Sar Mountains National Park
The country's newest national park, a high range on the northwestern border with glacial lakes and pastures.
Saved in this browser only - no account, nothing sent anywhere. See your map
The Šar mountains run along the northwestern border and were declared a national park in 2021, the country's newest, covering high grassland, glacial lakes and some of the largest remaining stands of old forest in the region. The range reaches over two thousand seven hundred metres and holds the Balkan lynx, one of the rarest cats in Europe, along with bear and chamois. Summer pastures with shepherd huts still work the high ground.
What you actually see
- The glacial lakes - the tarns scattered across the high ground.
- The Balkan lynx - one of the rarest cats in Europe, present in the range.
- The summer pastures - the high grazing still worked with shepherd huts.
- The 2021 designation - the country's most recent national park.
When to go
June to September is the walking season; snow lies late on the high ground. Popova Sapka gives access in winter for skiing. Weather at altitude changes fast.
Honest expectations
The park is new and infrastructure is minimal; trails are poorly marked. The lynx is effectively never seen. Border areas require care and some routes cross sensitive ground.
Nearby
Popova Sapka is inside the range, and Tetovo is southeast.
What to pack for Sar Mountains 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.
