Kosove – Fir of Hotova – Borocke

Today’s shorter route leaves plenty of time to fully appreciate the natural beauty of the national park. Starting from relative high altitude we steadily climb through farmland into the forest. Here we find the Hotova Fir, a Mediterranean plant relic that vanished elsewhere, and rich fauna including two of Europe’s “Big Three” – the gray wolf and brown bear. At the high point of the entire park at almost 1.500 meters we gain a panoramic overview of the region: Across the valley of Permet runs in parallel the Dhembel ridge, in the North mighty Tomorri’s peaks are followed by Ostrovica’s razor ridge and forming the border with Greece in the East, the Pindus Mountains is snow-covered well into summer. The descent leads right to the ranger station, where we may already meet our host. As a ranger Shaqo can share insights on the national park and talk about his faith, the Bektashi Sufi order.