The entire cadastral municipality of Zaskovci lies within Stara Planina Nature Park. Four waterfalls within the cadastral area, a prominent rocky ridge northeast of the village, and a cultural heritage element associated with Zaskovci give the destination specific natural and cultural themes.

Protected Area and Landscape

The 2009 protection decree names the Sveti Nikola–Jabučko ravnište–Srebrna glava area within the nature park as a Grade II protection zone. The area covers 12,235 hectares and includes the cadastral municipality of Zaskovci. The park designation applies to the entire cadastral municipality; the named protected area adds a specific location and designation to this classification. Gavran kamen, a prominent rocky ridge standing 1,090 metres high, rises northeast of Zaskovci. From a plateau near the village cemetery, the view extends over the northern part of the village and the Terzijska reka valley. These are distinct landscape features: the protected area, a ridge with a specific location and elevation, and views of the village and river valley.

The Zaskovački Waterfalls

The Zaskovački waterfalls comprise a complex of four waterfalls in the cadastral area of Zaskovci, in the municipality of Pirot. Three of the four waterfalls are on the Terzijska reka and are known as Skok. Skok therefore refers to the group of three, not the entire four-waterfall complex. A 2021 route description places the waterfalls about 4.5 kilometres from the village centre, along the route towards Jabučko ravnište. This is an approximate distance along the described route, not a walking time. So if you plan to visit the waterfalls, consider the distance separately from the actual walking time. Trail conditions and access may change; check conditions before setting out.

Plan the Walk and Drive Separately

A local route report gives a walking time of a little over half an hour from the turnoff from the paved road to the entrance to Zaskovci. A separate route description dated 2021 concerns the unpaved road from the bridge to Zaskovci: it can only be driven on with off-road vehicles or vehicles with higher ground clearance. The vehicle requirement applies to this specific road. The two details address different planning questions: the first gives an approximate walking time between two points, while the second specifies the vehicle required for a particular unpaved section. Before driving, it is advisable to check current trail and road conditions.

Cultural Heritage and a Route for the 2026 Edition

“Pirot-style storytelling” is an intangible cultural heritage element associated with Zaskovci. This cultural connection complements the village’s natural features. A route for the 2026 edition of HIGHLANDER Stara Planina passes through Zaskovci; the route may vary from one edition to another. If you include this route in your travel plans, check the information for the edition you wish to attend.

When looking for a holiday apartment for a stay in Zaskovci, you can start by choosing your focus: the nature park landscape, the waterfalls, or the cultural heritage element. You can then consider the distances, walking times and access information listed above in light of your plans.

Discover more destinations: Vrandol, Izvor, Pirot, Dimitrovgrad.

For the wider travel overview: Pirot District.