Visit Oreshe Village: The Perfect Destination for Active Getaways

While the highlands of Macedonia are already covered in snow, the lower regions still offer the perfect opportunity for active hiking through the autumn scenery.

One destination the Kajak.mk team recommends to help you forget autumn stress and recharge your batteries is the village of Oreshe. Our own Marko Džambazoski shares stories about this village — his travel tales often serve as the perfect guide for an active weekend. You can follow him on Instagram at @markodzambazoski.

Marko: The village of Oreshe is the final destination reached by the paved road in the Azot area. Upon arrival, we spotted a large group of people gathered around a cauldron where rakija was being distilled in front of an old house. They noticed we were visitors, not their neighbors late to the celebration, so they immediately approached us and started a conversation. As is customary, they guided us to everything worth seeing in their village, including the Oreshe Waterfall — the very reason for our visit.

From the very start of the trail leading to the waterfall, the autumn idyll and vibrant nature create a special charm for the hike. One of the most beautiful feelings is hearing the sound of the waterfall for the first time and being rewarded by nature with such a stunning view.

For those who haven’t yet heard of Oreshe, here are a few general facts about the village:

Oreshe is located in the central part of North Macedonia, specifically in the municipality of Čaška. The village sits at an altitude of 850 meters, thanks to the Dautica mountain range. It is inhabited by Mijak families who, at the end of the 17th and beginning of the 18th centuries, migrated from other Mijak villages in western Macedonia.

What makes this village truly unique is its architecture and its excellent geographical location, rich in natural resources, making it an ideal destination for lovers of active tourism.

If you decide to visit, keep in mind that the churches of St. Bogorodica and St. Petka are located here, while high up in the mountains lies the monastery complex of St. George.

Following the flow of the Oreshe River, you’ll reach a place called Gjaolova Mill. From there, a trail winding through dense forest leads you to a beautiful waterfall whose powerful roar inspires awe.