Vrachanski Balkan Natural Park is situated in Vratza ridge of Stara planina. It spreads between the Botunya and Iskar rivers. The highest peak in Vratza ridge is Beglichka Mogila peak (1,482m). The Vratza Mountain was built of palaeozoic rocks, Triassic sandstones and Jurasic limestone. Vrachanski Balkan Natural Park was founded in 1988 on an area of 30,129.90 hectares. The highest limestone rocks on the Balkan peninsular are situated on the park's territory. The karst character of the park is a precondition for the existence of over 500 caves. The vast beech forests and the sub Alpine grass are characteristic for the park. The Vrachanski karst reserve, Ledenika cave, Cherepishki monastery "Uspenie Bogorodichno" are all situated on its territory.
The natural park is situated on the land of the villages Eliseyna, Zverino, Zgorigrad, Krivodol, Lyutadzhik, Lyutibrod, Chelopek, Ochindol (Vratza region), Druzhevo, Milanovo, Opletnya, Svoge (Sofia region), Gorna Bela Rechka, Dolna Bela Rechka, Gorno Orizovo (Montana region).
Vrachanski Karst Reserve was established in 1983 on an area of 1,438.90 hectares aiming preservation of unique karst complex with artistic landscapes. It is situated in the town of Vratza, Vratza region.
Chuprene Reserve
Chuprene Reserve is situated in the western part of Stara planina. It was established in 1973 as a protected territory on an area of 1,439.2 hectares with buffer zone of 542.3 hectares and then changed several times. There are varied biotypes in Chuprene Reserve - deep and wet ravines, Alpine meadows, marsh terrains, stone waterfalls of Glacial Period. Over 90% of the Chuprene territory was covered with forests. The spruce forest is remarkable because it is between 90 - 110 years old. There are mixed forests on the territory of the reserve: spruce and fir-tree, spruce and beech and other kind of trees. The beech forests are aged between 130 - 150 years. Other vegetative kinds in Chuprene are: birch, sycamore, Norway maple, alder, Daphne, gentian.
There are various animals. The amphibians are: salamander, triton, frog, viper, smooth snake, dice snake. Some of the birds are: wood-grouse capercailzie, golden eagle, hawk, owl, raven. The mammals in Chuprene Reserve are: wild cat, marten, fox, red deer, roe, wild-boar. Chuprene is biosphere reserve situated in the village of Chuprene, Chuprene municipality, Vidin region.
Gorna Korya Reserve
Gorna Korya Reserve was established in 1968. Its area was increased to 161 hectares in 1981. The reserve is situated in the town of Berkovitza, Montana region. The aim was to preserve the natural deposit of beech forests.
Ibisha Reserve was established in 1984 and its territory was changed in 1999. It has a protected territory of 34.30 hectares and is situated in the village Dolni Tzibar, Valchedram municipality, Montana region. The aim is preservation of characteristic Danube forests and marshes populated by endangered, rare and vulnerable animals and plant species habitats.
