Rila Monastery Nature Park

This protected area spans 252 square kilometers across western Rila mountain range, encompassing forests, meadows, and 28 glacial lakes at elevations from 750 to 2713 meters.

The park received its official protected status in February 1992, establishing a framework for preserving the natural heritage surrounding the medieval Rila Monastery complex.

The land belongs primarily to Rila Monastery, a spiritual center of Bulgaria founded during the First Bulgarian Empire, now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Visitors can explore numerous hiking trails leading to alpine lakes, with the most frequented routes connecting to Ribni Lakes and Smradlivo Lake.

The park contains over 110 prehistoric plant species that remained unchanged through geological periods, including rare Rila oaks and King Boris firs.

Location: Rila Municipality

Inception: February 24, 1992

GPS coordinates: 42.14790,23.62720

Latest update: March 11, 2025 13:21