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Kopaonik(Serbian: Koпaoник), situated in Serbia, is the highest mountain in the regions of Serbia. It is located in the southern part of central Serbia. The highest peak is 2,017 metres above sea level, Pancic's Peak. Kopaonik also has a national park, as declared in 1981. The national park's area is 11,810 hectares, and is spread over the central part of the Kopaonik plateau.
Kopaonik's national park covers an area of 11,810 ha. Like many other national parks, it's purpose is to protect the natural beauty and scenery in the area, as well as species of plants and animals. Deciduous forests and native coniferous woodland make up most of the forested land in the Kopaonik national park. There are many different kinds of birds in Kopaonik too. Some of the different kinds of birds are the rock partridge, scops owl, red-backed shrike, and the wood lark. Soil leaching is no threat in the national park, due to logging and deforestation being no hazard.
The basis of this national park is formed by a vast, high mountainous and relatively flat region at an altitude of about 1,700 metres. This central Kopaonik plateau is called Suvo Rudiste. It is surrounded by mountainous peaks. To the north and northwest of this plateau stretches Banjski Kopaonik, which is the well-known location of Josanicka Banja spa, with its strong springs whose waters reach the temperature of 88 degrees Celsius. Directly below the Suvo Rudiste plateau starts the attractive and picturesque valley of the Samokovska River, characterized by its steep run, numerous rapids, falls and gorges.
Tourism
Sports and recreation are key factors to the tourism of Kopaonik. Kopaonik is mainly a destination for skiing and snowboarding. There are various other activities as well, such as tennis. Other features which attract tourists are a luxurious hotel, and entertainment. Kopaonik has many cafes, bars and night clubs. It is the largest mountain in Serbia, more than 100 km long. Its highest peak is Suvo Rudiste (also called Pancic's Peak) at 2,017 metres above sea level. The duration and quality of snowfall and ideal skiing grounds have been attracting a rapidly increasing the number of guests.
Kopaonik's flora is characterized by a large number of autochthonous plant species (the Balkan beech, fir, spruce, yew, several kinds of maple, pine and oak). The fauna is also diverse but its concentration varies, depending on the quality of the habitat.
This mountain has enormous resources for the development of tourism. The entire park is characterised by its extraordinary natural beauty: vast expanses of grassland, picturesque forests composed of a wide variety of tree species, beauty spots, deep river gorges. The snow blanket lasts a long time on this mountain and in view of its good relief, there are excellent conditions for the further expansion of winter tourism there.
The tourist resort on the Kopaonik includes hotels, rest houses, chairlifts, excellent ski slopes and many other tourist facilities.
The Kopaonik is well-connected with the main transport routes in Serbia. The central part of Kopaonik with the tourist center and ski slopes are linked with the Ibar Highway by a modern tarmac road. The nearest airport is in Niš.
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