Pirin National Park

Dating

The heart of old Pirina

Pirin National Park was founded in 1962 and has been included in the UNESCO World Natural Heritage List since 1983. It extends between the Predel and Todorova Polyana localities in Southwestern Bulgaria. The glacial past has sculpted the characteristic alpine relief - 35 cirques, moraines and about 170 lakes.

Pirin and UNESCO — in detail

Alpine relief

35 glacial cirques and about 170 lakes. Over 50 peaks exceed 2500 m - from marble massifs in the north to granite giants in the south. Vihren (2914 m) is the third highest in the Balkans.

Granite · Marble · Glacial terrain

Baikusheva mura

The oldest coniferous tree in Bulgaria — about 1300 years old, height 24 m, diameter 2.4 m. Found near the Banderitsa hut. The black pine (Pinus heldreichii) is a symbol of Pirin.

~1300 years · Relic · Pinus heldreichii

Routes and trails

There are dozens of marked trails in the park of varying difficulty. Popular hikes include climbing Vihren Peak, Koncheto Peak, and Tevno Lake. Always keep an eye on the weather forecast.

Tourism · Marking · Hikes

Chalets around Bansko

Starting points for hikes and places to rest. Explore the most popular huts and shelters that offer warm food and shelter during your mountain adventure.

Accommodation · Food · Reservation

Biodiversity

1/3 of the flora of Bulgaria. 18 local endemics found only in Pirin - Pirin poppy, Pirin thyme, David's mullein. Over 2000 species of invertebrates, 166 species of birds, 50 species of mammals.

18 endemics · 166 birds · 50 mammals

How to get there

The main entry points are Bansko (north) and Dobrinishte (east). There are direct buses to Bansko from Sofia (~2 hours). The parking lots at Banderitsa and Vihren huts are accessible by private vehicle.

Bansko · Dobrinishte · Sofia

Strictly protected areas

The reserves in Pirin

Within the borders of the National Park are two strictly protected reserves (Bayuvi Dupki–Djindzhiritsa and Yulen). In the wider reach of the Pirin Mountains are two more (Orelyak and Tisata), created to protect the unique ancient forests, rare plants and rich wildlife.

Bayuvi Dupki–Djindzhiritsa

One of the oldest reserves in Bulgaria (1934) and a UNESCO biosphere reserve. It preserves unique forests of white and black pine over 500 years old and numerous beautiful karst formations.

UNESCO · Centuries-old forests · Karst

Yulen

A high-mountain reserve encompassing picturesque lake groups, centuries-old coniferous forests and alpine pastures. Here, the brown bear, the wolf and the Balkan chamois find safe refuge.

Lakes · Wildlife · Alpine area

Oryol

Located in the Middle Pirin Mountains around the peak of the same name. Created specifically for the protection of primary beech forests. It is distinguished by a wide variety of local and Balkan endemics.

Middle Pirin · Beech forests · Endemics

The Yew

Located in the Kresna Gorge area. Protects the largest juniper tree habitat in Europe. Extremely rich in Mediterranean flora and fauna (especially birds and reptiles).

Kresna · Juniper · Ornithology

Routes

By the paths

There are over 50 marked and unmarked hiking trails, as well as educational eco-trails, in the park. Here are some of the most popular selected hikes — from easy family hikes to multi-day hikes.

Popular tourist routes in Pirin with length and difficulty
Route	Length	Difficulty	More
Banderitsa Waterfall from Bansko — ~2 h. 30 min.	~7 km	Light	vbansko.com
Banderishki Lakes from Banderitsa hut — family route	~6 km	Light	vbansko.com
Bansko — Vihren hut (m-t III) Peshterite village → Banderitsa hut → Vihren hut	~18 km / ~4.5 hrs. (one way)	Medium	vbansko.com
Vihren Peak from Vihren hut — 3 hours climb	~10 km	Medium	vbansko.com
Popovo Lake (Mt. XIV) Breznitsa village → Breznishki Chal → Popovo Lake	~14 km	Medium	vbansko.com
The horse Vihren hut → Banski Suhodol → Kutelo → Vihren	~8 km	Difficult	vbansko.com
Dobrinishte — Melnik (metro V) Hut Gotse Delchev → Hut Bezbog → Hut Pirin → Melnik	~50 km / 17 hours.	Multi-day	vbansko.com
E-4 road route (city I) Predel hut → Yavorov hut → Vihren hut → Pirin hut	80+ km	Expert	vbansko.com

See a complete list of all routes in Pirin

Glacial lakes

The Blues eyes on Pirin

About 170 glacial lakes, accumulated in the deep cirques — some of the cleanest mountain lakes in the Balkans. They are grouped into lake groups.

Complete guide to the lakes

Popovo Lake

2234 m above sea level.

The largest lake in Pirin. Crystal clear bottom. Reachable from Yavorov hut or Breznitsa village.

Vasila Lakes

2126–2536 m above sea level.

7 lakes in the Vasilash Circus. Gornoto Todorino is 2536 m - one of the highest. Known as "Todorka's eyes".

Banderishki Lakes

~2100 m above sea level.

Accessible group near Banderitsa hut. Muratovoto Lake is an ideal family route.

Tevno Lake

2513 m above sea level.

Located in the beautiful Belemeto circus, surrounded by rocky peaks. There is a shelter with overnight stays.

Preval Lakes

~2350 m above sea level.

A small beautiful group in South Pirin, near Dobrinishte. Route X — about 2 hours.

Godless Lakes

~2200 m above sea level.

Around Bezbog hut. A beautiful place to stay with a view directly to the lake.

Sinanishko Lake

2181 m above sea level.

One of the most picturesque lakes, nestled under the marble cliffs of Mount Sinanitsa. On its shore is the hut of the same name.

Vlahinsky Lakes

2260–2300 m above sea level.

A group of 5 lakes in the rugged cirque southwest of Vihren Peak. The Vlahinska River originates from them.

Kremenski Lakes

2352 m above sea level.

The largest lake group in Pirin by total area. The lower two lakes are huge and deep, surrounded by steep slopes.

Samodiv Lakes

2375 m above sea level.

Three small but extremely beautiful lakes, located in a small circus. They offer one of the most classic views of Mount Jangal.

Flora and fauna

The living world

Over 2981 species of invertebrates and 240 vertebrates. 23 species in the Red Book of Bulgaria. 18 local endemics, found only in Pirin.

Brown bear

Ursus arctos

~80–90 individuals. Active at dawn and dusk. If encountered, do not run.

Golden eagle

Span over 2 m. Nests on rocky cliffs. Symbol of the mountain.

Wild goat

Rupicapra rupicapra

On the rocky pastures above the upper forest line.

Wolf

Canis lupus

Permanent resident. Encounters with humans are extremely rare.

Capercaillie

Black Grouse

In the old coniferous forests. The weddings are a phenomenal spectacle.

Pirin poppy

Papaver degenii

Local endemic - grows only in Pirin. On marble rocks in the northern zone.

Edelweiss

Leontopodium alpinum

A symbol of the alpine flora. Plowing is prohibited. On rocky pastures.

Black pine

Pinus heldreichii

Relict — lives for over 1200 years. The Baykusheva fir is the oldest coniferous tree in Bulgaria.

Adder and viper

Vipera ammodytes · Vipera berus

The two venomous snakes in Pirin. They are found in dry, rocky and bushy places.

Badger

Meles meles

A nocturnal forest dweller. Lives in branching underground tunnels. Rarely seen.

Fireflies

Lampyris sp.

June–July in the forest glades. Their nightly bioluminescent show is magical.

Fallow deer

Dama dama

It is found in the forest belts of the park. It is recognized by its characteristic shovel-shaped horns.

Required reading

Bears, snakes, and wild goats—who should we beware of?

A complete guide to wildlife encounters—how to recognize danger and how to respond.

Park rules

What is it? allowed and forbidden

The park is under strict protection under the Protected Areas Act. The rules apply to all visitors without exception.

Full rules on vbansko.com

Allowed

Walking along marked tourist routes
Overnight stay in huts and shelters (with reservation)
Camping in designated areas with a permit
Nature photography and observation
Fishing outside reserves, within permitted periods
Drinking water from clean springs
Rock climbing on certain routes

Forbidden

Picking plants (edelweiss, poppies, and all kinds)
Lighting a fire outside designated areas
Water and land pollution
Jumping and swimming in the lakes
Boats and inflatables in the lakes
Washing with detergents in rivers and lakes
Feeding and teasing wild animals
Leaving marked trails in reserves

Safety

Pirin is beautiful, but harsh

The Mountain Rescue Service reports that most accidents are due to underestimating the conditions and inappropriate equipment. Therefore, it is key to prepare properly before you set off.

Read the Mountaineer's Handbook What equipment should you choose?

Leave early.

Storms come in the afternoon. Get off the ridge by 1–2 p.m. Start no later than 7–8 a.m.

Layered clothing

Even in summer, the temperature can drop by 15–20°C. The right equipment is mandatory.

Offline map

Mobile coverage is unreliable. Download an offline map (Maps.me, Wikiloc, Gaia GPS) in advance.

Bears

~80–90 bears in the park. Speak louder in the forest. If encountered, do not run, speak calmly and move away slowly.

Chalets

See all chalets around Bansko and book in advance. Camping outside of them requires a permit.

In an emergency

MES (for mobile): 1470. Headquarters: 02 963 2000. European number: 112. Report location and number of people.

When to visit

Pirin four times in the year

Mountain weather is dynamic. Find out what to expect during each season and check out our detailed guide to conditions by month.

Explore more

Articles from vbansko.com

Detailed guides for every aspect of tourism in Pirin.