect the most pure beech tree forests on the Balkans. Apart from beech trees, the preserve spots hornbeam, sycamore and aspen. It also has fir forests. Many animal species live there, among which brown bear. The number of birds is also big and the most commonly spotted type is woodpecker.

Baiuvi Doupki

Wed, 19 Dec 2007 15:29:00 +0200

Baiuvi Doupki, also known as Dzhindzhiritsa, is situated in Pirin Mountain. It is one of the oldest preserves in Bulgaria, founded in 1934. The preservation of white fir featured as its main function. Other plant species there include pine and spruce trees. Most of the forests in the preserves are over 150 year old. The age of some trees exceeds 500 years. Two fir trees have the incredible age of 1050 years and have been put under special protection. Various kinds of animals inhabit the preserve. Wild goats are most commonly seen. Boars, squirrels and bears also live there. Woodpeckers and falcons are some of the birds that can be spotted.

Atanasovsko Lake

Wed, 19 Dec 2007 15:28:00 +0200

Atanasovsko lake is situated north of Bourgas. Its northern part was named a preserve in 1980. The lake is nine km long, separated by a narrow strip of land. The road from Bourgas to Varna passes through that strip. The northern part of the lake is connected via a channel to the Black Sea. Its water is salty and nearly 40 000 tons of salt are produced there annually. Many plants seen in the area have been put under protection. Some rare mammal species also inhabit the region. Atanasovsko lake’s biggest treasure is the variety of bird species. More than 70 percent of the birds typical for Bulgaria can be seen there. Nearly 300 species nest there. Twelve of them are endangered on a global scale. The lake is situated on the migration route of birds. During the autumn, many interesting species can be seen there.

Alibotoush

Wed, 19 Dec 2007 15:24:00 +0200

Slavyanka Mountain, south of Pirin Mountain is the place where Alibotoush preserve is situated. The region is located between Bulgaria and Greece. The mountain is hardly accessible and since it is a border area, it features virginal nature. Alibotoush was named a preserve in 1951. It features animal and plant species typical for the Mediterranean area. Bulgaria’s biggest number of fir trees can be seen there. Some of the trees are over 400 year old. Pines and spruce trees also grow there. Five plant species can only be seen in Alibotoush. The preserve features more than 1200 types of insects and many animal species. Some of the interesting animals that can be explored there include fox, deer, rabbit and some rare reptiles.

Strandzha Preserve

Wed, 12 Dec 2007 17:13:00 +0200

Strandzha preserve has been acknowledged in 1995. Its area represents one percent of Bulgaria’s territory. Five preserves form together Strandzha. These are Silkosia, Tisovitsa, Sredoka, Vitanovo and Ouzounboudzhak (Lopoushna). Another 12 protected areas, the architecture preserve of the village of Bryshlian and the folklore preserve of Bulgari village are also part of the preserve. Strandzha Mountain is located in the southeastern part of the country and reaches the city of Bourgas in the north and Istanbul in the south. The mountain is comprised of moderately high hills. Its highest point on Bulgarian territory is Gradishteto peak, 710 m. The two biggest rivers on the territory of the preserve are Rezvaya (also known as Rezovska) and Veleka. Both of them originate in Turkey. Rezovska River marks the southeastern border between Bulgaria and Turkey. Since it flows...

Lopushna Preserve

Wed, 12 Dec 2007 17:09:00 +0200

The preserve of Lopoushna, known under the name of Ouzounboudzhak, is the biggest preserve on the territory of Strandzha Mountain. It is comprised of hills and rocky areas found in the region between Lopoushnitsa and Rezovska rivers. Some of these areas often witness landslides. Beech forests cover most of the preserve’s territory. Some of the species are more than 200 years old. Their height exceeds 30 to 35 m. Evergreen trees and climbing plants can also be seen there. Ouzounboudzhak is a Turkish word coming from the root boudzhak- a quiet and peaceful place. The second name comes from Lopoushnitsa River. The plants known as lopoush and lopoushnitsa can also be seen there.

Snake Island

Tue, 04 Dec 2007 19:56:00 +0200

St. Toma is also known as the Snake Island. It is one of the five islands situated close to the Bulgarian Black Sea coast. St. Toma is part of Ropotamo preserve. In the 30s of the 20th century, tsar Boris III planted several cacti on the island. He brought the species from the Bratislava botanical garden. Today, cacti cover more than half of the island’s territory. This development makes the island unique. The cacti produce beautiful flowers in June. They give fruits in August and September. Unfortunately, the island is not accessible. Apart from being closed for visit, the island is the living place of many snake species.