The largest national park in the country called Rila is located just a few kilometers from the capital of Bulgaria, Sofia. Covering an area of more than 800 square kilometers, including the fantastic Rila Mountains, it is one of the main natural monuments of the country. Every year, hundreds of thousands of tourists climb the mountains, including the highest peak of the Balkan Peninsula, Musala. In addition to mountain fans, the park attracts lovers of picturesque glacial lakes, as there are exactly 120 of them, including the Seven Rila Lakes.

The giant natural park was founded in 1992 solely to protect the ecosystem. However, its beauty was bound to attract wildlife lovers and fans of ecotourism to these lands, as there are rare species of endemic plants, animals included in the Red List, as well as sources of the largest rivers in Bulgaria.

In total, about 1.5 thousand species of plants and almost 300 species of mosses grow in the park. The local lakes are home to 5 species of fish, 48 species of animals, and 100 species of birds. Local flora and fauna rival many European parks in variety. There are four nature reserves officially established in Rila National Park, two of which are included in the UN list.

The hallmark of the park is the ancient Rila Monastery, founded in the 10th century. The largest monastery of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church is included in the UNESCO list and is open to tourists. The monastery museum with an impressive collection of exhibits deserves special attention. It features a splendid collection of icons and religious objects, including the legendary Raphael Cross, decorated with exquisite wood carvings depicting 104 scenes from the Bible.

Nowadays, the Bulgarian national park is a popular destination for outdoor activities. It is equipped with hiking trails and bike paths. Those who do not like long walks can always go on an exciting horse ride or take an educational tour to the reserve.