The Pirin region occupies the South-Westernmost part of Bulgaria and is named after the magnifiicent Pirin Mountains.
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This is an appropriate name for this wild, rugged mountain, which is one of the most beautiful Bulgarian mountains, with its numerous lakes (some 160), hidden in deep cirques. The typical alpine landforms such as trog valleys, cirques, ridges and moraines are found mainly in North Pirin, the most frequently visited region. |
Known by the tourists as the peak of the storms, Vihren attracts them because it is the highest in Pirin (2915 m), and third in the Balkans. From the North Vihren looks like a truncated pyramid with an imposing upright wall of 420 m the foot of which is always covered with snow. |
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From the Thracian shrines and Hercules' Hellenic temples to the Orthodox monasteries and chapels hidden in the mountain next to crystal-clear springs-for all Bulgarians Pirin is not only a mountain but a symbol of national pride and historical memory. |
Pirin offers a magnificent variety of landscape: the sharp ridges and impressive deep cirques of Pirin and Rila Alpine parts; the gentle forms of the Vlahina, Maleshevska, Ograzhden, Belasitsa, Slavyanka, Stargach and Rhodoppi Mountains; the fertile river valleys and gorges of Strouma and Mesta; the mysterious rock formations and caves. |
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More than 2000 years ago the Thracians have called that wonder of nature Orbelus, meaning the Snow Mountain. Slavs have later likened it to their God of thunders and storm Perun, the original name of Pirin. The Pirin mountain is the indisputable Godfather of this region. |
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Few countries can rival Bulgaria's superb mountain scenery, and 35,000km. of trails on which to explore them. Its natural beauty and the rich diversity of fauna and flora are a natural asset treasured by the formation of no less than ten national parks. The Rila and the Pirin rival the alps with their rugged peaks, great ridges and panoramic vistas, yet the Bulgarian mountains are relatively little visited in comparison to their more famous European neighbouring ranges; here you can really appreciate the peace and tranquility, and enjoy a sense of breaking new ground. |
Pirin is best developed in terms of mountain tourism infrastructure. In Pirin, for example, a well-established network of 13 major and 17 secondary routes connects 8 huts and 5 shelters on the territory of the National Park. Several mountain resorts offer good skiing conditions, the best known being the town of Bansko, the Gateway to Pirin. |
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For more pictures of Pirin, click here |
