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Start planning your visit to North Macedonia’s wondrous Mavrovo National Park. Here’s everything that fellow outdoor enthusiasts should know.

Mavrovo National Park is the largest and one of the oldest national parks in North Macedonia. We’re always searching for beautiful places that are lesser known and admired – Mavrovo National Park checks off all the boxes.

Aside from its evidently spectacular landscape, it’s the ultimate haven for outdoor lovers and sports enthusiasts. As both a summer and winter destination, Mavrovo National Park offers a vast collection of things to do, see, and experience to its adventurous visitors.

In this guide, we’ve included everything you need to know about planning a trip to Mavrovo National Park.

The Essentials: Visiting Mavrovo National Park

🛩 Fly into Skopje International Airport, located 1.5 hours from Mavrovo National Park.

🚗 Renting a car in Skopje and driving to Mavrovo is the best option because you’ll likely want a car to explore the national park.

🥾 Make time in your itinerary for a handful of hikes, checking out the nature reserve sites, many delicious meals at local restaurants, and the beautifully secluded village of Galichnik.

🇲🇰 North Macedonia is not part of the EU. Prepare for your visit by having easy access to a versatile eSIM card and ATM withdrawals in the local currency.

🏡 While Mavrovo is a bit of a hidden gem, there are a lot of impressively nice hotels, cabins, and villas to stay in around the lake and in the mountains.

Where Is Mavrovo National Park in North Macedonia?

Mavrovo National Park is located on the western side of North Macedonia (a country in the Balkans region). North Macedonia also goes by the name of Republic of Macedonia and just Macedonia.

Mavrovo National Park lies within close proximity to the border lines of two neighbors – Kosovo and Albania. In fact, the western section of the park acts as the natural border and divider from Albania.

From the capital city of Skopje, Mavrovo National Park is located less than two hours and under 100km away. To the south, you have Lake Ohrid which is another major destination in North Macedonia. The city of Ohrid, which lies directly on the lake’s waterfront, is just under two hours away.

👍 Read More: Best Things to Do in Ohrid, North Macedonia

Mavrovo is the largest North Macedonia national park and also one of the oldest with an establishment date of 1949. Mavrovo National Park includes just over 73,000 hectares of land and over 50 mountain peaks that surpass 2,000 meters.

It is comprised of not one, but three mountain systems including Shar, Mount Bistra, and Korab. Mount Korab is split with its neighbour and serves as the highest peak for both Albania and North Macedonia at 2,763 meters.

For nature lovers, outdoor and sports enthusiasts, it’s a playground in the sky, all while being located in one of the most beautifully underrated countries in Europe.

Where Are the Balkans?

The Balkans region refers widely to the Balkans peninsula and its geographical location in southeastern Europe, which is surrounded by different seas, including the Adriatic, Aegean, and Black Sea.

When referenced, the Balkans are inclusive of multiple countries, as well as drastically different cultures, languages, and history.

👍 You May Like: Best Places to Visit in the Balkans

How to Get To Mavrovo National Park

By Plane

The national park is conveniently located just over 1.5 hours from Skopje, the capital city of North Macedonia. Naturally, the capital city will be home to the largest airport (Skopje International Airport), which means traveling to Mavrovo by plane can be very direct.

Flights departing from major European cities are available year-round and make enjoying Mavrovo National Park in the summer and winter an easy possibility.

👍 Read More: A Guide to Airports in North Macedonia

Nonstop flights to Skopje depart from European cities such as Rome, Berlin, Paris, Vienna, and even London. Wizz Air, a popular budget airline in Europe, provides the cheapest flights to Skopje from within the continent, and tickets can cost under €50 round trip.

By Car

If you are flying to North Macedonia, it’s recommended to complete your journey to Mavrovo National Park by car. Clearly, the national park’s best features will be outdoors, and reaching everything worth seeing is most efficiently done by driving.

The main roads, which connect the top sites, are paved. Unless you plan on off-roading, navigating the national park by car is straightforward for the average driver.

👍 Read More: How to Drive in North Macedonia as a Foreigner

From Skopje International Airport, simply rent a car not only to get you to Mavrovo National Park but also to utilize it once you’re there.

The park is massive, and driving will help maximize your holiday time, as well as allowing you to visit some “off the grid” sites.

Visitors who are planning a winter trip to Mavrovo National Park will certainly want to reserve a 4WD/AWD capable vehicle given the (very likely) snowy conditions. If you are looking to enjoy spring or summer in Mavrovo National Park, a normal car will do just fine.

Driving to Mavrovo National Park is also a common method for people heading to North Macedonia on holiday from Western Europe, particularly if they’re traveling with ski equipment.

For travellers visiting Mavrovo from the north, the easiest route crosses through Serbia. The A1 motorway runs along the entirety of Serbia from top to bottom and is one of the easiest roads to drive on in all of Europe.

Public Transportation

Although it’s not true in densely populated places, getting around the Balkans by bus can be an art form. We don’t recommend opting for public transportation for a trip to Mavrovo National Park unless you have the time, patience, and just one backpack with you.

A frequented route to Mavrovo National Park by bus is from Skopje, the capital city. It will vary depending on the season, but most of the time, you can count on at least one bus departing from Skopje in the morning. Sourcing the bus timetable and obtaining tickets, however, is not straightforward.

The most frequent bus carrier from Skopje to Mavrovo is Skopje Tours (office location here). If you want to plan ahead, you can contact them via email for more information or simply visit their office in person upon arrival. Reaching Mavrovo from Skopje by bus should cost between 300 – 600 MKD (€5 – €10) one-way.

Additional routes to Mavrovo by bus depart from Ohrid which is serviced by Galeb. If you land in the city of Gostivar just 45 minutes from Mavrovo, you can find bus rides provided by the Durmo Tours company.

By Ferry

North Macedonia may be landlocked, but reaching it can still be accomplished by a combination of driving and taking a ferry. The most common route that saves a ton of time spent in the car and money on fuel is by crossing the Adriatic Sea.

Departing from Italy, it’s possible to cross the Adriatic by ferry from Ancona, Bari, and Brindisi. If North Macedonia is your end destination, it makes the most sense to take a ferry from Bari or Brindisi, down in Puglia.

The closest ferry terminal from Mavrovo National Park is Durrës on the coast of Albania. Upon landing in Durrës, it’s a 4.5-hour drive to Mavrovo. If you’re set on a longer road trip, you can also visit Ohrid, which is along the route from Durrës to Mavrovo by car.

Hitchhiking in North Macedonia

Whether you’re the backpacking kind or not, hitchhiking is generally very common throughout the Balkan countries. Unlike in the U.S., it’s a favoured and socially acceptable way to get around on a budget or, at times, for free.

Many different types of people utilize hitchhiking while getting around North Macedonia and in neighboring countries like Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro. You’ll see groups of teens, older women with groceries, and people in uniforms on their way to work.

Naturally, it’s advised to use your best judgement while hitchhiking in North Macedonia because you’ll likely be spotted as a tourist. This does not apply only in the Balkans region – you should always practice common sense and exercise caution during any scenario while traveling, wherever you are.

We’ve personally never encountered or heard of any hitchhiking situations gone awry in the Balkans and still stand by our opinion that it’s a safe place for travellers.

🎒 Skip the hassle of finding your own way to Mavrovo and book a full-day tour from Skopje instead!

9 Wonderful Things to Do in Mavrovo National Park

1. Go Hiking in Mavrovo National Park

There are dozens of hiking paths throughout Mavrovo National Park, ranging from various difficulty levels, lengths, and rewards at the end. In addition to hiking loops, there are many “there and back” trips which end at numerous peaks, mountain villages, waterfalls, and river fronts.

Mavrovo National Park provides maps of the hiking trails on their website, which is possible to download here. In addition to walking routes, there is also an array of biking trails. Mountain biking is equally as popular as standard hiking within the national park.

A large proportion of the park’s overall surface area is actually protected, conserved and dedicated to tourism. This means it’s important to only follow the hiking trails designated by the park organization.

2. Visit Nature Sites in Mavrovo National Park

One of the most iconic and strenuous treks is the journey to reach the Korab peak, at nearly 3,000 meters above sea level. During this journey, you’ll also come across the highest lake in Mavrovo National Park at 2,470 meters.

The park is, in fact, home to several glacier lakes in addition to the raging Radika river, which is nearly 70 km long. River rafting is yet another widely chosen activity for outdoor adventure seekers.

Mavrovo National Park has no shortage of natural wonders to stumble upon during your outdoor explorations. Including caves and even waterfalls!

From the mountain-top village of Rostuše, you can take a trail that crosses over a 30 metre high gorge. This leads you to the breathtaking Duf Waterfalls, one of the most known attractions in the park.

According to the national park’s website, it’s an option to announce your trek with the park’s staff. This is primarily to bring awareness to any possibly dangerous activities in case hiking groups get lost or an accident occurs. You can do so by emailing Mavrovo National Park (infopoint@npmavrovo.org.mk) staff in advance.

3. Admire Mavrovo Lake

Although Lake Mavrovo is artificial, it’s one of the most recognizable symbols of the national park. By looks alone, it catches the initial attention of new visitors and is a fantastic destination for typical lake activities.

Among the fun things to do are boat tours which take visitors around the perimeter of the lake’s entirety. Or, simply stay along the shore and enjoy a swim to cool off during the hot months. Backed by towering mountains, the dreamy landscape of the lake is also an admired destination for sport fishing, with an emphasis on catching trout.

Of course, it’s impossible to ignore the jewel of Mavrovo Lake – the old church that’s partially submerged in its water. Old Mavrovo Church is one of the highlights of Mavrovo and unquestionably the most photographed landmark.

If you visit during the high tide season (summer), you’ll witness the church half submerged. During our trip in September, we were able to fully walk around it and even step inside.

Also known as (the old) St Nicholas Church, the interior is composed of extraordinary surviving arches and mosaic details. The historic chapel is now abandoned but faithfully served the local community for 100 years since 1850.

4. Go Wild Camping in Mavrovo National Park

Caravans, camper vans, tent campers will all be delighted to spend nights under the stars in Mavrovo National Park. However, this only applies to minimalist campers. If you are looking for a glamping situation, you’ll be disappointed.

Camping in Mavrovo National Park is primarily wild. There are virtually zero established campgrounds besides one in the small village of Trnica. Honestly, for how beautiful a summer location the national park is, it’s surprising that camping doesn’t have a big footprint (yet).

Wild camping in Mavrovo National Park is allowed as the standard form of camping, as long as you are respectful. Do not leave anything behind, especially trash.

Along the wide shore of Mavrovo Lake is where most people choose to pitch a tent or park their camper. And it’s no wonder! The scenery could not be more idyllic.

Alternatively, you can camp in the woods and near Mavrovo village. The picnic area of Bojkov Kladenec is equipped with benches, a sheltered area and a famous drinking water source that’s known to offer healing abilities.

5. Mavrovo Skiing & Snow Sports

The Mavrovo Ski Resort is the largest winter sports resort in North Macedonia. Given its close proximity to the lively capital city of Skopje, it’s often frequented by people escaping for a weekend getaway.

However, it also attracts folks from beyond the border and is considered a cost-effective choice as a winter holiday destination for many Europeans. Winter holiday tourists from countries like the Czech Republic, Germany, and the Netherlands make the drive down to North Macedonia just for the slopes.

An entire day ski pass to Resort Mavrovo is 1500 MKD (€24) for adults and 1050 MKD (€17) for children. These prices are frankly unheard of, especially when compared to the celebrated resorts of Switzerland, Austria, or Italy. Any ski and snow sport enthusiast would jump at this opportunity to spend an entire day on the mountain for less than €30.

Of course, the winter resort at Mavrovo National Park also accommodates snowboarders and even includes a snow park with various obstacles.

The complex is properly equipped with all the features of an enjoyable winter resort, including equipment rentals. This is a huge benefit for those who may be interested in visiting from far away (the U.S., for example) and don’t want to fly with their own gear.

Then, there is the ski school geared to teach young children the art and skills of the slopes. Ski Avantura is the official Mavrovo ski school and is comprised of professional ski and board instructors.

To view ski rental and ski school prices, head here.

Mavrovo Ski Map

6. Visit the Secluded Village of Galichnik

By car, there is one single road through the Medenica peak which leads to this historic charming village. In fact, it didn’t receive a paved road until the 70s. Galichnik (also spelled Galičnik), at one point, used to be home to 5,000 inhabitants at the beginning of the 1900s.

Citizens slowly started to disperse to more practical towns nearby and to escape a harsh life in the mountains. The village was on the verge of becoming completely abandoned.

The Famous Galičnik Wedding Event

Although present-day Galichnik has nowhere near the population it once had, it was revived in 1963. This is when the Galičnik wedding tradition was born. In the past 60 years, an extravagant wedding celebration is held over the course of multiple days, beginning on July 12th.

It is a compilation of deep traditions, rituals, and reflections of cultural heritage.

Each year, a lucky couple is selected where at least one person is from Galičnik. The wedding ceremony is vastly complex and includes unique customs such as riding to the bride’s home on horses and gently knocking a sieve against the bride’s wife. Naturally, witnessing this event is an unforgettable experience but also not the only time to see Galičnik.

The village itself is quaint, endearing, and quite literally located in the middle of nowhere. There are a handful of guesthouses, a couple of restaurants, and an amazing view of the valley below.

If you’re lucky enough to visit while the caretaker is there, head to the Church of Saint Peter & Paul. He just may show you the mind-blowing artifacts hidden behind the church doors. Some of which included ancient jewelry pieces, gold-plated paintings, century-old books and photographs.

7. Try Horseback Riding in Mavrovo National Park

The tradition of horseback riding in Mavrovo National Park originally derived from necessity. Decades ago, horses were the swiftest method of transportation and were heavily relied upon for everyday tasks. They were used to move people, food and materials up and down the surrounding mountains. Today, they are tad more symbolic yet still functional in some of the more rural villages.

It’s not uncommon to see what look like wild horses (although they are all owned by someone) in the pastures and on the hillsides of the national park. Many of the horses are kept humanely on farms and frequently offered for horseback riding tours. Sherpa Horse Riding is the most well-known facility in the area. The organization takes tourists on excursions that highlight the best of Mavrovo National Park.

Trips are completely customizable. Whether you choose an afternoon on the saddle or a week-long adventure, Sherpa Horse Riding can make your wish come true. Horseback riding is one of the most underrated ways to completely disconnect and discover a location without any frills.

8. Tour the Majestic Saint Jovan Bigorski Monastery

The Bigorski Monastery is a must-see site while visiting the Mavrovo National Park. It is a historic Orthodox monastery dedicated to St. John the Baptist and has proof of origins dating back to 1020. It’s known as the 1,000-year-old church and offers visitors one of the most peaceful experiences they’ll ever encounter.

After centuries of use, the monastery underwent a major rebuild in 1743 with subsequent additions and repairs. It is undoubtedly one of the most impressive monastery complexes in all of North Macedonia, both in terms of details, architectural design and sheer size.

It is impeccably taken care of and quite surprising that visitors are freely allowed to visit. There is no admission fee, but we’re sure that donations would be welcomed. Similar to any religious site, you must wear appropriate clothing or cover up using the provided scarves before going inside.

The monastery is, in fact, so welcoming that it hosts people interested in sessions of reflection with the monks who live there permanently. Its tranquil location in the high hills, surrounded by greenery with sweeping views of other hilltop villages creates a truly divine scene.

9. Stay in a Charming Lake Cabin

Mavrovo continues to grow as an intriguing travel destination, both in summer and winter. With an influx of tourists, comes a broadening network of accommodation.

As we drove along the edge of Mavrovo Lake, we were shocked at how many new cabins were in the process of being built for the upcoming season. It was one newly constructed hotel, chalet, apartment, and villa after another.

When a new destination such as Mavrovo enters the scene, prices for brand new hotel rooms and apartments will be at an all-time low. For travelers who love a good deal, this is the perfect opportunity to jump on the Mavrovo bandwagon before others.

North Macedonia is already a relatively inexpensive place to visit, and the chance to book a waterfront cabin at an incredible value is the true definition of luxury travel on a budget.

When to Visit Mavrovo

Seasons in Mavrovo National Park are very distinct. Summers are warm and winters are cold, while spring and fall have the highest chance of rainy days. To avoid any disappointment during a visit to Mavrovo solely for the purpose of enjoying the great outdoors, it’s risky to visit during March – April or November.

Even though it’s more than possible to still be outside during cloudy or rainy days, this doesn’t do Mavrovo the justice it deserves.

Visitors who plan on swimming, biking, kayaking, rafting, rock climbing, or hiking the many trails, it’s best to visit during the summer. Temperatures never reach excruciating numbers, and it remains warm yet comfortable with an average high of 26°C (79°F) in August.

As Mavrovo National Park is home to the biggest ski resort in North Macedonia, it would be a dishonor to not recommend visiting during the winter months. The altitude of the ski resort is around 1,500 meters, which means it’s not unheard of for it to receive snow as early as late November.

In winter, the snow-drenched village of Mavrovo, as well as the surrounding towns, light up at night and create a magical wonderland scene.

For weather and ski conditions, you can always refer to the convenient Mavrovo online camera here.

Useful Tips for Visiting Mavrovo National Park

Is Mavrovo National Park Free to Visit?

The national park is technically not free to visit, and there is a posted admission fee for visitors. Mavrovo National Park requires an entrance fee of 30 MKD (€0.50) per person and per day.

Upon entering Mavrovo National Park, you’ll see a small booth which may or may not be occupied by staff. According to the park’s guidelines, this is where you would purchase your ticket or show proof of a purchased ticket to the guard (if you purchased tickets online). There is no official gate or access point you must stop at in order to drive into Mavrovo National Park.

During our visit, there was no indication that paid entry was necessary, otherwise we would have paid the nominal fee.

There was no instance during our trip that we were stopped by park staff to verify if we had paid, either at the entrance, exit, or during outdoor activities. Our time in Mavrovo did occur just after peak season which may be the reason why the regulation wasn’t strictly enforced.

Additionally, you must purchase a fishing permit if you plan on fishing in Mavrovo Lake. This costs 300 MKD (€5) per day and can also be purchased online and ahead of time.

Wildlife & Safety

It’s important to keep in mind that Mavrovo is not just a destination for tourists, it’s also a home to diverse wildlife. In all fairness, they were there first and we should do our best to respect their humble abode.

Mavrovo National Park is home to a number of species, but its most notable resident is the Balkan lynx, which is also unfortunately one of the rarest animals in the world. This national park is one of the last three remaining natural environments for this endangered species.

Among some of the potentially dangerous creatures to look out for while you’re out and about include wolves, bears, and the unsuspecting wild boar.

Aside from wild animals, hikers should also be prepared when it comes to packing enough water, snacks, and prepare for possible avalanche danger during winter months. The national park is first and foremost, wild and doesn’t tend to cater to the comforts of its human guests.

Bring Cash

As a whole, North Macedonia is a relatively credit card-friendly place. Even for Mavrovo, which tends to feel more off the grid, there are plenty of restaurants that accept credit card payments. Still, there are a ton of establishments, including hotels, that only accept cash.

Do not make the mistake of assuming that every country in Europe will accept the euro. Many of the Balkan countries are not part of the European Union and use their own currency, North Macedonia included! Make sure you have enough MKD (Macedonian Denar) on hand, in addition to a small amount of euro in case of emergencies.

Do not wait until arriving in Mavrovo to withdraw cash. During the time of our visit, we did not see any ATMs in the village of Mavrovo or nearby. The nearest “big city” of Gostivar is 45 minutes away by car and the closest place where you’re able to withdraw cash.

Limited Grocery Stores

The theme of limited services and facilities also extends to shops. Along Mavrovo Lake is really the only place inside the national park where you’ll find basic amenities such as grocery stores.

There are only a handful of places to shop for basic goods in the small hamlet of Mavrovi Anovi. The small stores will include fruit, vegetables, and ingredients for easy dinners. The selections are very limited but enough to get you by.

If you’re travelling with young kids or need specialty items, do not plan on getting all of your shopping done in Mavrovo. Do your best to come prepared with any needed groceries or supplies before you get there. Gostivar has many bigger grocery stores that will be fully stocked, but it is 45 minutes away.

Eat at Restaurants

An easy solution to not having to worry about groceries is to take advantage of the restaurants within Mavrovo National Park. They are often open all day, which means you can get breakfast, lunch, and dinner taken care of without lifting a finger.

Although frequently eating out may sound expensive, it’s surprisingly affordable due to North Macedonia being an overall great value. A typical breakfast for our family of three would come out to under €10.

Many of the restaurants you’ll come across in Mavrovo National Park will serve traditional dishes with a flair of regional specialties. The food in North Macedonia is unexpectedly fantastic, wholesome, and a reflection of the country. Our favorite North Macedonian foods you must try are the iconic burek, tavche gravche, musaka, and polneti piperki.

Two of the best restaurants near Mavrovo that are worth trying are Kaj Profesorot and Mavrovski Merak.

Languages Spoken in North Macedonia

We’ve been told by people who don’t travel very often that language barriers make them hesitant to visit someplace new. Although we personally believe this isn’t something to be reluctant of, it’s an understandable concern.

The great news is, one can get away with speaking English in North Macedonia, much more than they would in neighboring Albania, Montenegro, or even non-touristy areas of Greece. Particularly when it comes to the younger generation, we were surprised at how much English was spoken.

However, this shouldn’t overshadow the fact that Macedonian is the country’s official and primary language. Two thirds of the country (almost 1.5 million people) claim Macedonian as their native tongue while Albanian comes in second place.

Macedonian is part of the South Slavic language group and can often be understood by similar languages of the same branch, particularly those who speak Bulgarian.

We still stand by one of our best pieces of travel advice: always learn a few basic words or phrases in the language of the country you are visiting. It shows courtesy, respect, and humility, which often lead to having more pleasant and personal experiences while traveling.

Where to Stay in Mavrovo National Park

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Mavrovo National Park Travel Resources

☔️ TRAVEL INSURANCE: EKTA or VisitorsCoverage

✈️ FLIGHTS: Skyscanner, CheapOair or Kiwi.com

🚙 CAR RENTALS: Discover Cars or Rentalcars.com

🚊 TRAINS & BUSES: Busbud, Trainline or Omio

🛳 FERRIES: Direct Ferries

🛌 ACCOMMODATION: Booking.com, Agoda or Trivago

☎️ ESIM / CELL PHONE DATA: Airalo

📸 TOURS & ACTIVITIES: GetYourGuide or Viator

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