Pirin National Park - Gorno Spanchevo

In 1962, when Pirin National Park was established, it was known as the Vihren Nature Reserve. At that time it covered 6,212 decares and comprised the highest points of the Demyanishka and Vihren regions. Over the years the territory of the park was increased many times over, and it now covers 40,000 decares. Since 1983, the park has been protected as a UNESCO Heritage Site.

The park includes one of the oldest reserves in Bulgaria – Bayuvi Dupki – Dzhindzhiritsa. The area was granted this status in 1934 so as to protect the endangered black and white fir (Pinum peuce) and the habitats of many other plants and animals. In 1977, this reserve was included by UNESCO on its list of reserves as part of the “Man and Biosphere” program, as was the park’s Yulen Reserve, in 1994.

Availability for visits: Free, all year round, 8 marked routes, experienced guide at the park’s information centres.

Transport accessibility: Road, Public Transport during the summer from Sandanski town. The Park is 16.7 km away from Sandanski.

Tourist infrastructure: 6 huts, numerous private villas and bungalows on the territory of the Park; Pirin National Park’s information centre, Tourist Association Edelvais - Sandanski, Tourist Association Pirinski orel - Melnik, Tourist Information Centre – Sandanski