Kopaonik – Nature, Hiking and Winter Sports

Kopaonik was declared a national park because of its exceptional natural assets and features dense coniferous forests. Along the Samokovska Reka, the largest watercourse in Kopaonik, small waterfalls and cascades form. The Kopaonik ski center has more than 64 kilometers of slopes and ski routes for alpine and Nordic skiing.

In summer, Kopaonik National Park organizes guided hikes to destinations on the mountain. The hiking trails are divided into easy, moderate and difficult routes. This makes it easier to get an initial overview when travelers with different expectations regarding distance and difficulty are on the road together. One specific longer tour follows the Nebeske Stolice trail through the national park; its duration and elevation gain are described in more detail in the FAQ.

There are also several different formats for cycling and downhill activities. Kopaonik's sports valley has a bike park for practicing new tricks. There are also three downhill tracks with different surfaces and a length of 5 kilometers. They are suitable for beginners as well as for people who prefer more challenging descents. A zipline also allows you to ride across the mountain. These activities differ significantly from one another and may play a role in choosing the travel period or planning your days.

The multi-level Jelovarnik waterfall is located on the Zaplaninska Reka and has a total height of 80 meters. Metođe offers a different way to explore the landscape: the site is integrated into a designated hiking trail and is located on the eastern slopes of Kopaonik National Park.

Nebeske Stolice combines natural and cultural significance. A church dedicated to Saint Procopius dating from the 5th to 6th century and a late antique structure from the 3rd to 4th century were located on Nebeske Stolice. Those choosing accommodation in Kopaonik can take these different focuses into account when planning their own excursions, without combining the destinations into a single route.

Three access roads lead to Kopaonik National Park via Jošanička Banja, Raška and Brzeće. Buses arrive at and depart from the parking lot below the Konaci complex.

If you would like to compare Kopaonik with other destinations in the same regional area, you can also find information about Novi Pazar, Mataruška Banja, Stanišinci, Rast, Gradac, Vrba, Plešin and Metikoš.

How long does the hike on the Nebeske Stolice trail take?

The hike on the Nebeske Stolice trail takes 4 to 5 hours and covers a total elevation gain of 414 meters. These figures refer to the hike itself and not to the journey to the starting point.

What is special about slope 3a?

Slope 3a follows the Krst lift. Its artificial surface is approximately 900 meters long and enables year-round skiing. The figure of approximately 900 meters remains an estimate.

Which places do the access roads to Kopaonik National Park pass through?

Kopaonik National Park can be reached via three access roads: through Jošanička Banja, through Raška or through Brzeće.

For the higher-level travel overview: Raška District.