National Park Pirin takes up a significant part of the beautiful Pirin Mountain. Upon settling in this location, the Slavs compared the majestic mountain to their God Perun, whose name lies at the root of its contemporary appellation.
From historical point of view the borders, administration and management of the park territory have gone through a number of changes. On 8 November 1962 Park Vihren was declared a protected place by order of the Head Office of Forest Management. The total Park area is equal to 6212 hectares and takes up the alpine parts of Pirin's Demyanishki and Vihrinski ridges. By order of the Ministry of Forests, in 1974 the Park borders were extended and its name was changed to National Park Pirin.1979 was an important year in the history of the Park's management as it was when an independent Department to the Ministry of forests and forest industry was formed. It was based in the town of Bansko. After the law of prevention of the protected territories was approved in 1998 the Park received the statute of a National Park, governed by the Ministry of environment and waters. Today the Park's total area is 40 332.4 hectares. The Park's territory is a State property, which borders on 7 municipalities – Gotse Delchev, Bansko, Razlog, Simitli, Kresna, Strumyani and Sandanski. It also includes two Natural parks. The Baiuvi dupki - Djindjiritsa Reserve is one of the oldest Bulgarian reserves. It was declared a protected area in 1934 in order to preserve the natural relict forests of white and black fir-trees and the exceptional variety of flora and fauna species that inhabit the area. In 1977 Baiuvi dupki – Djindjiritsa was declared a biosphere reserve. The Iulen Reserve was also declared a protected territory. It treasures an enormous variety of forest, sub-alpine and alpine eco-systems, as well as the beauty of all forms and shapes of the alpine relief. Because of its unique natural complex in 1983 National Park Pirin was declared a site of interest of Worldwide importance, in accordance with the UNESCO's convention of natural and cultural heritage.
