Sar Mountains National Park

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's there

• 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.

What to expect

The park is new and infrastructure is minimal; trails are poorly marked. The lynx is effectively never seen.

Nearby

Popova Sapka is inside the range, and Tetovo is southeast.

Key facts