Plizio Visual Lab

Smolare Waterfall

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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Practical info — Smolare Waterfall

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🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

The path to the waterfall involves around 300 steep stone steps, so pace yourself for the hike back up.
Spring and early summer are the best times to visit when the water flow is at its most spectacular from melting snow.
There is a small entrance fee to access the nature trail, so make sure to carry some local Denars in cash.
Wear sturdy hiking shoes; the wooden observation decks and stone stairs can be damp and slippery.

🍽 Food

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Fresh Trout (Pastrmka)

Farmed nearby, it is often served freshly grilled in the traditional restaurants around the village of Smolare.

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Homemade Ajvar

A pepper relish served with fresh bread as a starter, an absolute staple in local eateries.

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Rakija

Traditional plum or grape brandy, great to warm you up after a hike in the cool forest.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

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Local Forest Honey

Stalls near the parking area often sell excellent quality honey sourced from the region.

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Homemade Jams

Look for fig or wild berry jams sold by locals right at the entrance of the trail.

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The wooden observation platform

Located right at the base of the waterfall, this spot is refreshing and loud with the sounds of nature.

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Belasica Forest Paths

The shaded beech forest surrounding the main trail gives many peaceful side paths.

Smolare Waterfall is a sweeping natural monument located on the northern slopes of the Belasica Mountains, near the border with Bulgaria. Plunging from a height of 39.5 meters, it is the tallest permanent waterfall in North Macedonia. The water of the Lomnica River falls over a vertical cliff into a natural pool, surrounded by ancient beech trees that create a serene and mystical atmosphere. Visitors reach the waterfall via a scenic forest trail featuring over 300 stone steps and several wooden bridges. A dedicated viewing platform built right in front of the cascade features the first-rate vantage point for photography and to experience the cooling mist. The area is a haven for eco-tourism, offering peace and quiet far from the main tourist routes, and is highly valued by locals for its pristine environment. The best time to visit is during late spring when the water volume is at its peak due to melting snow, though the frozen falls in winter also offer a unique visual spectacle. Reachable within a 30-minute drive from Strumica, the site is well-marked and provides basic amenities near the parking area. Combining a trip here with the nearby Kolešino Waterfall provides a full day of natural exploration in the Southeastern region.