YourTouristGuide

Kopaonik

2006-08-28T10:45:00.000-07:00

GEOGRAPHY

Among Yugoslav mountains, Kopaonik is unrivalled by its natural beauty and mineral wealth. Its boundaries are set by quite distinct natural borders-the deep valleys of the Ibar, Jošanica, Rasina, Gornja Toplica and Lab rivers. Kopaonik, the biggest mountain of the central Serbia, spreads its wide mountain-ridge 82.7km long, its greatest width being 63km, in the direction from the mountainous region over Kosovska Mitrovica, to the north-west over the series of peaks higher than 1600m, to the highest part of the massif called Ravni Kopaonik (Flat Kopaonik) with the peaks: Gobelja (1934m), Karaman Vucak (1936m), Suvo Rudište (1976m) and Pancicev vrh (Pancic Peak) (2017m). The northern border of the massif is separated from the massif of the mountain Željin by the rivers Jošanicka reka and Koznicka reka. At the western side, along the whole Kopaonik mountain-ridge, the river Ibar gorge is placed. The eastern side is bounded by the rivers Rasina and Toplica valleys. It is very spacious, taking up a full 2756 square kilometers.
By its geographical location, Kopaonik is predestined to be a large to Europe. The Ibar, Zapadna Morava and Toplica highways provide for easy access from the large industrial centers of Šumadija, Pomoravlje, Toplica, Kosovo and the Skopje valley (Skopska dolina). Due to good asphalt roads and railways, the mountain can be reached in five hours' time even starting from Belgrade, which is about 250km away.
In its highest part, Kopaonik somewhat resembles a flat-roofed house; its side are almost wall steep and the top so level that it induced the people to aptly name is Flat Kopaonik (Ravni Kopaonik). The western sides of the mountain are a little steeper than the eastern, but also more inaccessible and bare. Kopaonik is rich in cold and radioactive waters at higher altitudes and hot ones in the lower parts.
The main features of Kopaonik relief were formed some 70 million years ago. Great movements of the earth's crust brought about folding and strong splitting, cleaving the steep sides facing the bordering valleys. Longitudinal and transversal fissures dissected to a large degree, the interior parts of the mountain as well. Deep clefts thus formed created a path for the flow of andesite-basalt rock, giving birth to the most extensive eruptive mass in Serbia, and therefore to great mineral wealth-the most important ores (iron, copper, lead, silver and other metals) are linked with dacites and andesites. Chromium and magnesium ore deposits formed in the serpentine-peridotic rock. Erosion created the wide plateau of Ravni Kopaonik and the highest peaks from the more resistant rock. Cascading rivers and snow carved rugged valleys in the areas of softer, especially serpentine rock, which is dominant in the western region of the mountain, increasing, therefore, the slope, inaccessibility and picturesque quality of the terrain.
Kopaonik, where people used to work mines from old times, was named after its ore resources (kopati-to dig). The volcano activity and discharge of hot mineral solutions caused changes on the nearby old rocks because of high temperatures and heavy pressures. That is how "mining region of Kopaonik" came to be, with a large numbers of mines from old times. In Kopaonik region, besides the usual ores: metals iron, lead and zinc, there are rare metals silver and gold and rare minerals: volastonite, fluor-spar, asbestos and other.
The process of erosion has created interesting forms of relief, which attract the attention of mature lovers. Some are made of granite and look like giant heads of cabbage, weighing two to three tons, falling apart and splitting as if shedding their shells. They can be seen in several places along the Jošanicka Banja-Ravni Kopaanik road. Others are a potpourri of rocks of unreal beauty, like the Kozje Stene on the slopes of Kukavica and along the left bank of the Samokovska River. Third are groups of oddly aligned or scattered blocks of large-grain granite, resembling giants turned to stone. Such an example is Markov Kamen (Marko's rock), "the most beautiful geomorphological natural rarity" on Kopaonik.
Natural monuments: Geomorpholigical monuments-stone granite sculptures: Lisicja stena, Pajin grob, Suvi vrh, Jankov breg, Babin grob, Visoki deo, Karaman-Vucak. Geomorphological monuments-traces of Pleistocene glaciation: Circ Krcmar, Circ Široki do, Circ Velika Gobelja. Geological monuments: Velika stena, Velika Sijaca, Jelica, Žljeb, Gvozdac, Oštri Krš. Hydrological monuments-springs and fountainheads: Fountainhead Duboka, "Geyser" Gvozdac, Spring Marina voda, Spring Krcmar, Waterfall Barska reka, Semeteško jezero-lake. Hydrological monuments-strictly protected water-courses of the river basins: Samokovska reka, Gobeljska reka, Barska reka, Brzecka reka, Duboka reka.

CLIMATE

As regards climate, Kopaonik significantly differs from the neighboring mountains, a fact which can be seen from the meteorological records for Raška, Kosovska Mitrovica and Ravni Kopaonik. The first lies at an altitude of 417m, the second at 526m and the third at 1710m above sea level. The first two have very similar temperatures, which is a result of their being located in a valley at a lower altitude. In Raška the median yearly temperature is 10.7°C, in Kosovska Mitrovica 10.5°C and on Ravni Kopaonik only 3.7°C. The January temperatures at the three meteorological stations are -0.4°C for the first, -0.2°C for the second and -5.2°C for the third. The shifting of the temperature maximum of Ravni Kopaonik to august indicates it has a sub-alpine climate. The winter temperatures on this mountain are not very low as a result of its southern position, flatness and wide-open terrain, which prevent the piling up of clouds and cold air and facilitate ventilation. The cold winter air is heavy and moves through the neighboring valleys and ravines. Spared a long-lasting cloud cover, Ravni Kopaonik is exposed to the sun for a longer period of time in winter, making it warmer than might be expected in Naturally, this is "wintry" sunshine, so the snow does not melt for five months (its duration is a average 159 days a year). This is why the ski season is long and stable here.
With 200 sunny days a year (in Suncana Dolina), this mountain seems to have been made for a resort with plenty of fresh air. Thus city dwellers enjoy coming here both in summer and in winter. In July and August negligible amounts of rainfall come in short-lasting showers, after which the weather is fine again. Therefore, during the winter and summer tourist seasons, which bring in the largest number of visitors, there is little precipitation. Such a climate has a great effect on health, a fact that is acknowledged by the experts as well.

WATERS, THERMO-MINERAL SPRINGS AND SPAS

Kopaonik would not be so attractive had nature not be quested it with an abundance of cold, radioactive and thermo-mineral waters.

Walking through the tall grass of the Kopaonik meadows, one often steps into a brook or pillowy bog, which sprays the passer-by like a sodden sponge, which had been pressed. When all these creeks and rivulets come down from Ravni Kopaonik to the foothills and flow into the Jošanica, Samokovska or Graševacka rivers, they begin to foam, rumble and thunder. Only this eternal mountain roar reaches the absolute quiet of the fir and spruce forests and the seemingly monotonous pastures. Climbing down to one of these piedmont rivers, one notices a multitude of cevrntije-giant stone cauldrons with whirlpools of foaming water. Frequent watermills and an occasional rolling mill complete with weir, sluice and water wheel, add to the vividness of the attractive foothills scene.
Quite a few radioactive springs are hidden above all these streams, rivulets and their sources. Some of them cling to the very tops of the mountain-Krcmar Voda emerges at 1950 meters above sea level, just below Pancicev Vrh (Pancic's Peak); Marina Voda at 1700 meters; Pajino Preslo and Kaznovske Bacije at almost the same altitude. Every one of these springs has more then 11.5 Mach units of radioactivity. Krcmar Voda, with 74 Mach units, is the most radioactive spring in Yugoslavia. Very cold and slightly mineralized, this water is a particular natural asset of Kopaonik.
Many thermo-mineral springs are found in the foothills of Kopaonik and at places of marked fissuring-in Jošanicka Banja, Bogutovacka Banja, Lukovska Banja and Kuršumlijska Banja, to mention but a few of the nearest thermal springs. "Following Velika Cesma in Vranjska Banja (92°C), the second hottest spring in our country is the main spring in Jošanicka Banja (78.5°C). The springs are curative…" The water of Jošanicka Banja is used for treatment by bathing, drinking, gargling and inhaling.
Lukovska Banja, a natural spa well know since the Roman age lies in the eastern piedmont of Kopoanik, at an altitude of 700m above sea level. It boasts eight springs with alkaline mineral water, whose temperature varies from 36°C to 56°C. Mud baths with a temperature of 37.5°C are also used for therapeutically purposes.
Kuršumlijska Banja, south of Kuršumlija, also in the eastern piedmont of Kopaonik, is a health spa "with one spring bordering upon another". There are ten springs of sulphurous water there, their temperatures being from 38°C to 57°C. Another produces alkaline mineral water of 30°C.
Bogutovacka Banja lies on the left bank of the Ibar and not directly below Kopaonik itself. However, it is very close to the mountain and its got water coming to the surface is a consequence of tectonic movements in the wider Kopaonik region. It has three springs of slightly sulphurous and radioactive, hypothermal water, with a temperature of 24.7°C.
We have mentioned only those thermo-mineral springs and spas which are situated either in the foothills of Kopaonik or very close by. Other well-known spas lie within a radius of 50 kilometers: Vrnjacka Banja, Mataruška Banja, Novopazarska Banja as well as many small thermae that have not yet been developed.
All the natural splendor of Kopaonik is not yet well-known or sufficiently exploited. The mountain is noted for its abundance of strawberries, blackberries, raspberries and bilberries. The eastern slopes of Rendara and the northern sides of Pancicev Vrh have miles of bilberry groves, which bring scores of people out from the nearby villages to pick the fruit in August. In the last ten years or so, Kriva Reka, the highest village on Kopaonik (about 1250 meters above sea level) has become better known due to the cultivation of raspberries and currants.
Because of all these natural characteristics and beauty, the great Yugoslav scientist, Josif Pancic, was especially fond of Kopaonik. He climbed it sixteen times-the last time at the age of 72. Enjoying the splendors of Kopaonik, on several occasions he expressed his wish to be buried there. His wish was fulfilled only in 1951 when his remains were transferred and buried on the highest peak, which was named after this great man (Pancicev Vrh-2017m above sea level). The founder of the Serbian Academy of Sciences, a man who explored and admired this mountain for so long, now lies there forever.

Bulagarian Mountains

2006-08-24T08:51:00.000-07:00

Rugged snow-capped peaks and soft green slopes, cool forests carrying the aroma of herbs and wild fruit, quick-flowing rivers and crystal-clear blue lakes, mineral springs and bioreserves, rare plants and game, large climatic and ski resorts and small picturesque villages with living traditions and folklore every Bulgarian mountain has its own characteristic appearance, fascination and beautiful name.

RILA - the most majestic Bulgarian Mountain, highest peak Moussala (2,925 m); - 219 high-mountain takes, over 2,000 plant varieties and a rich animal world; - the natural setting for Bulgaria's most famous monastery - RILA MONASTERY, and the country's oldest winter resort - BOROVETS.

PIRIN - the country’s second highest mountain, highest peak Vihren (2,914 in); - 176 mountain lakes and about 100 varieties of rare plants, including the edelweiss and the famous Baikousheva fir, almost 1,300 years old; - location of the well-known climatic and spa resort of SANDANSKI and the latest Bulgarian ski center BANSKO.
See also information about Pirin National Park

THE RHODOPES - The greenest and most picturesque Bulgarian mountains, linked with the legend of the mythical singer Orpheus, snow and sun, clean air, mild climate with a Mediterranean influence, original folklore and superb cuisine, cordial and hospitable people, the largest ski resort - Pamporovo, the most popular place for ecotourism - Momchilovtsi.

VITOSHA - The green mountain of the million-large Bulgarian capital Sofia, the most frequented Bulgarian mountain, attractive during any season, two wildlife reserves, three climatic zones, highest peak Cherni Vruh (2,286 in), varied flora and fauna, curative mineral springs and a rare natural phenomenon - eight Moraines, a popular mountain resort for winter holidays and skiing, modern hotels and ski facilities.
Vitosha offers skiing near Sofia - the capital of Bulgaria.

THE BALKAN RANGE (Stara Planina) - The mountain which gave its name to a peninsula - THE BALKAN PENINSULA, and life to a state - BULGARIA, the biggest and longest mountain chain crossing the entire country, highest peak Botev (2,376 m), 700 km long mountain ridge, ideal for hiking tours, steep rocks and intriguing caves , of equal attraction to tourists, mountaineers and speleologist, picturesque National Revival towns and museum villages, offering excellent possibilities for ecotourism: Kotel, Zheravna, Tryavna, Arbanassi, Bozhentsi, Etura.

The SREDNA GORA mountains are situated in the central part of Bulgaria, between the Balkan Range and the Thrace plain. The highest peak is Mt. Bogdan - 1604 m. The Sredna Gora Mountains give rise to the rivers Topolnitsa, Luda Yana, Pyasuchnik, etc. The Sredna Gora Mountains are famous for the mineral springs and balneological sanatoria in Hisarya, Pavel Banya, Strelcha, Krasnovo, Banya, Stara Zagora.

Italian Mountains

2006-08-24T04:04:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Italy's mountainous geography, the country offers plenty of good ski resorts, including the famous Cortina d'Ampezzo and Courmayeur. The best winter sports facilities can be found in Italy's northern, Alpine regions, which are well-served by flights from Canada. But even the south of Italy can offer a few winter sports options. Skiing is popular in Italy and, thanks to the number of ski resorts, a fairly commonplace activity. A large proportion of Italians, in addition to their month-long summer holiday, will take a 'settimana bianca' (white week) and spend a week skiing in the winter.

In the north-west of Italy, Turin is one of the most convenient budget airports for ski holidays. It is also the base for the 2006 Winter Olympics. Directly west of Turin, and very close to the border with France, lies the Valle di Susa, a valley on the Turin-Paris trainline. In this area there are several busy ski resorts, including Sauze d'Oulx, Bardonecchia and the fashionable and modern Sestriere (2035m). Sestriere lies in the Valle del Chisone, and is a well-developed resort with 20 ski-lifts, an ice-skating rink and cross-country trails. Buses run to Sestriere from Turin; alternatively local buses travel from Oulx station on the Turin-France railway. Further north lies the Valle d'Aosta, a large area with a distinct identity of its own. French is spoken here as well as Italian. Castles, pine forests and wooden chalets shelter in the shadows of high peaks including some of Europe's mightiest mountains: Gran Paradiso, Mont Blanc, the Matterhorn, Monte Rosa. Courmayeur is one of Italy's best and most glamorous ski resorts; offering masses of downhill skiing, ice-skating, cross-country skiing, cable-cars, chairlifts and helicopters. The resort lies at the foot of Mont Blanc, and caters for summer as well as winter skiing.

Other good destinations in this area include Breuil-Cervinia, the spa town St Vincent, Pila and Cogne. Over to the north-east of Italy are the Dolomites (Dolomiti), an extensive mountain range offering countless possibilities for winter sports and summer holidays. 12 different skiing areas are linked together to form the 'Dolomiti Superski' network. Resorts in this area include the popular Madonna di Campiglio and Cortina d'Ampezzo, one of the most well-known ski resorts in Italy.
Although the Alpine areas of northern Italy offer the most well-known and developed resorts, Italy's mountainous backbone creates plenty of more southerly opportunities for winter sports. The Gran Sasso, east of Rome, is home to the Campo Felice ski resort, with 16 lifts and a ski school. In Calabria, the Sila Massif offers 35km of cross-country skiing trails, although only 2 downhill slopes.

Swedish Mountains

2006-08-24T03:38:00.000-07:00

The Mountain ranges in Sweden are located near the Norwegian border, generally known as Skanderna. The mountain range stretches over 1,000 km in the north-west. The highest mountain, Kebnekaise, reaches 2,111 metres above sea level, which is comparitavely small. The Swedish mountains are very old and have eroded over millions of years, giving them a round shape and low height. but, they all have a flat top in common, as well as deep valleys. Since the timber line is at a low altitude this far north it is easy to reach and experience the impressive nature above the trees. The mountains in Sweden provide vast possibilities of recreation both during the winter, as well as during the summer season. It is also the best place to experience the Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis - a truly magic sight.
During the winter season the mountains are excellent for skiing, in all its varying styles, whereas in the summer trekking and fishing are popular. The national parks, such as Sarek, Stora Sjöfallet, Padjelanta, or the Kungsleden between Abisko and Hemavan provide great opportunities to experience some of the largest areas of wildlife this far north.
When mentioning national parks, Swedes think of the great protected mountain regions in the north of Sweden. Sarek is one of the most famous parks in the heart of what the northern landscape has to offer. The Rapa valley attracts many people who want to experience this scenic nature during the summer in the light of the midnight sun.

Some other parks worth mentioning are Gotska Sandön, national park Gotland, the national park Sonfjället in Jämtland/Härjedalen, Stora Sjöfallet, Padjelanta, or Kungsleden (a long trekking trail) between Abisko and Hemavan, in the north. There are also the Karlsö Islands, Öland/Gotland, which are reserves for endangered birds, as well as having 35 of Sweden's 40 orchid species. In the larger cities there are botanical gardens which provide the possibility to stroll up and down alleys of rare plants, native as well as foreign.

Stenshuvud National Park is a beautiful park located in Skåne, on the east coast.

Natural reserves are frequent, especially along the coastline, protecting birds and seals.

Slovakia's Mountains

2006-08-23T11:28:00.000-07:00

In Slovakia you can find many ski-resorts. Often are they rather small, but there are some bigger resorts. But you can not compare the ski-resorts in Slovakia to the Alps or other western European ski-resorts. Most of the ski-resorts in Slovakia are situated in the two highest mountain ranges, the High Tatras (Vysoke Tatry) and the Low Tatras (Nizke Tatry). The Slovakian mountains are a part of the Carpathian mountain range. Slovakia was a candidate for the winter Olympics in 2006.The High Tatras are 52 km long.

They rise over northern Slovakia and southern Poland. As the name indicate you can find the highest mountain in Slovakia here, in fact the highest mountains in the whole of the Carpathian range. The highest of them all is Gerlachovsky Stit (2655 m). Southwest of the the High Tatras you find the Low Tatras. The highest peak is Dumbier (2043 m). Here is Slovakias largest and the best resort for downhill skiing,Jasna
I have managed to get some input about snowboarding in Slovakia. The best resort for free riding is Jasna on the north side of Mt Chopok. The best time for good Snowconditions is at the end of February and during March. In Svit - Lopusna Dolina (not far from Poprad, in the High Tatras) they have a Half-pipe. Donovaly, the Low Tatras, has Snowboard park. Best time to visit is from January until March.

My advices to you:

Don´t plan your accommodation to the village Tatranska Strba. Instead try to get accommodation in Zdiar (very nice village) or Tatranska Lomnica or Stary Smokovec.
During the New Year it is many people in the High Tatras, and probably also in the Low Tatras. If it is little snow, the lift-queues in the ski-resorts that are open grows very quickly and long. Try to go here another time of the year.
If you are planning to rent a cottage. Make sure that heating, water etc is included in the price. Ask many questions about house (state that you want "holiday house"), it is better with one more questions than one to little. Most of all don´t let yourself be scared about my story above, there are several nice cottages in the High Tatras

Jahorina

2006-08-23T11:13:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Jahorina, the olympic mountain, which met the best skiers of the world during the 14th winter olympic games.
When you visit us, over 20 km of the best ski tracks for alpine skiing well be on your disposition. They all have excellent connections with seven modern haulage cables and six ski-lifts which capacity is over 10.000 skiers per hour-you’ll also have all the facilities of our ski schools and ski services.

Near to the ski tracks are huts with all sorts of drinks and grill dishes. So enjoy the alpine skiing ski jumping, sledging, ski cross-country, night skiing, walking and have a pleasant staying as well as all kinds of entertainment at our hotel.

There are many great hotels, like Yahorina and Bistrica.

Yahorina:Hotel is situated on the most beautiful slopes of the olympic mountain Jahorina. Only 12 km from Sarajevo, linked with an asphalt road.
This is a B class hotel.
Capacity: 126 rooms, 286 beds and 4 suites. Only 150 metres from ski terrains.
Amenities: aperitif bar, fire place lounge, TV room, caffee, doscoteque, ski check, boutique, newspaper stand, post office and exchange office.

Bistrica:This is an A class hotel.
Capacity: 152 rooms, 284 beds and 8 suites, 150 metres from the Olympic ski pistes
Amenities: aperitif bar, fire place lounge, TV room, swimming pool, taverne with music, caffee, pinball room, first aid station, bowling alley, ski check, gym, pool, newspaper stand, boutique, exchange office, playroom for children, sauna.