Stara Planina

The Stara Planina or Balkan mountain range is an extension of the Carpathian mountain range, separated from it by the Danube River. This range runs 560km from eastern Serbia westward through central Bulgaria to the Black Sea.

The highest peak is Botev (2376m), located in the Central Balkan National Park (established 1991). Dairy products, such as Kashkaval are produced here, as well as wine, plum and grape brandy known as Rakia.

Stara Planina is remarkable for its flora and fauna. The most beautiful Bulgarian mountain flower Edelweiss grows there on peak Koziata stena.

There are several roads through Stara Planina.

Shipka (Gabrovo - Kazanlak)
Beklemeto (Troian - Karnare)

Some of the most epic battles in the Bulgarian history were fought on peak Shipka.

In earlier times the mountains were known as the Haemus Mons, a name that is believed to derive from the Thracian Ime (Imeon or Aemon), Aimon and Saimon in Greek, meaning 'chain' hence Emine and Emona.

Stara Planina

See also