Kopaonik: Nature, Hiking Trails and Winter Sports

Kopaonik National Park can be reached via an access road from Raška. Within the park, there are thirteen nature reserves, all of which are subject to the highest level of protection. Its botanical features include 91 endemic and 82 subendemic plant species; 30 of them are under absolute protection. A large tourist complex with numerous accommodation options and an extensive system of ski slopes and lifts is located on the Ravni Kopaonik plateau.

During the summer season, Kopaonik National Park organizes guided hikes to attractive destinations on the mountain. The hiking trail through the Samokovska Reka gorge offers a unique nature experience. It passes through the two nature reserves Samokovska Reka and Kozja Stena and follows the Samokovka Canyon for most of its length. The river is clear, fast-flowing and drinkable; cascades and streams also shape its course.

The area's notable landscapes include White Rocks, known as Bele Stene in Serbian. The area covers 76.21 hectares, is one of the best-preserved natural areas in Kopaonik National Park and includes the summit of Žljeb (Bela Stena). Suvo Rudište contains the subgeological natural monument of the Krčmar Cirque. In the Jelovarnik landscape lies a cascade waterfall of the same name, 71 metres high. Below Karaman, the Duboka River forms gorges in the Duboka nature reserve.

Metođe is a popular pilgrimage site associated with Saint Methodius. The archaeological site of Crkvine preserves the remains of an early Christian basilica dating from the 5th century. Every year, residents of the surrounding villages gather on the Crkvine platform to pray and celebrate Saint Procopius. The Church of Saint Procopius, dating from the 5th to 6th century, also stands at Nebeske Stolice.

The snowmaking system of the Kopaonik ski resort covers 97% of the ski area. This figure describes the technical coverage of the ski area; it is not a guarantee of specific snow conditions. Together with the ski slopes and lifts on the Ravni Kopaonik plateau, it represents the clearly documented connection of the destination with winter sports.

At Jankove Bare, an elevated wooden walkway crosses streams and marshland. Kadijevac is one of the three designated picnic areas in Kopaonik National Park. ATVs may only be driven on the designated trail in Kopaonik National Park; driving outside this marked ATV trail is strictly prohibited.

What is Jankove Bare?

Jankove Bare is a nature reserve and the largest peat bog on Kopaonik.

How do you access the sanctuary of Metođe?

A marked trail leads to the sanctuary of Metođe from the road located at the entrance to the nature reserve. One of the access routes follows the asphalt road towards Brus.

How do you reach Nebeske Stolice?

A well-traveled hiking trail leads from the centre of Kopaonik to Nebeske Stolice. The trail leads to a ridge located 1,913 metres above sea level, south of the summit of Pančićev vrh.

Are ATVs allowed to drive throughout Kopaonik National Park?

No.

To the higher-level travel overview: Central Serbia.