Pelister National Park, National park with glacial lakes in Bitola and Resen, North Macedonia
Description
Pelister is a national park spanning the Baba Mountain massif with elevations from around 927 to 2,601 meters (3,041 to 8,534 feet). The park features extensive Molika pine forests and two glacial lakes known as the Pelister Eyes.
History
The park was established in 1948 as Yugoslavia's first national park, created to protect its extensive Molika pine forests. This early designation marked an important conservation effort for the region's natural heritage.
Culture
The name comes from either petlister, referring to the five needles of the Molika pine, or the Greek word peristeri meaning dove. You can spot these distinctive trees throughout your walks and see how they shape the character of the place.
Practical
The park has several marked trails ranging from shorter walks to longer mountain routes that require several hours. Start early in the day and wear sturdy footwear since paths can be demanding depending on weather conditions.
Did you know?
Two glacial lakes in the park harbor fish species found nowhere else in the world. These endemic trout varieties have adapted to the cold mountain waters and offer a remarkable look at nature's diversity.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Bitola Municipality).
North Macedonia holds layers of history visible in its archaeological sites, churches, and monasteries. The Kokino Observatory shows that people studied the stars during the Bronze Age. In Bitola, visitors can walk through the Roman ruins of Heraclea Lyncestis and see what remains from ancient...
Pelister
2.5 km
Church of St. George
8.9 km
Slivnica Monastery
7.6 km
Црква „Рождество на Пресвета Богородица“ - Сливница
7.6 km
Saint Anne Church, Malovishte
8.4 km
Saint Paraskeva Church, Capari
8.1 km
Брајчински манастир
8.7 km
Skrkovo
6.5 km
St. Petka Church
8.7 km
Saint Petka Church, Nižepole
5.8 km
Свети Атанасий (Дихово)
6.6 km
Saint Petka, Malovište
7.8 km
Assumption of Mary Church, Trnovo
8.6 km
Mrazarnik
2.8 km
St. Demetrious Church (Štrbovo)
8.1 km
Saint George Church, Magarevo
8 km
Saint George Church, Capari
8.6 km
Saint Demetrius Church, Magarevo
8 km
St. Nedela Church
8.3 km
Џамија (Крани)
8.1 km
St. Michael the Archangel Church
7.7 km
St. Petka Church
8.7 km
St. Peter's Church
8.3 km
Dormition of the Theotokos Church
8.3 km
St. Demetrious Church
8.4 km
St. Nicholas Church
7.6 km
Church of the Ascension of Christ
9.2 km
Магаревски манастир
8 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes