Stara Planina National Park: Serbia's Untamed Jewel

Discover Serbia's largest mountain range: Hike scenic trails, explore diverse flora & fauna, and experience authentic Balkan culture.

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Stara Planina National Park

Stara Planina National Park, also known as the Balkan Mountains, is a protected natural treasure straddling Serbia and Bulgaria. Renowned for its diverse landscapes, including dramatic peaks like Midžor, lush forests, and cascading waterfalls, it offers a haven for hikers, nature enthusiasts, and those seeking respite from urban life.

A brief summary to Stara Planina National Park

Dobri Do, RS
Visit website

Monday 12 am-12 am
Tuesday 12 am-12 am
Wednesday 12 am-12 am
Thursday 12 am-12 am
Friday 12 am-12 am
Saturday 12 am-12 am
Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

Pack layers, as mountain weather can change rapidly. Even in summer, be prepared for cooler temperatures and potential rain.
Wear sturdy hiking boots with good traction. Trails can be steep and rocky.
Bring plenty of water and snacks, especially if you plan on hiking. Facilities within the park are limited.
Consider visiting the Visitor Center Vrelo near Pirot for information on trails, flora, and fauna.
Try local specialties like lamb roast and senokoški cheese in nearby villages for an authentic culinary experience.

Getting There

Car

From Pirot, take the E761/Route 9 towards Dimitrovgrad. After approximately 30 km, look for signs for Stara Planina National Park and turn onto the local road leading towards the village of Dobri Do. The park entrance is clearly marked. Expect to pay a small entrance fee of around 200 RSD. Parking is available near the entrance for approximately 200 RSD.
Public Transport

From the main bus station in Pirot, take a bus to Dimitrovgrad. Buses run regularly, and tickets can be purchased at the station. From Dimitrovgrad, local buses or taxis can take you to the entrance of Stara Planina National Park in Dobri Do. Confirm the final stop with the driver. The bus trip to Dimitrovgrad should cost around 300 RSD. A taxi from Dimitrovgrad to the park entrance will cost approximately 1000-1500 RSD.
Hiking

For those already in the Stara Planina area, access the park via marked hiking trails. From the village of Babin Zub, follow trails leading into the park. Ensure you have a map or GPS, as some trails may be less well-marked. Be prepared for steep climbs and varying terrain. There is no cost for hiking, but parking in Babin Zub costs 100-300 RSD.

Discover more about Stara Planina National Park

Stara Planina National Park, a jewel in southeastern Serbia, beckons with its raw, untamed beauty. Sharing its expanse with Bulgaria, this mountain range, also called the Balkan Mountains, gave the entire Balkan Peninsula its name. The park encompasses a diverse landscape of soaring peaks, deep gorges, verdant forests, and pristine rivers. At 2,169 meters, Midžor Peak is the highest point in Serbia, offering panoramic views of the surrounding ranges. Babin Zub (Grandma's Tooth), another iconic peak, is known for its unique rock formations and ski resort. The park's varied terrain is a haven for outdoor activities, from hiking and climbing to skiing and paragliding. The park is a biodiversity hotspot, boasting over a thousand plant species, including endemic varieties. Its forests are home to diverse wildlife, including brown bears, wolves, deer and numerous bird species. The park's numerous waterfalls, such as Pilj Waterfall, add to the area's scenic allure. Stara Planina's charm extends beyond its natural wonders. Quaint villages dot the landscape, offering a glimpse into traditional Serbian life. The Temska Monastery, dating back to the 14th century, provides a cultural touchstone, while local cuisine tantalizes with regional specialties like lamb roast and senokoški cheese. Whether you seek challenging hikes, serene nature walks, or cultural immersion, Stara Planina National Park offers an unforgettable escape into the heart of the Balkans.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Видиковац Козји камен

1.9 km

Experience the breathtaking trails and stunning views at Kozji Kameni, a top hiking destination in Velika Lukanja, Serbia.

Old Mountain

8.9 km

Explore the vibrant flavors of Serbia at Old Mountain Grocery Store in Pirot, where local produce meets traditional culinary delights.

Pirotski kej promenade

9.1 km

Explore the stunning Pirotski Kej Promenade, a picturesque park along the Nišava River, perfect for relaxation and local cultural experiences.

Lane Moje

9.5 km

Experience authentic Serbian cuisine at Lane Moje, a cozy restaurant in Pirot, perfect for food lovers seeking local flavors.

Restoran Varoš

9.6 km

Experience authentic Serbian flavors at Restoran Varoš in Pirot, where local ingredients meet traditional cooking in a cozy atmosphere.

Cafe Mrnjak 2

9.7 km

Experience authentic Serbian cuisine at Café Mrnjak 2 in Pirot, where local flavors meet warm hospitality in a cozy setting.

Kafana Dukat Pirot

9.9 km

Discover the heart of Serbian cuisine at Kafana Dukat Pirot, where traditional flavors meet warm hospitality in a vibrant atmosphere.

Излетиште Криви вир - Izletište Krivi vir

11.9 km

Discover the serene beauty of Izletište Krivi Vir, a natural wonder in Serbia perfect for relaxation, hiking, and unforgettable adventures.

Излетиште Криви вир - Izletište Krivi vir

Строги резерват природе Арбиње

14.5 km

Discover the Arbian Nature Reserve, a Serbian gem of untouched landscapes, diverse wildlife, and serene trails for every nature lover.

Tri kladenca (izvor Dojkinačke reke)

16.4 km

Explore Tri Kladenca in Dojkinci, a stunning natural spring offering tranquility, beautiful landscapes, and a glimpse into local Serbian culture.

Hotel Stara Planina

18.7 km

Discover the enchanting beauty of Serbia at Hotel Stara Planina, your ultimate destination for adventure, relaxation, and exceptional hospitality.

Kom Peak

30.6 km

Explore the breathtaking vistas of Kom Peak, a stunning mountain destination in Bulgaria perfect for hiking and nature enthusiasts.

Suva Planina

35.8 km

Explore the breathtaking landscapes and outdoor adventures at Suva Planina, a mountain peak in Serbia that captivates every nature lover's heart.

Trgoviški Timok

40.6 km

Discover the tranquility of Trgoviški Timok, a picturesque river in Serbia perfect for relaxation, exploration, and connecting with nature.

Gramada

52.8 km

Discover the breathtaking beauty of Gramada, a stunning mountain peak in Drajinci, perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers seeking unforgettable vistas.

Unmissable attractions to see

Best View of Pirot

7.5 km

Immerse yourself in the breathtaking views of Pirot, Serbia, where nature and culture harmoniously blend to create an unforgettable experience.

Museum of Ponišavlje

9.0 km

Explore the Museum of Ponišavlje and immerse yourself in the rich heritage and history of Pirot, Serbia, through captivating exhibitions and local stories.

River promenade Pirot

9.1 km

Discover the enchanting River Promenade in Pirot, a serene park offering breathtaking views and a vibrant atmosphere perfect for relaxation and exploration.

Fortress Kale Momchilo's Town

9.7 km

Explore Fortress Kale in Pirot, a stunning historical site offering breathtaking views and a glimpse into Serbia's rich architectural heritage.

Waterfall Tupavica

10.0 km

Experience the enchanting beauty of Waterfall Tupavica, a hidden gem in Dojkinci, Serbia, where nature's splendor awaits every visitor.

Temska Monastery

11.5 km

Explore the spiritual haven of Temska Monastery, a perfect blend of history, nature, and tranquility in the heart of Serbia.

Ethno center Topli Do - Stara Planina

14.5 km

Experience the enchanting blend of nature and culture at Ethno Center Topli Do, your perfect retreat in Stara Planina, Serbia.

Строги резерват природе Арбиње

14.5 km

Discover the stunning landscapes and serene tranquility of Arbiće Nature Reserve in Dojkinci, Serbia, a perfect getaway for nature enthusiasts and adventurers.

Славињско Грло-кањон-Rosomački Lonci

15.8 km

Discover the breathtaking Rosomački Lonci Canyon in Slavinja, a hiking paradise that offers stunning views and unforgettable adventures in nature.

Slavinjsko Grlo

15.8 km

Explore the enchanting landscapes and rich heritage of Slavinjsko Grlo, Southern Serbia's hidden gem for nature lovers and culture seekers.

Stara planina

18.1 km

Explore Stara Planina, Serbia's hidden gem offering breathtaking landscapes, outdoor adventures, and rich cultural experiences in one stunning destination.

Skijalište Stara Planina

18.6 km

Experience the breathtaking beauty and thrilling adventures at Skijalište Stara Planina, Serbia's premier ski resort for all winter sports enthusiasts.

Babin Zub

18.7 km

Experience the breathtaking views and outdoor adventures at Babin Zub, a stunning mountain peak in Crni Vrh, Serbia.

Sukovo Monastery

18.7 km

Explore Sukovo Monastery, a tranquil sanctuary in Serbia with rich history, stunning architecture, and a serene atmosphere perfect for reflection.

ORLOVA STENA

18.7 km

Discover the breathtaking views at Orlova Stena, a serene observation deck in Serbia's stunning natural landscape.

Essential places to dine

Kafana Mali Pevac

8.2 km

Experience authentic Serbian flavors at Kafana Mali Pevac in Pirot, where tradition meets hospitality in every delicious bite.

Vitina Iža

8.2 km

Discover authentic Serbian cuisine at Vitina Iža in Pirot, where tradition meets hospitality in every dish.

Stara Lipa

8.9 km

Experience authentic Serbian cuisine at Stara Lipa in Pirot - where tradition meets flavor.

Restoran Ladna Voda

9.0 km

Discover authentic Serbian cuisine at Restoran Ladna Voda in Pirot - where tradition meets taste in every dish.

Smek

9.1 km

Experience authentic Serbian cuisine at Smek, where every dish tells a story of tradition and flavor in the heart of Pirot.

RESTORAN MINO 6

9.1 km

Discover authentic Serbian flavors at Restoran Mino 6 in Pirot – perfect for families seeking delicious local cuisine.

Youth

9.1 km

Discover authentic Serbian flavors at Youth in Pirot – where quality meets affordability in a warm setting.

Canucks Pub

9.2 km

Discover authentic Serbian flavors at Canucks Pub in Pirot - where every meal feels like home.

Aqua Caffe & Restaurant

9.3 km

Discover family-friendly dining at Aqua Caffe & Restaurant in Pirot, where authentic local flavors meet warm hospitality.

Terrassa bar&grill

9.4 km

Discover exceptional grill dishes at Terrassa Bar & Grill in Pirot, where local flavors meet inviting ambiance for an unforgettable dining experience.

Jazzva Caffe & Restaurant

9.5 km

Experience authentic Serbian cuisine at Jazzva Caffe & Restaurant in Pirot – where every meal is a celebration of flavor.

Пицерија "Paradiso+"

9.5 km

Discover delicious pizza and authentic Serbian cuisine at Paradiso+, the perfect dining destination in Pirot.

Euphoria Bar&Grill

9.5 km

Discover authentic Serbian cuisine at Euphoria Bar&Grill in Pirot – where tradition meets contemporary dining.

Kod Piroćanca Restoran Pirot

9.6 km

Discover the authentic taste of Serbia at Kod Piroćanca Restoran in Pirot – where tradition meets flavor in every bite.

Restoran Desetka Pirot

9.6 km

Experience authentic Serbian cuisine in a charming garden setting at Restoran Desetka Pirot – where every meal tells a story.

Explore the best in sportswear at Extrasport, Pirot's go-to destination for athletes and fitness lovers.

Stara Planina National Park: Serbia's Untamed Jewel

A brief summary to Stara Planina National Park

Local tips

Getting There

Car

Public Transport

Hiking

Unlock the Best of Stara Planina National Park

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Stara Planina National Park

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Видиковац Козји камен

Old Mountain

Pirotski kej promenade

Lane Moje

Restoran Varoš

Cafe Mrnjak 2

Kafana Dukat Pirot

Излетиште Криви вир - Izletište Krivi vir

Строги резерват природе Арбиње

Tri kladenca (izvor Dojkinačke reke)

Hotel Stara Planina

Kom Peak

Suva Planina

Trgoviški Timok

Gramada

Unmissable attractions to see

Best View of Pirot

Museum of Ponišavlje

River promenade Pirot

Fortress Kale Momchilo's Town

Waterfall Tupavica

Temska Monastery

Ethno center Topli Do - Stara Planina

Строги резерват природе Арбиње

Славињско Грло-кањон-Rosomački Lonci

Slavinjsko Grlo

Stara planina

Skijalište Stara Planina

Babin Zub

Sukovo Monastery

ORLOVA STENA

Essential places to dine

Kafana Mali Pevac

Vitina Iža

Stara Lipa

Restoran Ladna Voda

Smek

RESTORAN MINO 6

Youth

Canucks Pub

Aqua Caffe & Restaurant

Terrassa bar&grill

Jazzva Caffe & Restaurant

Пицерија "Paradiso+"

Euphoria Bar&Grill

Kod Piroćanca Restoran Pirot

Restoran Desetka Pirot

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

DIKA outlet Pirot

NITOM Outlet Shop Pirot

Pelivan

MODNO DEKORATIVNI STUDIO BAJKA

Cvecara i prodavnica balona DECOR PARTY B&B Pirot

NITOM Shop Pirot

Aleksa Stil

Gomex

Elvet Electronic ДОО

Puls Shopping Park

JYSK Pirot

SATINI TR

Planeta Sport

Rekord

Extrasport

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

Romansa01

Klub Zabave 8

Краљев Чардак