Nature of the PIRIN Region

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Pirin offers a magnificent variety of landscape: the sharp ridges and impressive deep cirques of Pirin and Rila Alpine parts; the gentle forms of the Vlahina, Maleshevska, Ograzhden, Belasitsa, Slavyanka, Stargach and Rhodoppi Mountains; the fertile river valleys and gorges of Strouma and Mesta; the mysterious rock formations and caves. Altitude varies from 60 m (near the southern border) to 2,914 m at Mt. Vihren, the highest peak of Pirin.

Picture: Mt. Vihren

Vlahina Mountain

Climate is also extremely varied in this area. While in the valleys of Strouma and Mesta it is influenced by the warm Mediterranean air, the mountains show all the features of clearly expressed altitude belts. The region boasts the highest average number of sunny days per year in all of Bulgaria. In the valleys, winter is snowy and mild, spring comes early, summer is sunny and hot, and autumn is warm and rainy.

Picture: Autumn in Vlahina Mountain

Vasilashka River

Pirin hosts about 20% of all rivers in Bulgaria, more than 200 mountain lakes and about 230 mineral springs (1/3 of the mineral waters of the country). The numerous tributaries of Strouma and Mesta fill nature with music and life, while the crystal-clear calm waters of the lakes are covered with ice during most of the year. Among all mineral springs, those in Sandanski, Dobrinishte and Ognyanovo are best known for their healing and relaxation effects.

Picture: Vasilashka River in Pirin

Alpine poppy

The plantlife of Pirin is characterized by unique biodiversity, well established in altitude belts. The unique combination of Central European, Alpine, Balkan, sub-Mediterranean and relic species living together is a priceless asset. There are 104 Bulgarian endemic species, of which 45 cannot be seen anywhere else on Earth. The Pirin region is also extremely rich in herbs: 81% of all 763 medicinal species of Bulgaria can be found here.

Picture: Alpine poppy (Papaver degenii)

Wild Goats

The diversity of animal species is also remarkable. Of 15 Bulgarian amphibian species, 13 can be seen here, of 36 reptile species - 30, of 350 birds - 300, and all 75 species of mammals. Diversity with invertebrates is even greater, having for example 40 fresh-water fish species. A large number of the animal species are endemic, many of them are rare or endangered and protected by international law.

Picture: A herd of wild goats in Pirin

Sandstone pyramids in Melnik

The Pirin and Rila National Parks, together with ten nature reserves (Parangalitsa in Rila, Bayuvi Doupki - Dzhindzhiritsa, Yulen and Orelyak in Pirin, Tisata in Maleshevska and Pirin, Sokolata in Maleshevska Mountain, Kongoura in Belasitsa, Alibotoush in Slavyanka, Temnata Gora and Konski Dol in Rhodoppi Mountains), provide protection for a great number of invaluable natural sites. There are 4 protected localities and 69 individual sites, of which 41 are centuries-old trees. Of 290 protected animal species, 280 belong to the class of vertebrates. Protected plants are 'only' 84 species.

Picture: The protected site of Melnik sandstone pyramids

Vihren Hut

Pirin and Rila are best developed in terms of mountain tourism infrastructure. In Pirin, for example, a well-established network of 13 major and 17 secondary routes connects 8 huts and 5 shelters on the territory of the National Park. Several mountain resorts offer good skiing conditions, the best known being the town of Bansko, the Gateway to Pirin.

Picture: Vihren Hut

Read further about the Pirin Region's Culture and History.

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