Kopaonik

Kopaonik () is one of the larger mountain ranges of Serbia. It is located in the central part of Serbia. Its highest peak, Pančić's Peak, is above sea level.

A national park spread over of the central part of the Kopaonik plateau was established in 1981.

History

The Kopaonik has a rich historical heritage. The area was an important mining center during medieval times with many Saxons operating in the area as miners. During those days there was an intensive trade with Ragusa (Dubrovnik).

Besides old churches and monasteries, several early and medieval fortresses can be found on the height, built by Serbian dynasties. The nearest Serbian medieval castle is Maglič. The Studenica monastery is also located nearby.

Tourism

Sports and recreation are key factors to the tourism of Kopaonik. Kopaonik is mainly a destination for skiing and snowboarding. There are various other activities as well, such as tennis. Other features which attract tourists are a luxurious hotel, and entertainment. Kopaonik has many cafes, bars and night clubs. It has 24 ski-lifts and Gondola lifts, with of ski slopes for all categories. It is the largest mountain in Serbia, more than long. Its highest peak is Suvo Rudiste (also called Panćić's Peak) at above sea level. The duration and quality of snowfall and ideal skiing grounds have been attracting a rapidly increasing the number of guests.

Kopaonik's flora is characterized by a large number of autochthonous plant species (the Balkan beech, fir, spruce, yew, several kinds of maple, pine and oak). The fauna is also diverse but its concentration varies, depending on the quality of the habitat.

This mountain has enormous resources for the development of tourism. The entire park is characterized by its extraordinary natural beauty: vast expanses of grassland, picturesque forests composed of a wide variety of tree species, beauty spots, deep river gorges. The snow blanket lasts a long time on this mountain and in view of its good relief, there are excellent conditions for the further expansion of winter tourism there.

The tourist resort on the Kopaonik includes hotels, rest houses, chairlifts, excellent ski slopes and many other tourist facilities.

Kopaonik is a meeting place for the Serbian and European elite. Many diplomats and presidents of the foreign countries spent their holidays here.

The Kopaonik is well-connected with the main transport routes in Serbia. The central part of Kopaonik with the tourist center and ski slopes are linked with the Ibar highway, and the nearest international airport is in Niš.

National park

Kopaonik's national park was established in 1981. Deciduous forests and native coniferous woodland make up most of the forested land in the park. Kopaonik has many species of birds, such rock partridge, scops owl, red-backed shrike, and the wood lark. Soil erosion poses no threat as there is no logging and deforestation in the park.

The national park is situated on a relatively flat region, at an altitude of about . This central Kopaonik plateau is called Suvo Rudište. It is surrounded by mountain peaks. To the north and northwest of this plateau stretches Banjski Kopaonik, which is the location of Jošanička Banja spa, whose strong springs' waters reach the temperature of . Directly below the Suvo Rudište plateau starts the attractive and picturesque valley of the Samokovska River, characterized by its steep run, numerous rapids, falls and gorges.

See also

References

External links

Category:Mountains of Serbia Category:Protected areas established in 1981