Camping in North Macedonia

Special features of camping in North Macedonia

Nestled between Serbia in the north and Greece in the south, this small landlocked country, now officially called "North Macedonia" since 12 February 2019, on the Balkan Peninsula boasts a fascinating landscape. Lake Ohrid, for example, was quite rightly declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The nearby Galičica National Park in the south-west of the country attracts hikers to the densely forested landscape. Those interested in culture should travel to the capital Skopje for camping in North Macedonia.

Destinations in North Macedonia

While the Macedonian capital Skopje is interesting for cultural travellers, the city of Ohrid on the shores of the lake of the same name attracts nature lovers.

Skopje

At the campsites in North Macedonia around Skopje, guests can combine a holiday in nature with a city break. The country's capital is characterised by numerous religious buildings. The towering minaret of the Isa Bey Mosque can be recognised from afar. It is also worth taking a walk across the city's landmark: the historic 15th century stone bridge over the Vardar. Just a few minutes' walk from the river is the Old Bazaar, where there are numerous shopping opportunities. Active holidaymakers are drawn from the campsites near Skopje to the city's local mountain, Vodno. The Millennium Cross at the summit can be reached on a scenic hike or by cable car.

Ohrid

The fascinating town of Ohrid is located on the lake of the same name in the south-west of the country. There are numerous campsites around Lake Ohrid for families, hikers and water sports enthusiasts to choose from. From here, a tour of the town takes in St Sophia's Church in typical Macedonian style or the fortress of Tsar Samuil at the highest point of Ohrid. The lake, which is probably the oldest in Europe with a depth of almost 300 metres, delights water sports enthusiasts and those seeking peace and quiet. Dog owners can get to know nature with their four-legged friends at the pet-friendly campsites in North Macedonia on Lake Ohrid. Hikers are drawn to the densely forested Galičica National Park, which is located between Lake Ohrid and Lake Prespa and offers fantastic viewpoints.

Best time to visit

Due to the diverse landscape, the climate in North Macedonia varies depending on the region: in the mountains with peaks over 2,500 metres high, it snows a lot in winter and the summers are cool and humid. If you are travelling to the east for camping, be prepared for hot summer temperatures. In Skopje, for example, it gets very warm in July and August with temperatures of more than 30 degrees Celsius.

The west of North Macedonia is characterised by a Mediterranean climate. Lake Ohrid on the Albanian border has the lowest rainfall compared to the rest of the country. The weather is perfect for swimming and water sports from June to September, when the water temperature reaches between 21 and 23 degrees Celsius.