The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Kopaonik in Winter and Summer
One of the most popular tourist destinations in Serbia, Kopaonik is a charming mountain range well-known for being the best ski resort in the country, offering a wide range of magnificent slopes for skiers and snowboarders of all levels.
In the summer, Kopaonik is also known for its verdant valleys, picturesque forests, cascading waterfalls, and well-marked hiking trails. Since it is so diverse, Kopaonik is beloved by everyone from outdoor enthusiasts and travelers seeking cultural immersion to skiers and snowboarders from around the world.
If you are looking for things to do in Kopaonik and wish to know more about this spectacular national park, you’ve come to the right place. I prepared this ultimate guide to show you all the best things you can do in Kopaonik during winter and summer.
Is Kopaonik worth visiting?
Some people will tell you that Kopaonik is just another winter wonderland where people come to ski during the winter months. Honestly, I have a different perspective on that.
For me, the largest mountain range in Serbia is a great place to visit year-round.
In summer, you can enjoy breathtaking mountain views from stunning peaks and admire the beauty of the second-highest waterfall in Serbia. When the weather is nice and sunny, you can also visit Kopaonik’s share of historical and cultural attractions and enjoy outdoor activities like paragliding, mountain bike tours, and hiking.
If you are visiting in winter, hit the slopes and indulge in a range of spa treatments and therapies including massages and sauna sessions.
So yeah, Kopaonik is a destination worth visiting all year round if you are interested in nature.
What is there to do in Kopaonik?
1. Visit Kopaonik for skiing and snowboarding
Kopaonik is home to one of the largest ski resorts in the Balkan region. With more than 55 km of slopes served by 24 ski lifts, this ski resort attracts thousands of tourists and locals in winter. There are over 30 slopes divided into easy, medium, and difficult.
If you are a beginner, it’s best to stick to the easy and medium slopes. The resort has a few private ski schools with professional instructors for people who are new to skiing and for those who wish to improve their skills.
You can also rent ski equipment from the ski shops at the resort.
In addition to skiing and snowboarding, this modern ski resort offers other winter activities like sledding and ice skating. A daily ski pass will cost you approximately 40 euros, but it’s good to know that the Kopaonik ski resort offers night skiing too!
Read also: What to visit in Serbia during winter?
2. Enjoy outdoor activities in summer
Plan a weekend getaway to Kopaonik in summer and you won’t be disappointed. You will have an opportunity to experience this fabulous national park without the number of tourists who usually visit Kopaonik in winter.
There is no shortage of fun things to do here in Kopaonik when the weather is warm and sunny. Whether you wish to go jogging, hiking, and mountaineering or join a mountain bike tour, there are many activities to look forward to.
The summer season is also a great time to book your stay in one of the wellness and spa centers in Kopaonik and enjoy saunas, swimming pools, massages, and healing therapies.
3. See a diverse range of plant and animal species
If you are a fan of nature, you’ll be delighted to hear that Kopaonik boasts a wide range of flora and wildlife. You might spot animals and birds such as wolves, bears, and eagles.
The park also boasts nearly 1,700 plant species and some of these are endemic to Kopaonik. Some of the best places to see plants and wildlife in Kopaonik include nature reserves such as the Jelovarnik Nature Reserve.
Visitors will also find a few well-marked hiking trails on this mountain range. Keep in mind that mountaineering in some places in Kopaonik is not recommended in winter due to bad weather conditions.
4. Climb Pančićev vrh
Travelers visiting Kopaonik in spring and summer can look forward to outdoor activities like hiking and jogging. From easy paths to challenging hikes, this mountain range offers trails suitable for both beginners and experienced hikers.
One of my favorite hiking trails in Kopaonik is the path that leads to the highest peak of the mountain, Pančićev Vrh. The summit is easily reachable from the Konaci tourist complex.
It will take you approximately 1 hour to reach Pancicev Vrh. Once you reach the top, enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and mountains. You can also visit the mausoleum of the famous scientist Josic Pancic.
5. Discover Nebeske stolice
Looking for more things to do in Kopaonik? Pay a visit to a world-famous archeological site called Nebeske Stolice. Dating back to the early Christan period, this archeological site can be found right below our Pancicev Vrh.
It is located at an altitude of 1800 meters. It will take you about an hour to reach the site. It is a place where an early Christian basilica with a mosaic was discovered, as well as around 100 coins of which 16 date back to the 3rd century.
6. Take your kids to the Adventure park (Avantura Park)
If you are staying in Kopaonik with the little ones, a visit to the Adventure Park is simply a must. Covering an area of approximately 2,000 square meters, this family-friendly adventure park offers a bunch of obstacles.
You will everything from playgrounds and a mini zip line to a picturesque pedestrian bridge, climbers, and a polygon for kids. Tickets for this adventure park cost around 4 euros.
7. Snap a photo of Jelovarnik Waterfall
Located in the middle of a dense mixed forest in the Kopaonik National Park, Jelovarnik Waterfall is the second-largest waterfall in the country. This is probably one of the most beautiful places that you can visit in Kopaonik.
Although the road leading to this majestic waterfall is not the best, this hidden gem is a must-visit spot while staying in Kopanik. The waterfall is approximately 71 meters high and the highest point is around 1.100 meters above sea level.
Pro tip: On your way to the waterfall, you can stop by an old police station from WW2.
Read also: The most beautiful places to visit in Serbia
8. Enjoy thermal waters in Josanicka Banja
If you are looking to have a nice, relaxing time, one of the best things you can do near Kopaonik is to visit the thermal spas in Josanicka Banja.
A perfect blend of stunning natural landscapes and historic attractions, Josanicka Banja is a great place to visit in summer. Characterized by rolling hills and pristine forests, the area is home to many hiking and bicycle trails. The main reason why people come here is the thermal spa.
Travelers can enjoy a wide range of spa treatments at Josanicka Banja such as massages, sauna, and healing therapies. If you wish to know more about the culture and history of this area, visit the nearby Monastery of Studenica.
Read also: The ultimate Serbia 5-day Itinerary
Where to stay in Kopaonik
From budget-friendly guesthouses and villas to hotels and posh resorts, there is a wide range of accommodation options to choose from in Kopaonik. When visiting this mountain range, you can either opt for a hotel or a villa in the center of Kopaonik or stay in the nearby villages.
The center of Kopaonik is the best place to stay simply because it has all the necessary facilities and is super close to the ski slopes. In nearby villages, you will mostly find villas, cottages, mountain houses, and apartments available for rent. If you decide to stay in the nearby villages that offer cheaper accommodation, keep in mind that you will need to drive your car or use taxi services to access the ski center.
I like Hotel Viceroy in Kopaonik. With a rating of 9.1 on Booking, this is definitely one of the best hotels in the area. This glitzy 5-star hotel is famous for its world-class spa center fitted with a beauty lab, an indoor vitality pool, and a hammam room. You will be staying just a stone’s throw from the ski center. One night for 2 people will set you back approximately 270 euros (breakfast included).
There is also the spectacular Hotel Grand which is super close to the main ski lift. It has a spa center, a few restaurants, a modern business center, and a multi-purpose sports hall. Expect to pay around 400 euros per night.
If you are looking for more budget-friendly accommodation options, I suggest booking your stay at places like Hotel Djina, Villa Milmari, and Hotel Junior.
Weather in Kopaonik
The weather in Kopaonik is great for both summer and winter activities.
The summers here are warm and sunny, but due to the high altitude, it gets cold in the evenings. Summer in Kopaonik is a perfect time to enjoy outdoor activities.
During the winter season, temperatures in Kopaonik drop usually below zero making it ideal for activities like snowboarding and skiing.
When to visit Kopaonik
It really depends on the purpose of your visit. Kopaonik can be visited all year round, but you will have different activities available depending on the time of the year you choose to go.
Nature lovers who wish to breathe clean air and enjoy long walks should definitely visit Kopaonik in spring and summer.
If you are down for skiing and wish to attend Christmas holiday festivities, you should visit Kopaonik between December and March.
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How to get to Kopaonik
Kopaonik is located in southwest Serbia, 270km from Belgrade and 360km from Novi Sad. Driving your car or a rental vehicle in Serbia is definitely the easiest way to come to Kopaonik.
Don’t forget that if you are planning to drive to Kopaonik in winter, the first thing you need to do is put on winter tires.
The other option is to catch a bus to Kopaonik. Currently, there are 3 bus lines to Kopaonik from Novi Sad, Belgrade, and Nis with daily departures to Kopaonik. In addition to regular bus lines, a few agencies offer seasonal minibus lines to this popular tourist destination in winter.
Read also: How is it to drive in Serbia as a foreigner
Best Restaurants in Kopaonik
From traditional Serbian restaurants to dining establishments that offer international cuisine, Kopaonik offers something for everyone. I have to admit that most restaurants outside the hotels/resorts focus on traditional Serbian cuisine.
To try local dishes and taste cevapi, lamb roast, and pljeskavica, go to Alo Alo Restaurant. If you are in the mood for some pork ribs, or veal stew, book a table at the beautiful La Pista Restaurant.
I hope this guide has convinced you that Kopaonik is worth a visit, whether during summer or winter. Kopaonik gets very busy during the winter months since it is the most famous ski resort in Serbia, but you can also opt for visiting during the warmer months to enjoy nature.
More guides for traveling through Serbia
Organizing your trip
To help you plan your trip to Serbia, we have put together our favorite planning resources:
- Flights: Get affordable flights to Serbia on Skyscanner.com.
- Travel insurance: Make sure you are protected during your trip. We use SafetyWing whenever we are traveling abroad.
- Renting a car: We always use Discover Cars to get the best car deals.
- Accommodation: Find the best hotels and apartments on Booking.com.
- Activities: Get fun ideas of what to do and buy unique activities with Get Your Guide.
- SIM Card: Stay connected during your trip with Airalo.
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