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Vitosha is the first park in Bulgaria and on the Balkan Peninsula. It was declared a national park on 27 October 1934. In 2000 the park was categorized as Natural. Nowadays its territory is 27,079 ha. Two reservations are situated on its territory (Bistrishko Branishte reservation (Bistritsa Forest Reserve) and Torfeno Branishte reservation (Turf Forest Reserve), as well as a natural landmark (the Duhlata Cave).



The “Bistrishko Branishte” reservation is situated on the north-eastern slope of Vitosha, below the Golyam Rezen peak (2,277 m) and Skoparnik peak (2,226 m). It was established in order to preserve a section of a broad-leaved forest and the alpine grass vegetation located above it. Its borders have changed a number of times. At the present moment the reservation territory is 1,061.60 ha. In 1977 UNESCO declared the Bistrishko Branishte reservation a biosphere reservation.



The “Torfeno Branishte” reservation was established in order to preserve 144.1 ha turf lands and abundant marshland vegetation in the alpine section of Vitosha.



The longest cave in Bulgaria called Duhlata is situated in the village of Bosnek, on the left bank of the Struma river. Its length is over 18 km, and about 15 km from these have been researched.



The Dragalevski Monastery “St. Mary of Vitosha ”(the 14th century) and the Kladnishki Monastery“ St. Nikolas Mirliyski the Miracle Maker ”(built in the 19th century on old foundations) is situated on the territory of the park. The Boyana Church “St. Nikolas and St. Panteleymon ”(the 10th century) is situated on the border park and is included in the UNESCO List of Global Cultural Inheritance.



The vegetation of Vitosha Natural Park is extremely rich and diverse. About 500 species of freshwater algae, 805 mushroom species, more than 360 lichen and moss species, 1,489 higher plant species have been recognized.



The mountain is characterized by rich and diverse spineless fauna. 148 endemic species (Bulgarian and Balkan), 300 rare species and 85 relic spineless species can be seen here.



Ten of the Vitosha peaks are situated at an altitude of over 2,000 meters, as the highest of them is Cherni Vrah (2,290 meters). It rises in the central part of the mountain.



A sports and information alley for people with disabilities of the locomotive system is built in the Arboretum. It is 285 meters long and 2 meters wide. A children's informational and entertainment center is built in the Arboretum. It is situated on an area of ​​20 dca, with 3 platforms and multiple game installations. The Bear Museum is also situated nearby. It was built at the place of a demolished substation.



Tourists can learn more about the Turf lands and Marshlands on the Turf Information Alley in the locality of Ofelias. The Museum of Owls and the Museum of Dragonfly are situated in the locality of Belite Brezi, 1.5 south from the Arboretum, right on the road leading to the locality of the Golden Bridges.



The Nature Protection Information Center “Vitosha” is the first one of the range of informational and educational centers in the protected territories in Bulgaria. It is situated at about 1 km from the Dragalevtsi residential area, in close proximity to the Dragalevski Monastery. The center offers a permanent exhibition, tourist information, a rich video collection, an observation tower, a base for conducting green schools, education practices, an exhibition area, a library, etc.



The National Park Information Center is situated in Sofia, on Vazrazhdane Square, 17 Antim I Str. It provides information on protected territories in Bulgaria and the world. Tourist cards and specialized issues dedicated to the diversity of plant and animal species in the Bulgarian parks can be bought there.



The Vitosha mountain is also a popular destination for admirers of winter sports. Being in close proximity to the capital, it is very convenient for residents or guests of Sofia to visit. There are two ski centers in the mountain– Aleko and Konyarnika. Aleko they are situated at an altitude of 1,800 meters, their tracks are north, and conditions are available for night skiing. The Konyarnika is situated at an altitude of 1,507 meters. The total length of the tracks on the mountain is 29 km, as longest of them is 5 km long, and the maximum displacement is 780 meters. The tracks are suitable for advanced as well as for beginner skiers. The required installations are available on all ski tracks: a number of seat lifts, a cabin lift, starting from the outskirts of Vitosha and almost reaching the mountain top.

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