Kopaonik – Open Space, Wind and Wild Berries

 

 A Walk Along the Kopaonik Ridge

Kopaonik is one of the most famous mountain ranges in Serbia, and the ski resort located at its heart is considered one of the most important in the entire region.

Built on a high-mountain plateau, the settlement serves as the starting point for numerous ski slopes that draw crowds during the winter. However, the history of this place goes much deeper than sports infrastructure. In the past, the Kopaonik massif was renowned for its rich mineral deposits. Intensive mining of silver, lead and zinc ores was already carried out here in the Middle Ages. Traces of past exploitation, including large open-pit mines, remain etched into the rugged terrain to this day, serving as reminders of the industrial history of these ridges before the area was designated a national park.

The initial impression made by the ski centre itself, nestling in the basin, did not promise any real enchantment. Everything changed after ascending higher and opening up the perspective. Overcoming a 300-metre elevation gain from the centre to an altitude of around 2,000 metres above sea level revealed a vast open space, with numerous peaks encircling the entire basin. From this vantage point, the terrain's layout becomes entirely clear. The broad tracks connecting individual elevations to the main plateau are clear as day, allowing one to plan and choose their own walking route. It must be admitted that skiers have an extraordinarily wide selection of slopes and downhill variants at their disposal.

The true and most delightful surprise at an altitude of 2,000 metres turned out to be the ubiquitous bilberry bushes. Although the fruits themselves are relatively small, their abundance along the paths was astounding. The bilberries were ripe, yet firm enough to be easily picked straight from the bush. After several hours of walking since breakfast, my stomach was already empty, so a generous feast straight from nature came at the perfect moment. Walking around the highest elevation of the massif – Pančićev vrh – it was a joy to savour the taste of fresh bilberries, even though a cold mountain wind made itself felt in places.

Shortly afterwards, another surprise appeared in the form of huge patches of raspberries. At this altitude, the raspberry bushes are compact and low-growing, but they conceal an abundance of fruit. Though small in size, they proved exceptionally tasty, making it difficult to tear myself away.

Time, however, was limited, as the return bus to Vikend Naselje was leaving from the centre in an hour, and there was still a fair distance left to walk. The descent was made with a firm resolve to return to these same parts of the mountains in two days, this time equipped with containers for bilberries and raspberries. The entire five-hour walk through new places brought immense satisfaction and a sense of time well spent in open space.

Photos:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/FQaDAuEXMX4kUFsa8

Ginkgi & Gaia