Kopaonik: National Park, Hiking Trails and Winter Sports

Kopaonik combines dense coniferous forests, impressive waterways and a wide range of activities for active days on holiday. Because of its exceptional natural assets, Kopaonik was declared a national park. Those looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home can therefore choose their accommodation according to the type of trip they want: the focus may be on hiking, nature experiences, winter sports or a combination of different activities.

Nature among forests and waterfalls

Along the Samokovska Reka, the largest waterway in Kopaonik, small waterfalls and cascades form. A particularly striking natural feature is the multi-tiered Jelovarnik Waterfall on the Zaplaninska Reka. Its total height is 80 metres. Together with the coniferous forests, these waterways shape the character of the landscape and give a trip to Kopaonik a clear focus on nature outside the winter season as well.

There are different possible focuses for planning your days. In summer, the national park organises guided hikes to destinations on the mountain. In addition, the hiking trails are divided into easy, moderate and difficult routes. This allows you to pay closer attention when planning to which trail profile suits your travel group, without assigning every hike the same level of difficulty.

Hiking and discoveries of cultural history

The route to Nebeske Stolice, taking 4 to 5 hours and involving a total elevation gain of 414 metres, is a specific option for a longer day of hiking. Nebeske Stolice was home to a Church of Saint Procopius dating from the 5th to 6th century, as well as a late antique structure from the 3rd to 4th century. Those wishing to combine nature and history can therefore include this route as a separate focus in their travel plans.

Metođe is integrated into a designated hiking trail and lies on the eastern slopes of Kopaonik National Park. It can therefore be incorporated into a hiking itinerary, while other days can be dedicated to the waterfalls, forests or sporting activities.

Skiing, bike park and downhill

In winter, the Kopaonik ski centre takes centre stage. It has more than 64 kilometres of pistes and ski routes for alpine and Nordic skiing. One special feature is piste 3a, which follows the Krst lift. Its plastic surface is approximately 900 metres long and makes year-round skiing possible. The approximate length is just as important here as the information about the surface.

There are also specific options for other active days on holiday. Kopaonik's sports valley is home to a bike park for practising new tricks. There is also a zipline that allows you to ride over the mountain. Three downhill courses have different surfaces and are 5 kilometres long. They are suitable for beginners as well as for people who prefer more challenging descents. When looking for accommodation, you can therefore already consider whether the focus should be on hiking, skiing or cycling activities.

Getting there and choosing accommodation

Kopaonik National Park can be reached via three access roads: through Jošanička Banja, through Raška or through Brzeće. Buses arrive at and depart from the car park below the Konaci complex. This information will help you include your journey in your plans before booking accommodation. Depending on the type of trip, it may make sense to first determine your preferred activities and the appropriate access route, and then look for a holiday apartment or holiday home.

For families with different interests, Kopaonik offers many possible daily rhythms: a guided summer hike, a route to a waterfall, a longer excursion to Nebeske Stolice or an active day at the ski centre. What matters less is having a uniform programme than deciding which landscape and which activity should define the stay.

Choose other destinations

For further destination options, you can also consider Kraljevo, Rast, Stanišinci, Gradac, Lopatnica, Vrba, Raška and Jošanička Banja.

For the overview of the wider travel region: Raška District.