Two remarkable dimensions come together on Kopaonik: the mountain range is 80 kilometres long and the largest in Serbia; at the same time, 90 plant species found exclusively in this area grow there. The mountain landscape and plant life give Raška District a perspective that goes beyond a single travel theme.
Kopaonik: Winter Sports and Mountain Nature
The slopes on Kopaonik are suitable for beginners and experienced skiers. Snowboarding is also on offer, as well as a special form of paragliding that combines flying and skiing. This brings together different kinds of winter sports, from skiing on the slopes to this unusual combination of air and snow.
Named landmarks also shape the landscape beyond the slopes. In Kopaonik National Park, Jelovarnik Waterfall consists of three cascades. Part of the Kopaonik mountain range was declared a national park in 1981. The Mala Greda viewpoint lies at the tenth kilometre of the regional road between Kopaonik and Jošanička Banja and offers panoramic views of the Kozje stene nature reserve. Kozje stene itself is a sharp ridge in northern Jadovnik; its northeastern side descends into the valley of the Samokovska River. The cascades, panorama and ridge each give the landscape a distinctive character.
Kopaonik National Park organises guided hikes with expert guides, tailored to guests’ wishes. Check the tour dates in advance.
Medieval Sites and Monastic History
The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Stari Ras and Sopoćani comprises four separate components: Sopoćani Monastery, Đurđevi Stupovi Monastery, the Church of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul, and the archaeological site of the medieval city of Ras. Stari Ras became the first capital of the independent Serbian state in 1159. The remains of the archaeological site include Gradina hill fort and the lower town of Trgovište.
The frescoes in the church of Sopoćani Monastery were created around 1270–1276. They rank among the most important works of Byzantine and Serbian medieval art. Studenica Monastery was founded in 1186 as a memorial and burial church for Stefan Nemanja, the first Serbian ruler of the Nemanjić dynasty. Gradac Monastery was founded by Helena of Anjou, wife of King Uroš I, and is believed to have been completed by 1276. The interior of the Church of the Virgin Mary in Gradac is considered one of the finest examples of Serbian medieval architecture. The monastery is also on the Transromanica cultural route, the Romanesque Route of European Cultural Heritage.
Engineering and Places of Remembrance
Mijatovićev jaz is an 18-kilometre-long irrigation canal that remained in use until 1949. In 1927, Dragoljub Mijatović began the project of channelling water across rocks and steep slopes. On 14 August 1928, it reached his farm in the village of Žutica. The canal thus connects a specific story of planning and irrigation with the landscape of Kopaonik.
In the town of Raška, a stone bridge stands over the Ibar River; it was built between 1893 and 1895. A memorial room focuses on Raška as the wartime capital of the Kingdom of Serbia in 1915 and documents the stay of the Serbian government and the crown prince through meeting minutes, witness accounts and photographs. The memorial room for Milunka Savić features an interactive mosaic, numerous photographs and authentic films. There are also two improvised military trenches, along with objects, photographs and documents from the First World War.
Bathing Culture and an Annual Tradition
The thermal water at Jošanička Banja reaches 77°C. This resource is considered to have potential for balneological tourism and treatments for illnesses, athlete preparation, recreation and leisure. The Old Bath in Jošanička Banja is an 18th-century Turkish bath; its original use has been preserved to this day.
The traditional cultural event Ilinski Dani takes place every year at Lake Semeteško on Ilija’s Day. If you plan to attend the festival, check the date in advance. In this way, recurring cultural events add a distinct reason to plan a trip to the stories of the landscape, architecture and regional past.
More Destinations
Novi Pazar, Rudno, Raška, Kraljevo, Vrnjačka Banja, Vrba, Kopaonik, Lopatnica, Mataruška Banja, Rast, Tutin, Jošanička Banja, Bogutovac, Gradac, Goč, Plešin, Stanišinci, Metikoš
Return to the regional travel overview: Central Serbia.
