Kopaonik is one of the most famous mountains in Serbia. Aside from being a popular ski resort, it is also a national park, a biodiversity hotspot, and a cultural region with monasteries, medieval fortresses, and traditional villages. For German tourists, the destination is easy to reach from Belgrade or Niš. The journey takes you through valleys and scenic routes before you arrive at the “Mountain of the Sun.” Renting a car is the most practical way to travel, giving you freedom to explore at your own pace. Our Kopaonik road trip guide will help you find the best routes, attractions, and activities.
Kopaonik has several nicknames that describe its unique character, such as the “Mountain of the Sun,” the “Silver Mountain,” and the “Roof of Serbia.” The climate is perfect for summer and winter activities with over 200 sunny days yearly and an average snow cover of 159 days. Kopaonik is about 280 kilometers from Belgrade and 128 kilometers from Niš. The mountain became a national park in 1981 and covers an area of 11,810 hectares. It is recognized as one of the most critical biodiversity hotspots in the Balkans. Here you can see endemic plants such as the Kopaonik violet and the Kopaonik houseleek, along with more than 170 bird species, wildcats, deer, and owls.
Kopaonik is easy to reach by car, especially when arriving at Niš Airport. Renting a car before arrival saves time, allowing you to start your road trip right away. The total driving time is around 2 hours and 35 minutes, covering about 128 kilometers. This drive is considered the best route to Kopaonik due to its smooth roads and scenic mountain views.
From Niš city center, head west along Generala Milojka Lešjanina street and pass small local shops and banks. Follow signs for Route 158, then merge onto the A1 motorway. After about 6 kilometers, take the exit for Route 35, heading southwest. Drive along Route 35, passing through Prokuplje and Blace. Here, the scenery becomes more rural, with farmlands and small rivers lining the road.
Make a right onto Route 38 in Blace and continue until you reach Brus, a small mountain town. You can stop here for fuel and snacks. From Brus, take Route 211, a mountain road that winds up toward Kopaonik National Park. The drive is slower here, with curves and scenic overlooks. Before reaching the ski village, you will pass local landmarks like Apartment Lavina and Ski servis i rental - Kraljevi Čardaci.
Kopaonik is a national park that protects one of Serbia's most valuable ecosystems. Walk around here to see landscapes shaped by volcanic activity, mineral springs, and centuries of natural growth.
The park is home to dense beech, spruce, fir, and oak forests covering large parts of the slopes. Kopaonik is also famous for its endemic plants, such as the Kopaonik violet, the Kopaonik houseleek, and Cardamine pancicii, which grow only in this region. Wildlife is also rich: more than 170 bird species live here, including golden eagles, peregrine falcons, and owls. Mammals such as wildcats, deer, and dormice can also be found in the forests. Visitors often explore natural landmarks like Jošanica Lake, Semeteško Lake with its floating islands, and Jelovarnik Waterfall, the tallest waterfall in Serbia.
The mountain has dense forests, open alpine meadows, and broad plateaus like Ravni Kopaonik. Its volcanic past left behind mineral springs such as Krčmar and Marine Vode, which are still active today. The climate is subalpine, with cold air flowing into the surrounding valleys. This keeps winter temperatures milder than those of other mountains. It also creates stable winter skiing conditions and clear visibility for hiking and summer paragliding activities.
When the snow melts, Kopaonik becomes a green mountain full of fresh air, forests, and waterfalls. German travellers in Serbia can enjoy hiking, biking, and exploring natural and cultural sites during this time.
Hiking is one of the most popular summer activities in Kopaonik. You can follow scenic routes to Pančić Peak, which stands at 2,017 meters, or challenge yourself on trails leading to Treska and Nebeske Stolice. Walking takes you to sites like Metođe sanctuary and Marko’s Rock, where you pass through spruce, beech forests, and open meadows. Guided hikes are available through the National Park, but you can also explore marked paths alone.
For adrenaline seekers, Kopaonik has summer sports. The Bike Park, built in 2012 as the first of its kind in Serbia, has marked trails with obstacles for mountain biking. The zip line takes you across forest meadows with wide views of the slopes, while the alpine coaster is a downhill ride for children and adults.
Late July and early August are special times on the mountain because this is the season for blueberry picking. Locals and visitors collect the sweet forest fruit in baskets. Mushroom lovers also come here to find edible species. Festivals such as Blueberry Days and the Boletus Mushroom Festival celebrate these products with food tastings and family events.
Summer is also the best time to visit Kopaonik’s water attractions. The Graševica River Waterfall is a refreshing stop surrounded by untouched nature. The Jelovarnik Waterfall, at 71 meters high, is hidden in a deep forest. Another unique site is Semeteško Lake, famous for its floating islands that move across the surface with the wind. The Samokovska River is perfect for peaceful walks, where you can listen to the sound of water while enjoying the mountain views.
You can visit Studenica Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site, along with Žiča, Gradac, and St. John’s Church. The Metođe sanctuary, carved into rock, is another remarkable site. Fortresses such as Stari Ras, Zvečan, Koznik, and Maglić tell the story of medieval Serbia. For a look at everyday life, visit the Račanska Ethno Village, where you can see traditional houses and crafts, or stop by the Kopaonik Museum, which keeps the cultural memory of the mountain.
If you want to see the wilder side of Kopaonik, try a quad biking tour. These tours take you through spruce forests and open meadows, showing parts of the mountain that are harder to reach on foot. No driving license is needed, only an ID, and guides lead every group for safety. Tours usually run from May to November, depending on snow coverage, and private options can include longer routes.
For an unforgettable view of the “Roof of Serbia,” paragliding is one of the best activities. Licensed pilots from the national team offer tandem flights that are safe and thrilling. Take-off points include Suvo Rudište, Orlove Stene, Srebrnac, Bela Reka, and Kokorovac. You do not need any previous flying experience, only proper clothing and the courage to run a few steps at take-off. Flights usually last 5 to 13 minutes, depending on wind, and include a video to take the memory home.
Kopaonik is ideal for skiing, snowboarding, and other snow activities. Here are some winter activities German tourists can enjoy:
Kopaonik has more than 60 kilometers of ski slopes, divided into 15 easy blue trails, 10 medium red trails, and 7 advanced black trails. The longest downhill run is 3.5 kilometers, and there are 6 FIS-certified tracks for slalom and giant slalom competitions. With 24 ski lifts carrying about 30,000 skiers per hour, you will not wait long to reach the slopes. The Pančić panoramic lift takes you almost to the top of the mountain for beautiful views. Night skiing is also available on the Krst and Karaman Greben slopes, where lights create a magical atmosphere.
If you prefer a quieter activity, try snowshoeing. This eco-friendly way to enjoy the snow is easy to learn. Tours usually last 2 to 3 hours and take you to places like Metođe, Gobelja, Treska, Marko’s Rock, or a night hike to Pančić Peak. The resort's equipment is available for rent, and guides can take you safely through untouched landscapes. There are also about 12 kilometers of Nordic ski trails, though they are less popular than alpine skiing.
For advanced skiers, Kopaonik also has off-piste skiing in areas like Ledenice. These zones require a skilled local guide and large snow coverage, but they reward you with untouched powder and thrilling descents. Ski touring and splitboard activities are newer options on the mountain, and guided tours are available for those who want to try. These activities let you explore beyond the main ski center and experience the wilder side of the “Roof of Serbia.”
Another exciting option is a snowmobile tour, which usually runs from December to March, depending on snow levels. Tours depart every 90 minutes from the resort center and are always guided for safety. No driving license is needed, and two people can share one snowmobile. Helmets and glasses are provided, while warm clothes, gloves, and proper shoes are required. Families with children are welcome if at least one parent joins. For something extra, you can book a private tour with a longer route and a lunch break in nature.
Kopaonik is a year-round destination. The ski season is in full swing from December to March, with reliable snow, active slopes, and winter sports like snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and spa visits. From April to October, the mountain changes into a green landscape, perfect for hiking, cycling, rafting, and foraging for wild fruits. Each season has charm, so the best time depends on your interests. Families often visit in summer for outdoor fun, while winter attracts skiers across Europe.
Once in Kopaonik, you can use panoramic gondolas, chairlifts, or guided off-road tours to explore local attractions. Visiting the Kopaonik National Park is free, but many activities have seasonal fees. The ski center charges for ski passes, with prices depending on the number of days. Gondolas, zip lines, and the alpine coaster also require tickets.
Museums and cultural sites have fixed entry prices, usually with discounts for children, students, and pensioners. Natural attractions such as Semeteško Lake or Jelovarnik Waterfall can be visited without fees. Opening hours depend on the season, so it is always best to check before your trip, especially for guided tours and adventure activities.
A road trip to Kopaonik is one of the most rewarding journeys in Serbia. The mountain combines skiing, hiking, spas, and culture in a way that appeals to every traveller. For German tourists, it is easy to reach from Belgrade or Niš, and the drive itself offers views of valleys, rivers, and traditional villages. Rent a car in Serbia with Final Rentals to freely explore not just the resort, but also the lakes, waterfalls, and monasteries scattered around the region.
