Pelister

Pelister is a mountain massif in western North Macedonia, located near the city of Bitola. The highest summit is Pelister Peak, which rises to 2,601 meters above sea level. The massif forms the core of Pelister National Park, one of the country’s oldest protected areas, established in 1948.

The park protects high-altitude habitats, including stands of coniferous forests dominated by Pinus peuce (the Macedonian pine), subalpine meadows, and karst features. Notable landscape features include two glacial lakes, Golemo Ezero (Big Lake) and Malo Ezero (Small Lake), which lie within the park’s boundaries and are popular destinations for visitors.

Biodiversity in Pelister National Park is notable for its variety of plant and animal species, with several rare or endemic taxa recorded in the area. The landscape supports a range of recreational activities, particularly hiking and nature observation, and the park serves as a focal point for conservation and ecotourism in the region.

Administration and significance: Pelister National Park is managed as a protected area within North Macedonia and plays a key role in regional biodiversity conservation, scientific research, and sustainable outdoor recreation.