North Macedonia
Northern Macedonia is still a real insider's tip for outdoor adventurers: wild mountain ranges, untouched nature, living traditions and hospitality that is second to none await you.
Centrally located on the Balkan Peninsula, most of northern Macedonia consists of mountainous terrain, making it a paradise for hikers. At Lake Ohrid, the oldest lake in Europe, sun lovers also get their money's worth.
Activities in North Macedonia
Attractions in North Macedonia
Highlights
The great High Scardus Trail in the western Balkan Mountains
Lake Ohrid is the border between northern Macedonia and Albania. In both countries it is an ideal ...
At 2764 m, Mount Korab is the highest mountain in Albania and northern Macedonia and lies in the ...
Founded at the end of the 9th century, the monestry of Saint Naum is one of the most popular tourist ...
Für Naturliebhaber gehört der Matka-Canyon gehört zu den schönsten Sehenswürdigkeiten in ...
Discover the region
High Scardus Trail: Over the Mountains of Northern Macedonia
Those who want to go high up will get their money's worth in northern Macedonia: large parts of the country lie in the mountains. The foothills of the Dinaric Mountains, the Jablanica, and the Korab Mountains are ideal destinations for hikers and climbers.
The long-distance hiking trail "High Scardus Trail", opened in 2018, leads across the mountain ranges in the west of the country in 20 daily stages, along the borders with Kosovo and Albania. The royal stage leads to the summit of Korab - at 2764 m the highest mountain in the Western Balkans. The Korab is also worthwhile as a single-day trip, the all-around panoramic view from the summit is worth every effort of the ascent.
North Macedonia adventure
Since the country is still rather unknown to tourists and not as crowded as other regions, you can still discover real untouched nature and lonely hiking trails in Northern Macedonia. However, you should bring a bit of adventure and hiking experience with you, because the tourist infrastructure and trail markings still leave much to be desired.
For an active vacation, a visit to the Galičica National Park between Ohrid and Sveti Naum is highly recommended. From the highest mountain, the Magaro with a height of 2,255 meters, you can enjoy an impressive view of three countries.
If you are looking for an exciting kayak or boat trip in addition to a dream hike, you should definitely visit the Matka Canyon. You can explore the spectacular canyon on foot and hike along overgrown rocks - or you can simply rent a boat or kayak and marvel at the natural wonder on water.
Photo: zm_photo, Adobe Stock
Enchanted Lake Ohrid
On the border with Albania lies another special natural treasure of Northern Macedonia: Lake Ohrid. Lake Ohrid is one of the oldest lakes on earth - and the oldest in Europe. With its crystal clear water and several sandy beaches, it is perfect for a summer vacation.
The best place to visit the lake is from Ohrid, the town of the same name. The small houses with terracotta roofs literally rise out of the water and offer a charming sight - this can be observed especially well by boat. The city itself offers over 360 churches, Byzantine frescoes and, especially in summer, a colorful hustle and bustle in the old town. Particularly noteworthy is the St. Jovan Kaneo Church - with a dream location directly on the lake, it is a popular postcard motif. About 30 kilometers from Ohrid, on the southern shore of the lake, is the monastery of Sveti Naum, which is also worth a visit.
Both Sveti Naum Monastery and Ohrid and Lake Ohrid are part of the UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage.
Excursion to Skopje
Skopje, the capital and also the most populated place in the country, is located in a basin between the Dinaric Mountains and the Rhodope Mountains - a beautiful and yet somewhat dangerous location, as the place has been exposed to several earthquakes in the past. The city was last badly damaged in 1963.
Today Skopje offers a mix of different architectural styles. Here, new and grandiose buildings such as the Artists' Bridge, which boasts 29 statues, meet simple and modest buildings in the old town. When visiting Skopje, be sure to visit the famous stone bridge and the lively bazaar.
In addition, a culinary excursion is worthwhile: When visiting Northern Macedonia, be sure to try the many regional dishes - these are characterized by Mediterranean and Oriental influences: Tavče gravče, börek with feta cheese, sarma, shopkska salad and other delicacies are waiting for you!
Photo: bellakadife, Adobe Stock
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