The Park covers an area of 2585 sq. km of exceptional natural beauty - high peaks, many glacial massifs and 176 lakes. About 90% of these lakes are more than 2100m above sea level. The most famous of these is the "Popovo" lake. Central European and Mediterranean climates ensure a wide variety of flora and fauna. Noting the uniqueness of the park and its global significance, UNESCO included it in the World Register of Natural Heritage.
It includes parts of the mountains, which are 1000m above sea level with unique ecosystems, areas with specific geomorphology, a large number of Bulgarian and Balkan endemic species and relicts. There are a few trees declared to be natural heritage, including the "Baikusheva" white fir, more than 1200 years old. The park also contains 70 glacial lakes, many caves, waterfalls, majestic abysses and cliffs.