Things to do in Central Balkan National Park
Discover the best attractions and experiences Central Balkan National Park has to offer
Historic Monuments
Discover Bulgaria's layered history from wartime memorials to iconic ridge-top landmarks near the park.
Shipka Memorial
A monumental hilltop memorial to the Russo-Turkish War, offering sweeping views over the Balkan Mountains.
Buzludzha Monument
The iconic abandoned communist-era monument perched on a high ridge, a striking landmark of Bulgaria's modern history.
Museums
Explore museums in nearby towns that showcase local culture, history, and crafts.
Etar Architectural-Ethnographic Complex
An open-air museum near Gabrovo showcasing traditional crafts and wooden architecture.
Gabrovo Regional History Museum
A local museum in Gabrovo highlighting the region's past and notable figures.
Religious Monuments
Visit spiritual sites and historic monasteries set against the mountain scenery.
Shipka Monastery
A tranquil Orthodox monastery near Shipka Pass with historical ties to Bulgaria's liberation.
Rozhen Monastery
A historic Bulgarian Orthodox monastery with scenic surroundings near Melnik.
National & Theme Parks
National and protected areas to explore.
Central Balkan National Park
The core protected area featuring forested ridges, scenic trails, and Balkan wildlife.
Stara Planina Trails
Scenic hiking routes along the central Balkan Mountains with panoramic views.
Neighborhoods
Quaint towns and neighborhoods to wander.
Gabrovo Old Town
A charming town center known for its humor and crafts, with traditional houses and cobbled streets.
Kalofer
A mountain town on the southern edge of the park, serving as a gateway to hiking routes.
Free Things to Do
Budget-friendly ways to enjoy the outdoors.
Hiking on Central Balkan trails
Choose from numerous marked trails through forests, meadows, and peaks.
Birdwatching and wildlife spotting
Look for local birds and mammals along river valleys and forest edges.
Picnic by a stream or meadow
Find a sunny spot and enjoy a simple meal in nature.
Gastronomy
Taste Bulgarian flavors in mountain settings.
Traditional Bulgarian taverns in Gabrovo region
Sample hearty dishes in wooden interiors and family-run eateries.
Farm-to-table meals near Kalofer
Local produce and rustic cooking in mountain villages.
Nightlife
Evenings in mountain towns.
Evening stroll in Gabrovo center
Dine or sip coffee in a relaxed, pedestrian-friendly town square.
Folk music evenings in local taverns
Listen to traditional tunes in intimate venues after sunset.
Entertainment
Cultural experiences and performances.
Folklore and crafts demonstrations at Etar
Watch artisans at work and see traditional crafts in action.
Visit to a local theater or cultural center in Gabrovo
Catch a performance or exhibition in a regional venue.
Sports
Outdoor pursuits for adventurous visitors.
Hike to Botev Peak
A classic route to Bulgaria's highest peak in the Balkan Mountains.
Mountain biking along forest trails
Ride through pine forests and mountain paths suitable for various levels.
Off the Track
Unforgettable off-the-grid experiences.
Bacho Kiro Cave
Explore one of Bulgaria's important paleontological sites.
Private guided hike in Central Balkan NP
A tailored trek with a park ranger or local guide.