From the centre of Kopaonik, a well-trodden hiking trail leads to Nebeske Stolice. The destination lies on a mountain ridge at an elevation of 1,913 metres, south of the peak of Pančićev vrh. The Church of Saint Procopius, dating from the 5th to 6th century, is also located at Nebeske Stolice. A hike here brings together high-altitude scenery and cultural history.
Hiking Trails and Destinations in the National Park
During the summer season, Kopaonik National Park organises guided hikes to attractive destinations on the mountain. As this is a seasonal offering, check before your trip whether tours are running on your travel dates. A marked trail to the Metođe sanctuary starts from the road at the entrance to the nature reserve. One of the access routes follows the paved road towards Brus. Metođe is a folk pilgrimage site associated with Saint Methodius.
The trail through the Samokovska Reka gorge is another option to consider when choosing a hike: for most of its length, it follows the canyon of the Samokovka, a clear, fast-flowing river with cascades and streams. The hiking trail follows the Samokovka canyon for most of the route. If you would rather explore a wetland than a gorge, Jankove Bare is a nature reserve and the largest peat bog on Kopaonik. The national park has built a raised wooden boardwalk there over streams and marshland to make it easier to get around and improve accessibility.
Natural Areas and Protected Landscapes
The landscapes vary considerably: the White Rocks (Bele Stene) protected area covers 76.21 hectares of one of the national park’s best-preserved natural areas, including the peak of Žljeb (Bela Stena). Suvo Rudište includes the subgeological natural monument of Cirque Krčmar. The Jelovarnik landscape features a cascading waterfall of the same name, 71 metres high. In the Duboka nature reserve, the Duboka River has carved gorges below Karaman.
The national park comprises thirteen nature reserves, all of which are under the first level of protection. Its plant life is also remarkable: the park is home to 91 endemic and 82 subendemic plant species; 30 species are under absolute protection. Kadijevac is one of the three designated picnic areas in the national park. These facts offer different perspectives on Kopaonik—from protected landscapes and plant diversity to designated places to take a break.
Cultural History Along the Way
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 near Nebeske Stolice also dates from the early Christian period, more precisely from the 5th to 6th century. Together, the two sites offer different cultural points of interest: the ruins of a basilica and a church near a named hiking destination.
Hiking, Skiing and Accommodation
Alongside its hiking opportunities, Kopaonik also offers extensive winter sports. The ski resort’s snowmaking system covers 97 percent of the ski area; operating conditions can vary by season. The Ravni Kopaonik plateau is home to a large tourist complex with numerous accommodation options, as well as an extensive network of ski runs and lifts. The plateau is therefore a useful point of reference if you are considering a winter sports stay in Kopaonik.
For seasonal planning, you can choose between different options: guided hikes during the summer season or the ski resort in winter. The national park can be reached via an access road from Raška. Check road conditions before travelling and bear in mind that the ski resort’s seasonal operating conditions may change.
For the broader travel overview: Central Serbia.
