Golyam Bogdan

Golyam Bodan, also known as Bogdan, is the highest peak (1604 m) in the Sredna Gora geographical area in Bulgaria.

Location
Golyam Bogdan is surrounded by forests on all sides. Looking from its elevation toward the South, and the North, there is a beautiful landscape and a view toward Barikadi and Vylk, two summits in the Balkan Mountains. On the steep South side of the summit, there is a beech forest. Along the beech forest, there are large rocks, covered in moss - the so called "Detelinova Peshtera", an attraction often visited by hiking tourists.

Two rivers stream from Golyam Bogdan - Pyasachnik, Kriva reka, and Luda Yana.

Etymology
The name of the peak comes from the legendary Bulgarian freedom fighter - haydutin Bogdan Voyvoda.

Wildlife Sanctuary
In 1972, the area around the peak was protected as a wildlife sanctuary and a natural heritage area. The main reason for that is the centuries old beech forest. Other possible sight seeings nearby include the "Detelinova Gramada", and the "Donkina Gora" or Donkina forest, that was also made a wildlife sanctuary in 1979.

In the area, the rare and endangered Aquila Heliacal, the Eastern Imperial Eagle, can be seen.