Enhancing Adventure and Tourism offerings in Galicica National Park

During the second phase of the “Adventure Zone in Galicica National Park”, a project funded by PONT, several key activities were implemented that significantly enriched the park’s adventure and tourism offerings. These initiatives aim to strike a sustainable balance between conserving natural values and promoting responsible tourism through the introduction of new attractions designed to draw in visitors, generate additional income for both Galicica National Park and the Alpine Club Patagonia, and reduce pressure on protected zones. Noticeable evidence of these efforts is already being seen in an increase of visitor numbers.

One of the most impactful activities was the extensive ecological initiative aimed at restoring the natural beauty of Lako Signoj Peak, an iconic summit nestled in the heart of Galicica. Renowned for its breathtaking panoramic views over Lake Ohrid and Lake Prespa, the peak had been marred for decades by abandoned radio communication facilities and accumulated waste left by careless visitors. This environmental degradation diminished the site’s pristine appeal, transforming it into an unsightly dumpsite of rusting metal and debris.

Following careful planning and securing all necessary permits, members of the Alpine Club Patagonia launched one of the region’s largest environmental clean-up campaigns. Over the course of ten weekends, armed with specialised machinery and driven by a shared commitment, over 100 volunteers dismantled and removed over 5.5 tons of scrap metal and collected more than six cubic meters of various waste materials from the summit. These volunteers came from Ohrid, Resen, and beyond—including local associations, activists, and park rangers. This was also an opportunity to promote the Dobroja Via Ferrata and organise an eco-hiking tour as part of the clean-up. Thanks to this collective effort, Lako Signoj Peak has been restored to its natural splendour. What was once a neglected spot now stands as a symbol of mountain purity and beauty, poised to inspire countless visitors in the years ahead. To witness the transformation and the dedication behind this initiative, we invite you to watch the video documenting the clean-up action here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e2wm7ZMeeCE

In addition to ecological restoration, the project introduced a new adventure activity: a pioneering rock-climbing site within Galicica National Park. This marks the first of its kind in the park and significantly broadens its adventure tourism portfolio. Situated near the popular Via Ferrata “Dobroja,” above the Korita picnic area, at an altitude of 1,600 meters, and nestled within an ancient forest with a western orientation; it offers spectacular views of Lake Ohrid and its surrounding landscape. The location ensures excellent climbing conditions even during the hottest summer days.

The new climbing area features three distinct rock faces, comprising a total of 18 routes ranging from 20 to 50 meters in length. Equipped with a combination of traditional pitons and expansion bolts, these routes accommodate climbers of varying experience levels and enable diverse climbing styles. To enhance accessibility, a newly marked trail was constructed, also serving recreational hikers. This trail leads visitors to the recently discovered “Climbers’ Cave,” identified during a site exploration, adding an extra layer of adventure.

The development of this site was made possible through the dedicated efforts of experts such as Boban Stojanov from Shtip—an experienced alpine climbing instructor and President of the Climbing Sites Maintenance Commission within the North Macedonian Alpine Climbing Federation—and Jovan Ivanov, one of North Macedonia’s top sport climbers, who contributed by opening two challenging new routes for the regional climbing community.

With these developments, Galicica National Park has gained a dynamic new attraction that not only enhances its adventure tourism appeal but also fosters active recreation and sport climbing. These facilities promise to attract more visitors, boost local tourism, and create new economic opportunities for the region while promoting sustainable engagement with nature.

By: Antonio Dodevski, “AC Patagonia”