A true natural paradise: the three national parks surrounding Bansko

Bansko is not only famous for its ski resorts, but also for the beautiful and diverse nature that surrounds it. Located at the foot of the Pirin Mountains, Bansko offers a rich variety of landscapes, flora and fauna.

Although the chances are very slim, you may encounter the Bulgarian Big Five. After almost three years, we have only spotted two, but who knows, you may be luckier in seeing these beautiful animals!

Because hiking is the best way to explore nature in the Razlog Valley, we provide information about the most beautiful hiking trails in addition to information about nature. On our hiking page, you will find an overview of beautiful routes that we have walked ourselves.

Read on to learn about the most important features of the three large national parks that literally surround Bansko.

Pirin National Park: high mountains with Eastern Europe's largest ski resort

Pirin National Park: high mountains with the largest ski resort in Eastern Europe

The Pirin Mountains, on the edge of which Bansko is located, are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Pirin National Park is one of Bulgaria's most important nature reserves.
The park covers approximately 40,000 hectares and is home to exceptional biodiversity with rare plant species and animals.
The high peaks, alpine meadows, glacial lakes and dense forests create a picturesque landscape.

The nature reserve lies between the Mesta and Struma rivers and its highest point is 2,914 metres; this is Mount Vihren. The rivers in the area, such as the Glazne River, feed the valleys and provide fertile soils.

For hikers, the route markings are not always clear, but it is doable with the right apps and preparations. In some cases, we recommend hiring a guide who knows the route well.

You can also walk from the Bezbog hut (accessible from Dobrinishte) to Bezbog Peak. This is a hike of about an hour and a half, so it is quite doable.

There are many hiking trails through the area, but there is more.
The international hiking trail E4 also runs through the Pirin. This route runs from Tarifa in Spain to the Greek part of the island of Cyprus, via France, the Alps and right through Bulgaria and the Pirin.
This is a beautiful route that is no less than 12,000 kilometres long!

Rila National Park: the highest mountain range in the Balkans

The Rila Mountains are the highest mountains in the country and in all of Southeast Europe. The Rila is known for its rugged peaks, deep valleys, crystal-clear lakes and impressive biodiversity.

The Rila National Park, the largest protected area in Bulgaria, covers a large part of the mountain range. This park covers more than 81,000 hectares (twice the size of Pirin) and offers a wealth of wild nature.
There are many glacial lakes and waterfalls, making the Rila one of the most beautiful mountain areas in Europe.

The Rila Mountains attract both nature lovers and hikers because of its impressive and photogenic landscapes, such as the Seven Rila Lakes.
It is an important destination for tourists interested in both natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Rila is home to the highest mountain peak in Bulgaria and the entire Balkans: Musala (2,925 metres). This peak offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys and is a popular destination for hikers and climbers.

Many of the mountain peaks in Rila reach above 2,500 metres, creating impressive landscapes.

You will also find the famous Rila Monastery here. The famous Rila Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located at the southwestern foot of the Rila Mountains. It is an important spiritual and cultural centre in Bulgaria, attracting many tourists every year.

There are many beautiful routes starting from Belitsa, Semkovo, Dobarsko or on the other side of the mountain in Borovets.
For example, you can walk to the Seven Rila Lakes. These can be reached by cable car from Panichishte, allowing you to hike in one of the most beautiful and famous areas of Bulgaria.

Rodopi Mountain Range National Park: a vast wilderness stretching into Greece

The Rhodope Mountains (or Rodopi) are one of Bulgaria's oldest and most fascinating mountain ranges, located in the southern part of the country and stretching into northern Greece, where it is a national park.

In contrast to the rugged peaks of the Rila and Pirin Mountains, the Rhodopes are known for their rolling hills covered with dense forests.

The area is also known for its rich cultural heritage. The area is steeped in legends, such as the legend of Orpheus and Eurydice.

The Rhodopes form a large and diverse mountain range that stretches over approximately 14,500 square kilometres.

The highest peak in the Bulgarian part of the Rhodopes is Golyam Perelik, with a height of 2191 metres.

The Rhodope Mountains are famous for their caves, which have been formed over centuries by karst processes. Many of these caves are open to visitors and feature spectacular underground formations of stalactites and stalagmites.

The most famous caves are:

Devil's Cave (Dyavolsko Garlo): This cave is one of the most impressive and mysterious in the region. According to legend, this is where Orpheus descended to the underworld to retrieve his beloved Eurydice. Inside is one of the highest underground waterfalls in the Balkans.
Yagodina Cave: This beautiful cave, close to the Trigrad Gorge, has an impressive network of tunnels and chambers full of impressive rock formations. It is one of the longest caves in Bulgaria.

The Rhodope Mountains (like the Pirin and Rila) have several thermal springs that have been used since ancient times for their healing properties. Places such as Velingrad and Devin are known for their spas and health resorts, where people enjoy the healing power of the mineral water, which is particularly beneficial for respiratory and skin conditions.

The Rhodope Mountains form a unique region where nature, culture and history come together in a special way. The combination of the majestic landscape and rich folklore makes it one of the most enchanting places in Bulgaria.

Discover the diverse region between Pirin and Rila

The Pirin, Rila and Rhodope National Parks showcase the diversity and unspoilt nature surrounding Bansko. Each season offers new landscapes and opportunities to explore.

Discover how you can experience nature and the surrounding area for yourself – in summer, winter or on foot.

Prefer to be out and about all year round? We have selected the most beautiful hiking trails in the region for you. View our hiking trails