Mavrovo and Rostuša: Events, Trails and Attractions

Galichnik: two annual events

In Mavrovo and Rostuša, two annual events in Galichnik offer concrete guidance when choosing when to travel. The Galichnik Wedding Festival takes place every year on St. Peter’s Day (Petrovden), July 12. The Art Colony in Galichnik is also held every year, but in August. The difference is clear for planning: the festival has a specific calendar date, while the Art Colony is scheduled for a month. Before your trip, check the latest announcements about the festival and information about the relevant edition of the Art Colony.

The Church of St. Nicholas in Mavrovo

The Church of St. Nicholas was built in 1857 in the then-existing village of Mavrovo. In 1957, it was flooded during construction of the Mavrovo hydroelectric facilities. On rare occasions, when the lake level falls, the submerged church becomes visible. Exactly one hundred years passed between its construction and flooding.

Cave and hiking trails

Sharkova Dupka Cave in Mavrovo can be visited in organized groups. A winding metal staircase leads to its first underground chamber, and the cave is fully illuminated by spotlights. If you are planning a visit, check the current arrangements in advance.

Duf Waterfall lies at the end of Duf Gorge and is about 25 metres high. From the centre of Rostuše, you can reach Duf Waterfall via a marked trail through Duf Gorge in about 30 minutes. The trail is easy to walk, but has steep sections in several places and is secured with a wooden railing. Trail conditions can change; take this into account when planning.

Another hiking trail starts at the ski centre in Mavrovo and ends at the Chavkarnik site near the sheepfold. The routes have different described features: for the trail to Duf Waterfall, an approximate duration and trail conditions are provided; for the route from the ski centre, the start and finish are the specific landmarks.

Excursion and cheese tasting in Galichnik

From Galichnik, a guided excursion follows a forest trail, with a stop at the river springs and a visit to the Church of St. Petka, described as the smallest church in the Balkans. The tour is scheduled to run from June to October. Check in advance whether it is offered on your travel dates.

The cheese-tasting experience called “Easy Mountain Cheese Tasting Experience” follows the Galichnik–Smrdlivi Virovi–Caushica–Galichnik route. This route is a separate planning consideration from the guided excursion to the river springs and St. Petka. Before your trip, check whether the cheese tasting is available on your dates.

Discover more destinations: Mavrovo, Mavrovi Anovi, Nikiforovo, Janche, Lazaropole, Galichnik, Rostushe, Trebishte, Leunovo.

For the main travel overview: Macedonia.