Hidden Forest Landscapes in Macedonia You Might Not Have Heard Of

At the European Conference on Food and Agriculture in 1971, the idea of celebrating "World Forestry Day" was promoted. During its 23rd session, it was officially decided that March 21st would be designated as "World Forestry Day."

Just as it is celebrated globally, March 21st is a day for us to honor forests and remind ourselves of the importance of protecting and nurturing them.

The team at Kajak.mk, in collaboration with SKOPSKO SMOOTH, takes you to 5 unique forest landscapes in Macedonia, which many of you have probably never heard of. This article aims to inspire you to spend an active weekend in nature and enjoy the fresh mountain air that our forests and mountains provide.

Before we dive into the suggestions, as promoters of a healthy lifestyle and a clean environment, we advise you not to leave litter during your hikes. Additionally, we encourage you to bring trash bags and collect any waste that others may have left behind in the mountains. It’s very important not to use mountain trash bins, as municipal services rarely service these areas, meaning your waste could remain on the mountain long after you’ve returned home.

Our first suggestion is the Krusha area. Have you heard of Krusha?

Krusha is one of the few forested areas that a very small percentage of the Macedonian population has heard of. This area is located not far from the Kozhuf Ski Center, right on the border between the municipalities of Gevgelija and Kavadarci. It is a daily destination for a small number of farmers who often stay in the mountain cottages built in this region.

Krusha is a destination we recommend to all adventurers, mountain enthusiasts, and nature lovers. You can reach Krusha by an off-road vehicle or by hiking from the "Smrdliva Voda" area.

Have you ever visited Gorni Disan?

Gorni Disan is a village located 12 kilometers from Negotino, sitting at an altitude of 580 meters. This village makes our list because it is surrounded by a beautiful forested area. Unlike Krusha, Gorni Disan is accessible by any type of vehicle. Our recommendation is to park your vehicle in the village itself and take a walk through the breathtaking landscapes of the Vitachevo Plateau. This area is rich with forests of oak, hornbeam, beech, birch, as well as evergreen trees and low-growing shrubs.

The magnificent forest landscapes of the village Bozovce!

The village of Bozovce is the last inhabited settlement on Mount Shar that can be reached by an asphalt road. From there, you continue through the stunning forested landscapes offered by Shar Mountain. As our third destination, we highlight the village of Bozovce. Here, you have the opportunity to go hiking with local mountain guides or ride horses to Leshnica, which we like to call the "Oasis of Shar Mountain." After your walk through the forest, don’t forget to try the traditional food prepared by the local population.

What makes Pashadzikovo stand out from other forested areas?

Every forest has its own charm, and so does the larch forest! Larch is a tree that grows in Macedonia, and Pashadzikovo is renowned for its larch forest. Introduced to Macedonia in the 1950s, larch is represented by two species: European larch and Japanese larch. For those seeking a natural "air bath," we highly recommend Pashadzikovo.

Pashadzikovo is located along the road leading to the Ponikva Ski Center. The area offers numerous forest trails for visitors to explore.

Spend an active weekend in the village of Stancha, on Mount German!

As our fifth destination, we highlight Mount German, a mid-altitude mountain in the northeastern part of Macedonia. This destination is ideal for those who are not very physically active. Our recommended place to visit is the village of Stancha, located at 1100 meters above sea level, surrounded by oak and pine forests. Around the village, there are beautiful forest trails, and not far away is the mountain peak, Modra Glava, at 1390 meters above sea level.

The Kajak.mk team, in collaboration with "SKOPSKO," advises you to care for the environment. No matter which destination you choose, it is your responsibility to collect any waste and take it back to urban waste bins. The illegal dumpsites that have sprung up across our country are a result of citizens' carelessness. That’s why "SKOPSKO" launched a campaign called "Our Pride, Our Responsibility." The campaign aims to raise environmental awareness among citizens who travel as domestic tourists within the country. SKOPSKO will allocate one denar from every "Skopsko 0.5" and "Skopsko Smooth 0.5" in glass packaging to fund ecological actions for cleaning multiple locations throughout the country, with Lake Ohrid as the first major tourist destination.

For more information about the campaign, visit www.skopsko.mk.