Stara Reka Reserve

The Stara Reka Nature Reserve is one of the most valuable ecological treasures nestled in the heart of the Central Balkan National Park. Located in the Central Balkan Mountains directly above the town of Karlovo, it encompasses the entire picturesque watershed of the Stara Reka River. The reserve was officially established on March 19, 1981, by a decree of the Committee for Environmental Protection. Spanning an impressive total area of 1,974.7 hectares, this protected territory was created with a primary mission — to preserve a completely pristine and unique combination of ancient coniferous, deciduous, and mixed forests covering the steep mountain slopes. The greatest wealth of the Stara Reka Reserve lies in its remarkably rich and diverse flora. Thanks to the specific climate and geographic conditions, thermophilic species such as South European flowering ash, Oriental hornbeam, and European hop-hornbeam coexist here alongside beech, fir, and Norway spruce, which are typical of higher altitudes. The reserve protects the habitats of over 45 plant species listed in the Red Data Book of Bulgaria as endangered. Of exceptional scientific interest are 20 endemic species that cannot be found anywhere else in the world outside of Bulgaria, three of which grow exclusively within the boundaries of this specific reserve. In addition to its plant kingdom, the reserve provides a safe haven for dozens of wildlife species. A total of 65 vertebrate species are registered as permanent residents in the forests and rocky massifs of Stara Reka. Among them, several endangered and rare birds of prey enjoy special protection status, finding undisturbed nesting grounds within the area. In the skies and along the inaccessible cliffs of the reserve, lucky observers might spot the majestic golden eagle, the long-legged buzzard, the northern goshawk, the Eurasian sparrowhawk, and the ruler of the night — the Eurasian eagle-owl.