Sokol ("Hawk") Peak - Nidze Mountain - Photo Gallery - 29.09.2019

Nidze Mountain (Ниџе, Nidže - also known as Voras -Όρος Βόρας, Boras in Greece) is located on the Macedonian - Greek border. It stretches in direction northeast-southwest, and Kajmakchalan with 2,521 meters is its highest peak.

View towards Mariovo region from the peak Sokol.

Besides Kajmakchalan, other important peaks on the Nidze Mountain are: “Nidze” – 2361 m, “Starkov Grob” – 1876 m, “Kravica” 1.682 m, “Sokol” 1.822 m, etc.

View towards Nidze Mountain from Monastery St. Atanasij near Staravina village  

Nidze Mountain is one of the richest with flora and fauna in Macedonia. This is mainly due to its inaccessibility and distance from urban centers.

Nidze Peak - 2361 m a.s.l

The plateau of Nidze in the North-East begins with the peak “Kravica” 1.682 m., continues to the passage of “Bela Zemja” 1.635 m., from where it climbs to the peak “Sokol” 1.822 m. From “Sokol”, the crest climbs to Nidze peak (2.360 m) and the highest peak “Kajmakchalan” 2.521 m from where it shifts the direction westward through the peaks “Stefanec” 1.825 m, “Starkov Grob” 1.876 m., “Rogosh” 1.353 m., ending with the small peak “Golash” at altitude of 774 meters above the village Zivojno in the Pelagonia plain.

"Sokol" (Hawk) Peak - 1827 m a.s.l

Sokol (Hawk) peak is one of the most difficult to reach locations on Nidze mountain. Most visitors reach it from the Greek side since the famous tourist center Loutraki (Pozar) thermal baths are located nearby. From the Macedonian side, there are by far fewer visitors, i.e. some hunters during the winter or local population gathering herbs, tea or mushrooms.

Panoramic view from "Sokol" Peak towards Mariovo region

Until recently, there was a military barrack near the peak, and the roads were maintained by the forestry company which has jurisdiction over the terrain. During our trip in September 2019 the road was in bad condition, which starting from Gradeshnica village up to the locality "Five Springs"  is appropriate only for 4x4 vehicles.

Gradeshnica village

Remains of the old army barrack near "Sokol" peak  

The road from the locality "Five Springs", continues further up, but on many locations, it is dangerous for driving, and its best to continue on foot. Nidge Mountain is an excellent location to visit for nature lovers, and it's a real pleasure to hike up to the peak (approx. 2 hours in one direction).

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This part of the mountain belongs to the Macedonian-Greek border area, and all visitors must obtain a movement permit from the police station in Novaci village. 
The roads are unmarked, there is no phone signal and you can easily get lost if you do not know the terrain. All visitors who plan to visit this area are recommended to be accompanied by a licensed mountain guide who knows the terrain very well !!!

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The clean nature, dense forest, cold and sweet stream water, offers an unforgettable "get in touch with nature" experience. There is practically no source of pollution in a radius of 30 km, or a sign of recent human activity. As we approached up to the peak, remains of old trenches and military facilities started to appear, as a witness to the horrors that happened here over 100 years ago.

Remains of WW1 Bulgarian trenches near Sokol peak on Nidze Mountain

Namely, during the First World War, part of the Macedonian front passed through the crest of Nidze Mountain, and Sokol peak was one of the strategically important positions. On the high and steep mountain range were stationed the armies of the Central Powers (mostly Bulgarian and a smaller part of the German soldiers), and on the opposite side, were the Entente armies (Serbian and French soldiers).

Part of a French map depicting the advance of the Entente armies during the Breakthrough of the Macedonian front (15-16 September 1918)

According to some historians, the beginning of the end of the First World War started with the Breakthrough on Dobro Pole, a location only a few kilometers from Sokol peak.
Looking at the steep rocky terrain, it is difficult to imagine that someone would even consider attacking such location, protected by machine-gun nests carved deep into the rocks, which can still be seen today. One would think that the Bulgarian soldiers were well protected under the rocks, but the sheer amount of artillery pieces, military personnel, and equipment on the opposite side, proved to be crucial for the victory of the Entente armies.

View from Sokol peak towards North-west (Mariovo region)

Remains of WW1 bunkers on Sokol Peak, Nidze Mountain

Remains of WW1 bunkers on Sokol Peak, Nidze Mountain

Unfortunately, what is also noticeable is the influence of some visitors, who have destroyed some of the trenches and bunkers. Tin cans and other sorts of trash can also be seen, especially on the peak itself.

Panoramic view from Sokol area - starting from left Sokol peak, Loutraki (Pozar) area in Greece, central part Nidze peak 2.361 m.a.s.l, right Mariovo region Macedonia

Info sign at Sokol Peak

View towards Nidze Peak (also know as Floka) 2.361 m, on Nidze Mountain

Youtube video

View towards Loutraki (Pozar) area

View towards Mariovo region

Panoramic view from Sokol Peak - starting from left Loutraki (Pozar) area in Greece, central part Nidze peak 2.361 m.a.s.l, right Mariovo region Macedonia

WW1 bunker at Sokol peak

Panoramic view from Sokol peak towards North - Mariovo region, Macedonia

Descending from the peak of Sokol, through the steep slopes of Nidze Mountain

Panoramic view toward North-East - with Dobro Pole area behind the hill

Five Springs area on Nidze Mountain, Mariovo Region, Macedonia

Five Springs area on Nidze Mountain, Mariovo Region, Macedonia

View towards Gradeshnica village, Mariovo region, Macedonia

View towards Gradeshnica village, Mariovo region, Macedonia

View towards Gradeshnica village, Mariovo region, Macedonia

Our initial plan was to visit Sokol Peak and Dobro Pole in one day, but due to the bad road and mountain tracks, our ascent to Sokol lasted longer than expected. However, more than satisfied with our tour and the beautiful weather, we returned to Gradeshnica village.

Photos and text: Jove Pargovski, OFF ROAD Macedonia

Location of Sokol Peak