Tsentralen Rilski Rezervat

The Central Rila Reserve spans 12,393 hectares within Rila National Park, featuring high peaks, glacial lakes, dense forests, and alpine meadows at elevations up to 2,925 meters.

Established on February 24, 1992, the reserve incorporated several smaller protected areas that were already listed as UNESCO Biosphere reserves.

The reserve contains marked hiking paths leading to Mount Musala, where visitors connect with Bulgarian mountaineering traditions while exploring the highest peak in the Balkans.

Access to the reserve starts from Borovets resort, with a 4-hour hiking route to Mount Musala summit through marked trails beginning at Yastrebets Chalet.

The reserve houses the Marichine Lakes, four glacial water bodies that form the source of the Maritsa River, the largest water volume carrier in the Balkans.

Inception: February 24, 1992

GPS coordinates: 42.17917,23.58528

Latest update: March 5, 2025 00:10