Vitosha is the first national park in Bulgaria and on the Balkan Peninsula, founded in 1934. with an area of 27,079 ha. In 2000 the park has been recategorized as "natural". There are two separate reserves on the territory of Vitosha Mountain - Bistrishko Branishte Biosphere Reserve and Torfeno Branishte Reserve. In 1977, Bistrishko Branishte acquired the status of a biosphere reserve under the auspices of UNESCO. The highest peak of Vitosha is Cherni vrah - 2290m. Several lifts have been built on the territory of the mountain, which serve the ski slopes in winter and the flow of tourists in summer. Within the mountain there is an extremely rich flora and fauna, and some of the species inhabiting the reserves are in the red book of endangered species. One of the most famous sites is the "Golden Bridges" area. There, it seems like a river of huge stone blocks /moraines/ descends from the ridge of the mountain. Such a worldwide phenomenon exists only in Australia, but on a drastically smaller scale. From Mount Kopito there is a great panoramic view of the whole of Sofia.
Many huts, shelters and places designated for camping have been built on the territory of the mountain. Illegal camping and bonfires are prosecuted by law.