Central Balkan Cluster
The region
The region around "Central Balkan" National Park is situatedin hte heart of the Balkan mountains and includes 9 strict nature reserves, spanning over 9 municipalities and covering a territory of 20 000 hectares. It is known for its beautiful nature, clean air, lack of polluting industry and a general sense of sustainable toursim. The region is known for lots of archaeological evidence from presence of Romans and Thracians and is a key area for the Bulgarian resistance and uprising against Turkish empire.
Cluster members
"Central Balkan" National Park
The National Park situated on the central part of the Balkan Mt. Range, covering an area of 71,669,5 ha., (70% of ecosystems are natural). The Park is PAN Parks certified and is a holder of CoE's European Diploma for Protected Areas. One of the most proactively managed protected areas in the country, Central Balkan National Park can be seen as a key motivator for a local green economy. „A view towards our common future“ - “Central Balkan” National Park’s 50-year vision was elaborated in 2010, in collaboration with all stakeholders. Common objectives and implementing internationally renowned standards (such as EMAS) are integrated in the strategy.
Family Hotel "Scandaloto 1896"
The Skandaloto-1896 family hotel is a renovated building from the Bulgarian National Revival period dating back to the end of the nineteenth century. Its original architecture has been preserved using natural materials like stone and wood. Part of the house was a tailor's which has now been reconstructed into a tavern with 30 seats and the cowshed and the barn were turned into sleeping premises. There is a lovely inner garden perfect for taking a siesta or having your meals in the summer time. Key member of the national park's PAN Parks network, as well as holder of Green Lodge and Authentic Bulgaria certificates.
"Alex Cris" B&B
Guest house "Ruja"
Guest house is situated on the river bank and offers two studios, and two executive rooms, a sports area, vegetable garden, massages, trekking. PAN Parks network candidate.
Shepherd's Union
The first union of its kind in Bulgaria, with over 100 members, practicing high mountain pasturalism and are able to maintain a local breed of sheep. The cheese and milk are produced in high mountain dariy farms using traditional methods.
Guest house "Sabchev"
Guest house situated near river and 500 m from center of town. The house has total of 6 beds and a tavern, offers a variety of tourist services and activities.
Guest House "Yavor"
Local guest house with nice views towarsd the mountain. Offers 10 beds, and a variety of tourist activities and crafts demonstrations. PAN Parks network candidate.
Hotel "Panorama"
Panorama hotel is situated in the peaceful surroundings of a magnificent mountain park with an area of 200 ares and is the ideal place for your perfect holiday – away from city noise and pollution. ‘Panorama’ is in Ostrets neighbourhood, town of Apriltsi, in the foothills of Botev peak. Our hotel offers its guests an unforgettable view to the mountain summits: Levski, Goliam Kupen, Botev, Mara Gidik, the Triglav massif and Ostrets. There are three ski runs with a total length of 1500 m within 20 km from the hotel and we can offer you transportation to them.
Guest house "Eco-Art"
Small guest house with about 400 visits per year. Provides pottery making as attraction with local traditional skills and practices. The guest house has also "Green lodge"certificate and is quite proactive in environmental performance. Current PAN Parks member.
"Azareja" eco-complex
Specially designed "eco-village" using sustainable architecture and positioning of the buildings. A cluster of 6 stand-alone guest houses (accommodate 2-4 persosn each), parking lot, garden and a meeting room (mongolian style). PAN Parks network candidate.
Villa "Colour"
"Villa Colour", renewed in 1999, is situated in the beginning of a small quiet village near the mountain river Beli Osam, only 10 kilometers away from the center of Troyan, 450 m. above sea level in the northern foot of the Balkan Mountains (near the National Park ‘Central Balkan’) and not far from the mineral water pools of Shipkovo and Chiflik. The villa has PAN Parks and Authentic Bulgaria certificates, as well as the local "Stara planina" award for Quality tourism.
"Balkan" Horse-riding base
Riding Base Balkan is located on the foothills of Mt. Botev in Apriltsi, the sunlit valley in the Balkan Mountains. They have one basic programme with exciting riding and nature adventures in the Balkan Mountains. In 2010 the base burned down with all horses suffocating to death. As this tourist attraction rises form the ashes they are still engaged in maintaining their eco-friendly attitude and re-certification with PAN PARKS.
Guest house "Dan Kolov"
Hotel Dan Kolov is in a green area giving guests the opportunity to play mini golf, football, tennis and volleyball, paintball games, electronic darts for 16 people. They have 4 bikes for rent, and a restaurant with summer garden and music. Current PAN Parks member.
Guest house "Cucovata"
The house was built just before the liberation from the Turkish slavery in 1878 (burnt down several times until then). A memorial of culture since 1964, It is one of the few houses kept the renaissance spirit of the town. The house has 5 rooms (one of them is available only during the summer period) and 3 bathrooms. Brick fireplaces, built in cupboards, wooden attics, couches, and authentic metal beds will make you feel one different atmosphere. Current PAN Parks member.
Guest house and craftshop "Sandevata"
One of the last houses in town before the mountain. An old traditional building of 4 generations of craftsmen. Crafts demonstrations are available to guests: a fulling mill for coat-making and a plash for carpet and blanket washing. Current PAN Parks member.
Stakeholders
The region around "Central Balkan" National Park is situatedin hte heart of the Balkan mountains and includes 9 strict nature reserves, spanning over 9 municipalities and covering a territory of 20 000 hectares. It is known for its beautiful nature, clean air, lack of polluting industry and a general sense of sustainable toursim. The region is known for lots of archaeological evidence from presence of Romans and Thracians and is a key area for the Bulgarian resistance and uprising against Turkish empire.
Cluster members
"Central Balkan" National Park
The National Park situated on the central part of the Balkan Mt. Range, covering an area of 71,669,5 ha., (70% of ecosystems are natural). The Park is PAN Parks certified and is a holder of CoE's European Diploma for Protected Areas. One of the most proactively managed protected areas in the country, Central Balkan National Park can be seen as a key motivator for a local green economy. „A view towards our common future“ - “Central Balkan” National Park’s 50-year vision was elaborated in 2010, in collaboration with all stakeholders. Common objectives and implementing internationally renowned standards (such as EMAS) are integrated in the strategy.
Family Hotel "Scandaloto 1896"
The Skandaloto-1896 family hotel is a renovated building from the Bulgarian National Revival period dating back to the end of the nineteenth century. Its original architecture has been preserved using natural materials like stone and wood. Part of the house was a tailor's which has now been reconstructed into a tavern with 30 seats and the cowshed and the barn were turned into sleeping premises. There is a lovely inner garden perfect for taking a siesta or having your meals in the summer time. Key member of the national park's PAN Parks network, as well as holder of Green Lodge and Authentic Bulgaria certificates.
"Alex Cris" B&B
The 19th century house, located in the village of Scandalo is the place, where the reveries come true and the dreams become a reality. We have not only the wish, but also the possibility to provide you with unique calm, homey and unique walks in the preserved nature in the mountain of Stara Planina. Feel the wind blow, the flowers smell, the grass aroma, the warmth of the sun, the rivers babble and the Balkan freshness. PAN Parks network candidate.
Guest house "Ruja"
Guest house is situated on the river bank and offers two studios, and two executive rooms, a sports area, vegetable garden, massages, trekking. PAN Parks network candidate.
Shepherd's Union
The first union of its kind in Bulgaria, with over 100 members, practicing high mountain pasturalism and are able to maintain a local breed of sheep. The cheese and milk are produced in high mountain dariy farms using traditional methods.
Guest house "Sabchev"
Guest house situated near river and 500 m from center of town. The house has total of 6 beds and a tavern, offers a variety of tourist services and activities.
Guest House "Yavor"
Local guest house with nice views towarsd the mountain. Offers 10 beds, and a variety of tourist activities and crafts demonstrations. PAN Parks network candidate.
Hotel "Panorama"
Panorama hotel is situated in the peaceful surroundings of a magnificent mountain park with an area of 200 ares and is the ideal place for your perfect holiday – away from city noise and pollution. ‘Panorama’ is in Ostrets neighbourhood, town of Apriltsi, in the foothills of Botev peak. Our hotel offers its guests an unforgettable view to the mountain summits: Levski, Goliam Kupen, Botev, Mara Gidik, the Triglav massif and Ostrets. There are three ski runs with a total length of 1500 m within 20 km from the hotel and we can offer you transportation to them.
Guest house "Eco-Art"
Small guest house with about 400 visits per year. Provides pottery making as attraction with local traditional skills and practices. The guest house has also "Green lodge"certificate and is quite proactive in environmental performance. Current PAN Parks member.
"Azareja" eco-complex
Specially designed "eco-village" using sustainable architecture and positioning of the buildings. A cluster of 6 stand-alone guest houses (accommodate 2-4 persosn each), parking lot, garden and a meeting room (mongolian style). PAN Parks network candidate.
Villa "Colour"
"Villa Colour", renewed in 1999, is situated in the beginning of a small quiet village near the mountain river Beli Osam, only 10 kilometers away from the center of Troyan, 450 m. above sea level in the northern foot of the Balkan Mountains (near the National Park ‘Central Balkan’) and not far from the mineral water pools of Shipkovo and Chiflik. The villa has PAN Parks and Authentic Bulgaria certificates, as well as the local "Stara planina" award for Quality tourism.
"Balkan" Horse-riding base
Riding Base Balkan is located on the foothills of Mt. Botev in Apriltsi, the sunlit valley in the Balkan Mountains. They have one basic programme with exciting riding and nature adventures in the Balkan Mountains. In 2010 the base burned down with all horses suffocating to death. As this tourist attraction rises form the ashes they are still engaged in maintaining their eco-friendly attitude and re-certification with PAN PARKS.
Guest house "Dan Kolov"
Hotel Dan Kolov is in a green area giving guests the opportunity to play mini golf, football, tennis and volleyball, paintball games, electronic darts for 16 people. They have 4 bikes for rent, and a restaurant with summer garden and music. Current PAN Parks member.
Guest house "Cucovata"
The house was built just before the liberation from the Turkish slavery in 1878 (burnt down several times until then). A memorial of culture since 1964, It is one of the few houses kept the renaissance spirit of the town. The house has 5 rooms (one of them is available only during the summer period) and 3 bathrooms. Brick fireplaces, built in cupboards, wooden attics, couches, and authentic metal beds will make you feel one different atmosphere. Current PAN Parks member.
Guest house and craftshop "Sandevata"
One of the last houses in town before the mountain. An old traditional building of 4 generations of craftsmen. Crafts demonstrations are available to guests: a fulling mill for coat-making and a plash for carpet and blanket washing. Current PAN Parks member.
Stakeholders
Key stakeholders
- Municipality of Apriltsi (supported, but not part of the cluster)
- Regional Association of Municipalities (members are all 9 municipalities around the park)
- PAN Parks – a European-wide organization focusing on an integrated approach combining wilderness protection and sustainable tourism development
- Regional Tourist Association, members of which are the local chamber of commerce and hotels
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