Regional tourist association Stara Planina 9, Opalchenska Street 5300 Gabrovo, Bulgaria tel./fax: +359 66/ 809 161 tel: +359 66/ 807 137 fax: +359 66/ 806 199 e-mail: office e-mail: info With the financial support of the Swiss government		IN TOUCH WITH NATURE The mountain welcomes its visitors with the freshness of its air, with the lovely fragrance of its flowers, the coolness of its forests, and with the magnificence of its peaks. The most picturesque part of the Balkan Mountains is the Central Balkan National Park that occupies an area of 717 sq.km.comprising nine nature reserves: Boatin, Tsarichina, Kozya stena, Steneto, Stara reka, Djendema, Severen Djendem, Peeshti skali and Sokolna. They are to protect the unique flora and fauna of the Balkan Mountains, its age - old coniferous woods, elm trees and flowers. Among them are some rare plants like the Alpine Rose and edelweiss. The National Park is one of the few parks in Europe where brown bears, wolves and wild goats found their secluded homes. Eagles, falcons and other large birds of prey can be seen flying high over the rocky mountain peaks while in the tranquillity of the nights one can hear the hooting of the owls. Central Balkan National Park is on the United Nation's List of Representative Protected Territories. The beauty and wealth of the Balkan Mountains has been attracting travelers for many years. From early spring till late autumn the mountain grants its visitors with the abundance of wild berries, mushrooms and curative herbs. The Wild Life Reserves nearby Gabrovo, Apriltsi and Troyan offer a real challenge to the devoted hunters of big game. Away from the hue and cry of the big cities mountaineers find tranquillity, peace and pleasure in the hospitable mountain. IN THE COOLNESS OF THE MOUNTAIN Huddling in the deep shade of the wooded mountain slopes the towns of the region are beautifully set along the picturesque rivers of the area, full of trout and other freshwater fish bouncing in the clear water, a real paradise for the devoted fishermen. The numerous water reservoirs and mineral water springs and spas around Tryavna, in Shipkovo and Chiflik near Troyan and Ribaritsa near Teteven, are greatly appreciated by hundreds of visitors in the hot summer days. Lovers of water sports are offered facilities in Tryavna and on Sopot dam. Numerous high mountain waterfalls splash down craggy slopes and jagged rocks to turn into thousands of drops of cool freshness. The Eden's Fountain, the highest Bulgarian waterfall seems as if it springs out from the highest point of the Balkan Mountains, Botev. WINTER TIME Winter in the mountains, snow white, fresh and clear, a never-ending fairy tale ... The snow-capped mountain is a real challenge to all winter sports' lovers, their great pleasure, and an unforgettable experience. Day time the tranquillity of the mountain gives way to the happy children and parents' laughter and great good humour on the ski runs in Ouzana / near Gabrovo/, Bazov Dyal /near Apriltsi/, Beklemeto /near Troyan/, Ribaritsa and Teteven. These are well-maintained ski slopes with drag lifts. The comfort and warmth of the nearby huts and hotel bars welcome all their visitors with hot herbal tea and drinks served by the open fires. Discover the pleasure of a snowy holiday in Stara planina!
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