Kopaonik National Park

Kopaonik Overview

Kopaonik National Park, or Национални парк Копаоник in Serbian, is a breathtakingly scenic protected area in southern Serbia, encompassing 46.36 square miles (120 square kilometers) of mountainous terrain.

Located along the Kopaonik Mountain range, it is situated near the country’s border with Kosovo. Established in 1981, this national park preserves an array of natural beauty and biodiversity while serving as one of the premier outdoor destinations in Serbia.

The terrain of Kopaonik National Park is defined by rugged peaks, rolling plateaus, and steep valleys. The Kopaonik Mountain, the highest peak in the park, stands at 6,617 feet (2,017 meters) and is known as Pančić’s Peak, named after Serbian botanist Josif Pančić. The park is adorned with dramatic gorges, clear mountain streams, and picturesque waterfalls, including Jelovarnik Waterfall, Serbia’s tallest at 230 feet (70 meters).

Rich with lush vegetation, Kopaonik is home to diverse forests of beech, fir, spruce, and oak trees, interspersed with vibrant wildflower meadows that bloom spectacularly during spring and summer. In the higher altitudes, subalpine and alpine vegetation dominates, creating a unique mosaic of ecosystems.

Wildlife in Kopaonik National Park is equally remarkable, offering nature enthusiasts an opportunity to spot a variety of species. Among the mammals, visitors may encounter European brown bears, roe deer, red foxes, wild boars, and elusive lynxes.

The park also boasts a wealth of bird species, making it a birdwatcher’s paradise. Golden eagles, peregrine falcons, Eurasian woodpeckers, and a variety of owls are just some of the avian residents found within its boundaries. Amphibians and reptiles, such as fire salamanders and European green lizards, add to the park’s rich biodiversity.

Kopaonik is widely recognized for its year-round appeal, with some of its most popular features being the winter ski resort and its extensive network of hiking trails. In the colder months, the park transforms into a hub for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports, centered around the ski resort near Pančić’s Peak.

During the warmer seasons, the park becomes a haven for hiking, mountain biking, and nature photography. Numerous trails lead visitors through scenic forests and up to panoramic viewpoints, offering stunning vistas of the surrounding mountain range.

Conservation efforts in Kopaonik National Park have been focused on protecting its fragile ecosystems and biodiversity, though challenges persist. Urbanization, illegal logging, and the growing tourism industry pose threats to the park’s natural environment. However, active management by the park authority, combined with environmental education programs and partnerships with local communities, has led to successes in preserving its flora and fauna.

Reforestation projects and stricter regulations on tourism development have further bolstered these efforts, ensuring that the park remains a vital refuge for Serbia’s wildlife and natural heritage.

Park Map

Kopaonik National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Birds

Kopaonik National Park is also rich in birdlife, making it a paradise for bird enthusiasts. The park’s diverse habitats provide sanctuary for numerous bird species, both resident and migratory.

Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos)
This majestic raptor is a symbol of the park’s wilderness. Golden eagles soar high above the mountains, preying on small mammals and birds.

Western Capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus)
The capercaillie, a large woodland grouse, is notable for its elaborate courtship displays during the breeding season.

Eurasian Eagle-Owl (Bubo bubo)
One of the largest owl species in the world, the Eurasian eagle-owl is a nocturnal predator that inhabits rocky cliffs and forested areas.

Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo)
Common buzzards are medium-sized raptors that can be seen gliding above the park in search of rodents and small prey.

Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)
Renowned for their speed, peregrine falcons are skillful hunters that nest on the park’s cliffs and rocky outcrops.

Black Woodpecker (Dryocopus martius)
This striking bird, the largest woodpecker in Europe, is known for its loud drumming and excavating tree trunks for insects.

Great Grey Shrike (Lanius excubitor)
This predatory songbird, also known as the butcher bird, uses its sharp beak and hunting skills to catch small prey.

Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus)
Kestrels are small falcons that hover mid-air while scanning the ground for insects, rodents, and small reptiles.

European Honey Buzzard (Pernis apivorus)
This raptor is unique for its diet, as it primarily feeds on the larvae of bees and wasps, often raiding their nests.

Eurasian Hoopoe (Upupa epops)
The hoopoe is an easily recognizable bird with its striking crest and distinct, melodic call. It can often be spotted in open areas of the park.

Kopaonik National Park, located in central Serbia, is a haven of biodiversity, known for its rich array of wildlife and stunning landscapes. This mountainous region is home to an incredible variety of animal species, thriving in its forests, meadows, and rocky terrains. Below are some of the popular species that can be found within the park’s boundaries.

Brown Bear (Ursus arctos)
The brown bear is one of the largest mammals in the park, often roaming the dense forests. These powerful animals are shy and elusive, typically avoiding human contact.

Wolf (Canis lupus)
Wolves are iconic predators in Kopaonik. They play a critical role in maintaining ecological balance by regulating prey populations, such as deer and wild boar.

Wild Boar (Sus scrofa)
Wild boars are a common sight in the park. These robust animals thrive in forested areas and are known for their foraging habits, feeding on roots, fruits, and small animals.

European Roe Deer (Capreolus capreolus)
Roe deer are graceful herbivores found grazing in the park’s meadows and woodlands. Their alert nature helps them evade predators like wolves.

Eurasian Lynx (Lynx lynx)
This elusive and solitary feline is a rare gem of Kopaonik. Known for its keen senses and stealth, the lynx is a top predator in the ecosystem.

Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes)
The red fox is a cunning and adaptable species that thrives across various habitats in the park. It is often seen hunting small mammals or scavenging.

European Badger (Meles meles)
Badgers are nocturnal animals found in the park’s forests. They are known for their distinctive black-and-white faces and their ability to dig extensive burrow systems.

Hazel Dormouse (Muscardinus avellanarius)
This small, arboreal rodent is a charming inhabitant of Kopaonik. Dormice are particularly active during the night, feeding on nuts, berries, and insects.

Golden Jackal (Canis aureus)
Golden jackals are opportunistic feeders that roam the park. They are smaller than wolves but are equally skilled hunters and scavengers.

European Wildcat (Felis silvestris)
Wildcats resemble domestic cats but are larger and more robust. They prefer dense forests and are highly elusive, avoiding human activity.