Mavrovo National Park

Mavrovo has an interesting mix of peoples. Ethnically, it is populated by Macedonians (half the population), Turks (nearly one-third), and Albanians (17%). Notably, a relatively large proportion of ethnic Macedonians are Muslim (some identify as Turks or Albanians). Conversely, a relatively large, though still small, proportion of Albanians are Christians.

The Mijaks, a subgroup of ethnic Macedonians, originate from this region including near Debar. They are historically known for their building and artistic skills, as evidenced in the traditional homes and churches of their villages.

Mavrovo National Park was established on 18 April 1949 “on account of outstanding natural beauties, historical and scientific values of the forests and the forest land around Mavrovo Field”. Its boundaries were increased in 1952 and have been unchanged since. A section of forest near the village of Žužnje was submitted as a tentative World Heritage Site by Macedonia in 2019 as an extension of the existing Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe listing.

Mavrovo features mountains, including Macedonia's highest, valleys, lakes, rivers, forests, and fields. Dozens of villages also dot the landscape.

Mijaks are a group of ethnic Macedonians who originate from several villages in and around the Mavrovo region. They are known for their ecclesiastical architecture, woodworking, iconography, and other rich traditions, which have made their villages some of the best-known in the country. The two most prominent among these are Galičnik and Lazaropole.

• 🌍 Galičnik (Галичник). On the slopes Mount Bistra, noted for its historic architecture, rich culture, and interesting landscape, is Galičnik. The village was a bustling town of sheepherders a century ago, but is now virtually deserted, its population having fled for work opportunities abroad decades ago. Notable Macedonians such as Gjorgji Pulevski, one of the first authors to argue the existence of a Macedonian ethnicity, and Aleksandar Sarievski, a singer-songwriter who wrote countless songs that are now treasured by Macedonians, were born in this village. The families originating from here, however, generally maintain their ancestral households and return frequently, mostly in summer. It is during July when the Galičnik Wedding occurs (described in "Do"). The village has more buildings under protection than any other in the country. Its main church, dedicated to Sts Peter and Paul, was built in 1931, but it also has two older but smaller churches. (updated Jun 2019)
• 🌍 Church of Saint George (Црква „Св. Ѓорѓи“), village of Lazaropole. Like Galičnik, Lazaropole also had a large population at the turn of the 19th century but saw immense depopulation over the following decades until it became virtually deserted. Also like Galičnik, many of its families return during summer and other holidays. It is spread out on a flatter area and one of its most significant buildings is the Church of St George, easily one of the most impressive village churches in the country. Built in 1841, it was frescoed by Dičo Zograf. The church is large, sitting within a walled, hilltop courtyard that features a detached three-section bell tower. The church has a large dome over the rear section. Also in the courtyard is the grave of writer and revivalist Gjurčin Kokaleski. (updated Jun 2019)
• 🌍 Church of Saint Michael the Archangel (Црква „Св. Архангел Михаил“), village of Bituše. The main village church was built in the 18th century. Its octagonal bell tower, which forms the front facade of the church, is capped by a dome and a cross. The interior of the stone-built church contains fresco paintings by noted master painter Dičo Zograf. The village also has a newer church dedicated to St Elijah with impressive architecture. (updated Jun 2019)
• 🌍 Church of the Holy Mother of God (Црква „Пресвета Богородица“), village of Janče. This 19th-century church sits in Janče, a historic mountain village near the Bigorski Monastery. It is a stone-built church with a large cross on top of its attached tower. (updated Jun 2019)
• 🌍 Church of Saints Peter and Paul (Црква „Св. Петар и Павле“), village of Tresonče. The oldest and main church of the village, it was built in 1844. The church is large with a front porch and a freestanding domed bell tower. Its frescoes were done in 1845 through 1851 by noted artist and Tresonče native Dičo Zograf. (updated Jun 2019)

• 🌍 Church of Saint Nicholas (Црква „Св. Никола“), village of Tresonče. Built on a hillside above the village in 1873, the Church of Saint Nicholas is a smaller church and capped by a dome. (updated Jun 2019)
• 🌍 Alilica Cave (Алилица), village of Tresonče. Located between the mountains of Bistra and Stogovo, and immediately beside the Tresonče River, this cave is 4 km east of the village center. There are three legends surrounding the origins of its name. The cave is tight and features a rather small opening. (updated Jun 2019)
• 🌍 Church of the Introduction of the Virgin Mary (Црква „Воведение на Пресвета Богородица“), village of Rosoki. Rosoki is another depopulated Mijak village that receives visitors in the summer months and other holidays. Its main church was built in 1835 in the centre of the village and painted by Dičo Zograf. The church is white on the exterior and features a prominent bell tower with a pointed roof. (updated Jun 2019)
• 🌍 Church of Saint Elijah (Црква „Св. Илија“), village of Selce. Another significant 19th-century church painted inside by Dičo Zograf in a depopulated but charming Mijak village. Selce's main church, Saint Elijah has one large dome as well as a taller bell tower above its front side. Its façade features three arches. (updated Jun 2019)

🌍 Mount Korab (Голем Кораб). Mavrovo National Park contains the highest peak of Macedonia and Albania, Mount Korab. Reaching a height of 2,764 m (9,068 ft), it is the fourth-highest mountain in the Balkans and 18th-most prominent peak in Europe. It is featured in the national emblem of North Macedonia. It is situated in the northwest of the park. Hiking can begin at the border police station or further depending on how much one trusts the road and his car. The hike does not involve any rock climbing but there are steep inclines and the length of the hike alone makes it quite demanding. Sheep herds will likely be encountered which of course means sheep dogs will also be encountered, so be careful. (updated Jun 2019)

The national park also contains many other hiking trails that can be found on its website, as well as at info centers throughout the park.

• 🌍 Korab Falls (Корапски водопад), near villages of Bibaj, Nistrovo & Žužnje. The highest waterfall in the Balkans is located on the upper course of the Dlaboka River. Its water flow is greatest in springtime when snow is melting. There are paths to reach the falls from the three nearest villages, however they aren't well-marked and involve challenges such as crossing the river on unsecured crossings. Deep snow can persist on the trail until June. The exact height of the falls isn't agreed upon, with high estimates at 138 m (453 ft) and low estimates at 100 m (328 ft). (updated Jun 2019)
• 🌍 Duf Falls (Дуфски Водопад), village of Rostuša. Just outside the village in thick forest are these falls of the Rostuša River. They are accessible via a relatively easy half hour hike alongside the canyon formed by the river, which is a sight to behold in itself. The total vertical drop of the falls is 23.5 m (77 ft) and water flows year-round. Equipment has been installed that makes it possible to descend near the falls by rope. (updated Jun 2019)

• 🌍 Galičnik Wedding Festival (Галичка свадба), village of Galičnik. One of Macedonia's best-known annual cultural events happens in its best-known village, Galičnik, every July. Traditionally, the only period of the year when couples got married was five days around the holiday of St Peter on 12 July. Today, the festival occurs on the weekend nearest St Peter's Day. One Macedonian couple is selected by the organizers to be the lucky couple to have a Galičnik wedding. The traditional dance "Teškoto" is performed by men, symbolic of the struggles of the Macedonians through the centuries. (updated Jun 2019)

• 🌍 Mavrovo Lake (Мавровско Езеро). Until 1947, this was the site of the Mavrovo Basin through which the Mavrovo River flowed. The river was dammed and then it became the artificial lake it is today, a major attraction of the national park. It has excellent swimming, boating, and fishing in the summer months and freezes over in winter. An additional point of interest is the half-submerged church in the lake. Multiple villages sit at the lake's shore, including Leunovo, Mavrovi Anovi, Mavrovo, and Nikiforovo. (updated Jun 2019)
• 🌍 Lokuv Lake (Локув), village of Trebište. This glacial lake has the lowest elevation of all such lakes in the country. Located on Dešat Mountain, it is surrounded by thick forest. The small lake can be reached via a 40-minute hike from Trebište, though it can also be reached from Bituše. Benches have been placed around the lake. There is also a local dairy production facility nearby where one can try the famous Trebište cheese. The area around the lake also contains herbs that are used for medicinal purposes. (updated Jun 2019)
• 🌍 Zare Lazarevski Ski Resort (Ски центар Заре Лазаревски), village of Mavrovo. One of Macedonia's top ski resorts is situated on Mount Bistra and looks down onto Lake Mavrovo. The ski trails start at 1,960 m and ends at 1,250 m above sea level. It has two double lift chairs, one single lift chair with over 1100-person capacity per hour, several ski lifts with synchronized connection and over 5,000 person capacity per hour. (updated Jun 2019)

• 🌍 Bunec Safari Park (Бунец). This site covers 430 hectares (1,063 acres) and is a European deer reproduction center. Tours are guided by park rangers and last 1 to 2 hours. An observation tower has been built that allows for prime wildlife viewing. (updated Jun 2019)

• 🌍 Hotel Tutto, village of Janče, ☏ +389 42 470 999. This 4-star hotel built of natural construction materials is located in the historic mountain village Janče. It features seven spacious rooms with private terraces, offering sweeping views at the surroundings in the national park. (updated Jun 2019)