Pelister National Park, National park with glacial lakes in Bitola and Resen, North Macedonia
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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