Mavrovo National Park

Mavrovo National Park is a protected mountain area in western North Macedonia established to conserve upland landscapes, forests and alpine habitats. The park covers roughly 730 square kilometres and includes high peaks, deep valleys and lakes.

Hiking trails, alpine meadows and the reservoir lakes are primary attractions; people go for mountain walking, skiing at the local ski centre, trout fishing and wildlife watching. The park contains peaks over 2,700 metres and extensive forested areas, making it important for regional biodiversity.

The area received formal protection in the mid-20th century to preserve mountain landscapes and water resources; infrastructure for tourism and winter sports developed in the decades after designation. Traditional villages within the park retain cultural events and seasonal grazing patterns that have shaped local land use.

Geographically the park lies in the western mountain zone of North Macedonia within Mavrovo and Rostuše municipality. It occupies inland highland terrain rather than coastal plains and is accessed from regional centres in the western part of the country.

• Size and terrain: The park covers roughly 730 square kilometres and includes mountain terrain, forests and alpine meadows with elevations that exceed 2,700 metres in places.
• Best times: Good seasons are winter for skiing at the park's ski centre and summer for hiking, wildlife viewing and enjoying forested valleys and lakeshores.

What to See #

• Mount Korab: A high mountain peak reaching 2,764 metres that forms part of the park's northern border and is the highest point in North Macedonia.
• Mavrovo Lake: A large mountain reservoir set in the park's valleys that is used for hydropower and recreation and is a focal point for lakeside trails and viewpoints.
• Mavrovo ski centre: A winter sports area with ski lifts and slopes serving recreational skiers and snowboarders, located near the village of Mavrovo within the park.