Mountains balkans on the map. Balkan Peninsula or Balkans

Balkan mountains   (Bulgarian. Stara Planina, also Balkan; Türkçe. Koja Balkan, Koca balkan) - a large mountain system in (western spurs also on the territory of modern and Macedonia). They cross Bulgaria from west to east, dividing it into Northern and Southern Bulgaria. The length of the mountains is about 555 km, the height is up to 2.376 m (mountain). They are a natural continuation of the Southern Carpathians, crossed by a river at the Iron Gate. They became the basis of the names of the Balkan Peninsula and the Balkans.

Geology

Stara Planina is composed mainly of crystalline schists and granites of the Paleozoic and Precambrian, as well as Mesozoic limestones, sandstones, conglomerates, flysch. They consist of parallel ridges with smooth apical surfaces.

  Main passes

• Petrokhan pass
• Churek Pass
• Shipkinsky pass
• Pass of the Republic

Relief

Relatively gentle northern slopes of the Balkan mountains pass into the foothills (Pre-Balkans), lowering to the Lower Danube plain; southern slopes are usually steep.

  Hydrography

Stara Planina is crossed by the valleys of the Iskar (in the west) and Kamchia (in the east) rivers.

  Karst caves

Karst is developed in the Balkan Mountains, the largest and most famous caves are presented below:

• Rabish cave with cave paintings
• Syeva-Dupka
• Ice cream and others

  Minerals

Deposits of copper, lead-zinc and iron ores, coal and brown coal.

Climate

The Balkan Mountains are an important climatic divide between northern and southern Bulgaria; 800-1.100 mm of precipitation falls annually in the ridge, and the mountains are covered with snow for several months.

  Flora and fauna

Northern, more humid slopes up to a height of 1700-1800 m are covered with forests of oak, beech, hornbeam, and also coniferous species - pine. The peaks are occupied by meadows (meadows). In the eastern part of the mountains there are dense deciduous forests with evergreen undergrowth and vines.

  Zoning

Stara Planina is divided into Western Stara Planina, which has a predominantly southeastern strike; Middle Stara Planina, the highest and most distinct; East Stara Planina, lowered and branching into separate spurs.

History

In the northern part of the Balkan Mountains are monuments of the era of Bulgarian national liberation (Monument of Freedom, etc.). The Steneto National Park is located.

  Recreational facilities and tourism

In the Balkan Mountains there are numerous mineral springs, on the basis of which resorts operate (Varshets, Ribaritsa, Teteven, etc.). A number of monasteries are located on the slopes (Sokolsky Monastery,

  - the so-called mountain system, dissecting Balkan Peninsula   into two parts, and with it Bulgariapassing with West to East, he divides the country into Southern Bulgaria and Northern.

Mountains of Stara Planina

In fact, this mountain range is a continuation of Carpathian mountainscut by a riverbed Danube. Thanks to this mountain system Southern Bulgaria   protected from cold air masses from the north Of Europe. The mountain system passes through the territory of Slovakia, Ukraine, Romania, Serbia and Bulgaria and ends with Cape Emine, located very close to St. Vlas.

A1 highway connecting Sofia   and Bourgasruns south Old Planina   and usually the weather is nice here. However, if you climb the pass, it may happen that from the opposite, northern part of the mountains it rains and is cold, while the inhabitants of the southern part of the peninsula enjoy the sun and heat. This factor must be taken into account when planning trips to the side, Spikes, Shumen, and further on North   and West.

The mountain system of Stara Planina is quite old and the mountains do not reach a great height here, and the slopes of the mountains are usually densely covered with forests. The highest point of the ridge, stretching on 500 kilometersreaches 2376 meters   above sea level in its middle part, and approaching the east the mountains go down and end Horn of the Old Planina   and cape Emine (Emine)   - the easternmost part of the mountain system, which crashes into the coast divides it into the North and South coasts. Cape Emine   located very close to Saint Vlas   - from Elenite   to the extreme point of the cape is only about 8 km.

Caves of Old Planina

middle part Old Planina   famous for its karst caves and chic nature reserves. In this part is located " Natural Park Stara Planina», Which is located near the city Vidinalmost on the border with By Serbia. In the town Macresare karst cave Magura   with cave paintings of ancient people. A place worth visiting!

Town Vidin   located of course on the other end Of Bulgariabut given the overall size of the country, 650 km of road will scare a few. Especially on the way you can visit another cave - Lozenicalocated near the city Vratsa, also located on the slopes of Stara Planina, and stay overnight in Sofia.

Kremikovsky monastery

Since these territories were inhabited from ancient times, each era left its mark on the slopes of the mountains Old Planina. One of the monuments of the era Second Bulgarian Kingdom   is an Kremikovsky monasterybased in 1492   year and located on the slopes of the mountains near Sofia. It is one of the most valuable medieval cultural monuments on Balkan Peninsula.

Perhaps, it makes no sense to try to describe in one small note all the variety of attractions that are densely scattered throughout the territory Of Bulgaria, and many are hidden in the folds of the mountains of Stara Planina and still do not often appear in the catalogs of travel agencies. Therefore, we will tell you about them gradually, therefore:

To be continued!

Balkan mountains, also Old Planina   (Bulgarian. Stara planina, Balkan, Serb. Stara planina, other Greek Αἶμος, lat. Haemus) - a large mountain system in Bulgaria (western spurs also in the territory of modern Serbia).

This ridge crosses Bulgaria from west to east, dividing it into Northern and Southern Bulgaria. According to Bulgarian historical terminology: Stara Planina separates Moesia (Northern Bulgaria) from Thrace and Macedonia. The length of the ridge is about 555 km, the highest peak is Mount Botev (2376 m). The Balkans are a natural continuation of the Southern Carpathians, crossed by the Danube River at the Iron Gate. These mountains became the basis of the geographical names “Balkan Peninsula” and “Balkans”.

• 1 Geology
• 2 Main passes
• 3 Relief
• 4 Hydrography
• 5 Karst Caves
  • 5.1 Minerals
• 6 Climate
• 7 Flora and fauna
• 8 Zoning
• 9 History
• 10 Recreational facilities and tourism
• 11 Links

Geology

Stara Planina is composed mainly of crystalline schists and granites of the Paleozoic and Precambrian, as well as Mesozoic limestones, sandstones, karst, conglomerates, flysch. Consists of parallel ridges with smooth apical surfaces.

Main passes

• Petrokhan pass
• Iskar River Gorge
• Churek Pass
• Shipkinsky pass
• Pass of the Republic
• Vyrbishsky pass

Relief

Relatively gentle northern slopes of the Balkan mountains pass into the foothills (Pre-Balkans), lowering to the Lower Danube plain; southern slopes are usually steep.

Hydrography

Stara Planina is crossed by the valleys of the Iskar (in the west) and Kamchia (in the east) rivers.

Here they have their origin and flow north to the Danube of the Timok, Lom, Ogosta, Vit, Osym rivers.

Karst caves

Karst is developed in the Balkan Mountains, especially in the western part. Below are the largest and most famous caves:

• Rabish cave with cave paintings
• Syeva-Dupka
• Ice cream and others

Minerals

Deposits of copper, lead-zinc and iron ores, coal and brown coal.

Climate

The Balkan Mountains are an important climatic divide between Northern and Southern Bulgaria; 800-1.100 mm of precipitation falls annually in the ridge, and the mountains are covered with snow for several months.

Flora and fauna

Northern, more humid slopes up to a height of 1700-1800 m are covered with forests of oak, beech, hornbeam, and also coniferous species - pine. The peaks are occupied by meadows (meadows). the eastern part of the mountains - dense deciduous forests with evergreen undergrowth and vines.

Zoning

Stara Planina is divided into Western Stara Planina, which has a predominantly southeastern strike; Middle Stara Planina, the highest and most distinct; and East Stara Planina, lowered and branching into separate spurs. One of the latter (together with the surrounding valleys) is a unique natural and geographical area of \u200b\u200bthe Old Planina Horn.

History

The northern slopes of the Balkan Mountains are rich in monuments of the era of Bulgarian national liberation (Monument of Freedom, etc.). Here is the Steneto National Park.

Recreational facilities and tourism

In the Balkan Mountains there are numerous mineral springs, on the basis of which resorts operate (Varshets, Ribaritsa, Teteven, etc.). On the slopes there are a number of monasteries (Sokolsky monastery, Kremikovsky monastery, etc.).

References

• Mountains of Stara Planina
• Stara Planina
• Gallery of photos of the Balkan Mountains
• Large collection of photos from the Balkan Mountains

Balkan mountain range, Stara Planina (Old Mountains) - one of the most beautiful mountain systems in Europe. Learn more about its main characteristics and distinctive features.

Acquaintance with the Old Mountains

Stara Planina (the Serbian and Bulgarian name for the toponym) is the second name of the Balkan Mountains or the Balkans, as they were called earlier. Today, the last name was assigned to the Balkan Peninsula itself. In ancient Greek mountains are called Αἶμος , in Latin - Haemus.They are considered the largest mountain system of the Bulgarian state, the western extensions of which can be found on the territory of today's Serbia.

The mountain range divides modern Bulgaria into North and South, crossing this country from west to east. Earlier, the Balkan mountains separated northern Moesia from southern Macedonia and Thrace. This mountain system is a natural neighbor, a continuation of the ranges of the Southern Carpathians, which intersect with the Iron Gate (narrowing of the mouth) of the Danube River on the border of Romania and Serbia.

Where the Balkan Mountains are located, it immediately becomes clear from the name of the mountain system - it is she who gives the name to the entire peninsula on which it is located. Detailed coordinates: latitude 43.2482, east longitude 25.0069. The total length is 555 km. The height of the Balkan mountains does not exceed 2376 m - this peak is limited to the mountain peak Botev.

Characteristics of the Stara Planina mountain system

Stara Planina, formed in the Cenozoic era, has a number of distinctive characteristics:

• Geological indicators: Balkan mountains are peaks parallel to each other with supposedly flattened ridges. Their composition is as follows: Precambrian and Paleozoic granites and crystalline schists, as well as Mesozoic conglomerates, flysch, sandstones, karst and limestones.
• Description of the relief: the northern half is represented by gentle slopes passing into the foothills closer to the Lower Danube plain. The southern ranges, on the contrary, are more abrupt and steep.
• Climatic characteristic: the mountains serve as a kind of climatic divide between the northern and southern regions of Bulgaria. Their ridges collect up to 800-1000 mm of rain annually; For several months of the year, the peaks lie under snow caps.
• Hydrography: in the Balkan mountains you can find the sources of such rivers as Ogosta, Vit, Lom, Osym, Timok - from here their channels go north to the Danube. In the east, the Stara Planina River is crossed by the valley of the Kamchia River, and in the west by the Iskar River.
• Flora: mountain peaks are meadows, meadows. The northern slopes, characterized by increased humidity, are coniferous (pine forests) or beech, oak, and hornbeam forests that rise up to 1700-1800 m. The eastern regions of the Balkan Mountains are covered with a dense cover of deciduous forests, characterized by an evergreen undergrowth, a network of vines.
• Extraction of minerals: brown and coal; iron, copper, lead-zinc ores.

History and Modernity

For the first time, the Bulgarian-Serbian name for the Stara Planina mountain system was recorded in 1533. On the northern slopes of the Balkan Mountains, tourists can meet many monuments belonging to the era of the Bulgarian national liberation movement. The Monument of Freedom stands out especially. A number of monasteries - Kremikovsky, Sokolsky and others also found their shelter in the mountains.

Mineral sources of mountains on the Balkan Peninsula became the basis for a number of famous mountain resorts - Ribaritsy, Varshets, Teteven and others. The Steneto National Park and the picturesque passes: Shipkinsky, Petrokhansky, Virbišsky, Chureksky, Republic Pass and Iskar River Gorge are no less popular.

The western region of Staro-Planina is rich in karst, which is why mountain tourists in these places tend to admire amazing karst caves: Rabishskaya (here you can also find primitive rock paintings), Ledenika, Syyeva-Dupka, etc.

Mount Botev

The highest point of the Balkan Mountains was originally called Yumrukchal (in translation - Kulak Mountain). Four years (1942-1946) it was called the peak of Ferdinand in honor of the king, who rose to its peak. After that, again for four years she was Kulak Mountain, until in 1950 she gained her modern name - by the name of Hristo Botev, a revolutionary and poet of Bulgaria.

At the top of Botev, there is a television and radio station whose signals cover 65% of the entire territory of the Bulgarian state, as well as a weather station, which during the Second World War was captured by the Nazis and worked for them. Today, in the latter, tourists can relax, hide from the weather, have a bite to eat. On its walls, travelers attach memorial tablets about their ascents.

Balkan Mountains

Three districts of Staro-Planina are traditionally distinguished:

• Oriental. It is the most gentle part, diverging into separate spurs, one of which is the unique Horn of the Old Planina. Its tip is Cape Emine, the easternmost point of the Balkan Mountains.
• Average. The highest, picturesque and popular area of \u200b\u200bthe Balkans, isolated from the other two. It is limited by the Iron Gate (Gatekeeper) and Zlatishsky Pass. It is here that the peaks of Botev, Triglav, Vezhen, Kupena (Aleko), Ambaritsa (Levski) are located.
• West. It originates at the Serbian border and extends to the Zlatish pass. Here you can admire the peak of Mijur.

Mountains of the Balkan Peninsula

In addition to the Old Mountains, the following mountain systems are located on the peninsula:

• Dinar Highlands - western areas (Montenegro, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina).
• The Pind mountain ranges are slightly south of the previous ones (Macedonia, Albania, Greece).
• The Rila massifs are north (Bulgaria), it is to them the highest point of the Balkan Peninsula - the 2925-meter peak of Musala.
• The Rhodope Mountains, in the southern part bordering the Aegean Sea.
• Pirina - alpine-type mountain systems.

Thus, Stara Planina is far from the only mountain system in the Balkan Peninsula. But it was she who gave the name to the latter, it is she who has a great influence on the climate of all of Bulgaria.

Bulgaria is a European state located in the north-eastern part of the Balkan Peninsula. The country has an interesting geographical position. Bulgaria borders with Macedonia, Greece, Serbia, Turkey and Romania. It has access to the Black Sea, on its territory are the southeastern and Danube plains, as well as the Balkan mountains. It is about the country's mountain system that will be discussed in this article.

Stara Planina

The length of this mountain range is 555 km. It is the longest on the peninsula. The mountains of the Balkans belong to the ancient system of the Carpathians and the Alps. In Bulgaria, Stara Planina stretches from the Serbian border, near the Timok River (a tributary of the Danube), to the Black Sea coast (Cape Emine). Mountain elevations - Derventskaya and Strandzha - are located in the southern part of the country, on the Turkish-Bulgarian border.

In the middle of the Balkans are the highest elevations of the mountain range. Mount Botev is the largest of them. Its height reaches 2,376 meters. About 20 peaks of the central part of Stara Planina are above 2,000 m.

The eastern part of the ridge is lower, it loses its solidity and diverges into two parallel chains that stretch to the Black Sea coast.

The Balkan mountains are mentioned in mythical tales, as well as in historical reports. In the years 1877-1878, during the war of liberation, the famous passage through the mountain system was carried out. Warriors made their way through the snowy gorges and passes. At an altitude of about 1300 m in 1878 there was a great battle between the Russian and Turkish armies. The course of the battle forced Turkey to abandon its rule over Bulgaria. The historic event took place on the Shipka pass, which is located in the center of the mountain system.

This mountainous area serves as a kind of geoclimatic barrier, which prevents the cold and dry winds coming from the north, and restrains the warm, humid air brought from the southern part of the Balkans.

Rhodope Mountains

In Bulgaria there is another mountain range, many known as the Rhodope Mountains. It is located in the southwestern part of the country and has a length of about 240 km. The area is mostly mild. The highest mountain is Golyam-Perelik. Its height is 2 191 m.

Since ancient times, settlements were built on the Rhodope territory, this is due to the large number of caves. In the mountains you can find ancient monasteries, which became the center of the revival of Bulgaria. There is a legend that the famous mythical hero Orpheus hails from these places.

A special distinguishing feature of this mountain range are rocks with an unusual shape.

Pirin Mountain Range

The nature of these places fascinates travelers. The national park, spread in the southern territory of Pirin, is protected by UNESCO. In these places you can find rare animals and unique plants. Also, these mountains in Bulgaria have preserved a huge number of geographical relics.

From September to May, inclusive, these places attract skiers from different countries, since during this period the peaks of the mountain ranges are covered with snow. The largest hills are located on the territory of Pirin. The highest of them reaches 2,914 m. It is called Vikhren. Of the 87 mountain peaks, 60 are more than 2,500 m high.

Rila Mountains

This mountain range is the highest on the Balkan Peninsula. Here is the highest peak in Bulgaria - Musala. Its height is 2 925 m. The mountain got such an unusual name from the Turks, which in translation sounds like "only God is higher."

The ancient Thracians called the area "Water Mountain", and this is not surprising, since there are more than 180 freshwater reservoirs. The sources of such rivers as Maritsa and Iskar originate in the Rila Mountains. In Bulgaria, this is one of the most beautiful places, so in 1993 they were given the status of a reserve. The area is covered with pine forests, in which you can find specimens of trees whose height exceeds 60 m. Of the representatives of the animal world, you can see wolves, bears, chamois and roe deer.

In the Rila Mountains is located the famous ski resort of Borovets. Mountain peaks in this area are covered with snow throughout the autumn-winter period. This is a great time for relaxing and skiing.

The climate is continental, with significant Mediterranean influence.

The highest peak in Europe - Musala

The Rila Mountains in Bulgaria are the highest in Europe. Here is the largest peak - Musala. At the end of World War II, and more precisely in 1949, the mountain was renamed Stalin's Peak, and this name remained until 1962.

Musala belongs to the Rila National Reserve, in which rare species of trees and other plants grow. Here you can meet the Macedonian pine and Bulgarian spruce.

On the territory of the mountain range is the resort town of Borovets, which attracts many tourists who prefer a winter holiday. The length of the ski slopes is 40 km. In total, there are 18 tracks in the resort. All of them are equipped with special lifts and funiculars. In an hour they are able to serve the ten thousandth passenger flow.

For lovers of hiking in the mountains, a climbing route to the top is provided. Tourists will have to overcome about 10 km of the path. The duration of the climb is approximately 7 hours. There are tourist camps on the mountain, which can be reached with a specially equipped elevator. This is a lift with cabins, delivering travelers to their destination, at a height of 1790 and 2362 meters, where camp sites are located.

The distance from Mount Musala to the capital of Bulgaria, Sofia, is about 80 km.

Natural phenomenon

Nature does not cease to amaze us with its masterpieces. One of these phenomena is Belogradchik rocks in Bulgaria. This extraordinary landscape has been created by nature for millions of years.

Rocks are located near the village of the same name in the Vidin region. Their length is 30 km. Under the influence of natural elements over many millions of years, the rock has acquired bizarre forms. These statues extend tens of meters into the sky. Each rock has its own name. Here is the "Madonna", "Gemini", "Adam and Eve", etc.

In ancient times, rocks were used as protection, now huge crowds of tourists come here to enjoy the natural masterpieces.

Shipkinsky pass

Mount Shipka is not as high as the other peaks of the Balkan Mountains, but this place has historical significance. It was here that a turning point occurred in the Russian-Turkish war. The height of the mountain is 1326 m. The original name of the peak is Sveti Nikolay. But since in the last century the Communist Party ruled in Bulgaria, the country's leadership decided to rename the mountain. In 1954, it was called Stoletov’s peak, in honor of the general who led the defense of the Shipkinsky Pass. The last renaming took place in 1977, after which the mountain was named Shipka.

Shipka Pass in Bulgaria is one of the most important routes that connect the northern and southern parts of the country.

Today, the peak itself and the surrounding area are in the national park. A monument erected in 1934 rises above the mountain. It is dedicated to the liberators of Bulgaria and symbolizes freedom.

Mount Malovitsa

The mountains in Bulgaria are famous for their ski resorts. Tourists from different European countries come here, including from Russia. Mount Malovitsa belongs to the Rila mountain range. This is one of the favorite places for tourists. Its height is 2729 m. The resort is located 92 km from Sofia, and 40 km from Malovitsy is the town of Borovets.

Those who like active winter vacations should come to these places from December to April. The climate here is temperate, continental. All tracks have the necessary conditions for skiing. On the mountain there are marked ways along which climbers can climb to the top as comfortably as possible. Mountain slopes are equipped with special drag lifts. But if you want to climb the mountain on foot, keep in mind that the climb will take at least 3 hours.

Not far from the resort is a surprisingly beautiful lake of Strashnoto, the water in which has an unusual emerald color.

Vitosha Planina

Near Sofia is located Vitosha Mountain, which can be seen directly from the city itself. This peak is a certain symbol of the Bulgarian capital. Her image can be seen on the arms of the city of Sofia.

The surrounding area of \u200b\u200bthe mountain belongs to the national reserve, the territory of which exceeds 26 thousand hectares. The nature of these places surprises with its wealth. There are more than 2700 species of plants. The tourism industry is very well developed. Daily excursions are organized, both walking and climbing. Vitosha is known to many tourists because of the very long cave. At the top of the mountain, snow lies about 150 days a year, so it is an ideal place for an active winter holiday. The famous ski center "Aleko" is located 18 km from Sofia.