Pelister National Park
North Macedonia's oldest national park, on the Baba massif above Bitola, with two glacial lakes.
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Pelister was declared in 1948 and is the oldest national park in the country, covering the northern part of the Baba massif above Bitola, with Pelister itself reaching 2601 metres. Its distinction is the molika, a five-needled pine that survives here as a relict from before the ice ages and grows nowhere in such stands. Two glacial lakes, called Pelister's Eyes, sit high on the mountain, and paths climb to them from the road end.
What you actually see
- The molika pine - a relict five-needled pine surviving in stands on the massif.
- Pelister's Eyes - the two glacial lakes high on the mountain.
- The summit - Pelister at 2601 metres above Bitola.
- The 1948 designation - the country's first national park.
When to go
May to October is the walking season. December to March brings skiing at the small resort. Snow lies on the high ground into late spring.
Honest expectations
The ski facilities are small and dated. Paths to the lakes are long and the upper mountain is exposed. Cloud closes the summit views often.
Nearby
Bitola is below, and Lake Prespa is southwest.
What to pack for Pelister National Park
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
