The summer meadows
Broad green trails.
This illustration was made by Rašo. An email to Rašo would be appreciated too. — CC BY-SA 3.0 · MacedonianBoy — CC BY-SA 3.0 · MacedonianBoy — CC BY-SA 3.0 · MacedonianBoy — CC BY-SA 3.0 · MacedonianBoy — CC BY-SA 3.0
Popova Šapka is a peak and mountain resort west of Tetovo, more than 1,780 m above sea level, known for skiing in winter and green meadows in summer. Its Macedonian name means «the priest's hat», and in Albanian it is called «hill of the sun». It is among the best known mountain destinations in the country. Houses, hotels and ski lifts spread around the resort, and old 20th-century photographs show a cable car climbing from the plain. Some of these facilities may be seasonal or dated, so do not rely on them without asking. In summer walkers head along trails across the meadows and past high rock faces, and patches of snow can linger in shaded places into early summer. From the top you see the flat plain below and mountain ranges all around on clear days. In winter the slopes become a ski field, and snow sometimes covers the roads. It is 6 km in a straight line from Tetovo, but the mountain road is far longer, so take a car or taxi and ask about road conditions in winter. The weather changes quickly, so bring a jacket and suitable shoes even in summer, and carry water, as services can be limited outside the ski season. Ask where you are staying before setting off on a long walk.
Broad green trails.
High walls above the grass.
The winter draw.
Šar Mountains, west of Tetovo
In Macedonian it means «the priest's hat», and in Albanian it is called «hill of the sun».
Yes, the meadows and trails are lovely, but bring a jacket as the weather changes fast.