THE ROAD TO HAPPINESS – GALICHNIK
Poured by
Davor Azievski
If you move from the road towards Mavrovo, 15 km uphill along the curves or about 120 km from Skopje, you will reach one of the most famous places in Macedonia, Galichnik. This is a place where all those who are born or have origins from Galichni are extremely proud on their roots, place with unique and the supreme beauty, mythical power, wisdom, dignity and calmness, bound with primordial power. Galichnik, located at an altitude of 1,150 m to 1,450 m, is magnificent in all seasons, and fascinates visitors with its authentic architecture, rich cultural heritage and admirable landscapes. Because of the altitude and location, the air in Galichnik is extremely clean, and the climate is mountainous as per book, with fresh pleasant summers and fairly snowy winters.
If you ever had a wish to be a major character in a winter fairy tale, my proposal would definitely be, Galichnik in the winter.
Everyone can enjoy the view that is offered by the beautiful mountain Bistra and Galichnik during the winter period, if it succeeds in overcoming the powerful nature 😊 i.e the difficult transit and snow road Mavrovo-Galichnik. This year we had a little more luck and the time was in favor to us for the New Year’s holidays, when there was a little snow cover in Galichnik but a lot of sunshine, so Galichnik was full of visitors who enjoyed clean mountain air, snow, and traditional dishes prepared from the only permanent inhabitants and famous guards of Galichnik, the restaurant “Baba and Dede”.
It is rightly said that Galichnik is one of the most beautiful and most attractive areas in Macedonia and the Balkans. Genes and origins have made their own, so I use every free time to visit Galichnik, spring, summer, autumn, winter, it is special in every season, but I recommend spring and summer. Together with Pivara Skopje, which for 44 years continuously supports the most authentic cultural manifestation Galicnik Weeding, every St. Peter’s Day on July 12 is a real holiday and a day of luxurious costumes, music of traditional drums, magnificent rituals and ceremonies of the only one Galichnik Wedding whose wider meaning gets its crown by entering in to the treasury of the spiritual values of humanity under the protection of UNESCO.
Horse riding through the beautiful landscapes of Galichnik and Bistra is a special experience that I strongly recommend, a breath-taking feeling that causes an “increased dose” of adrenaline, sprinkled with clean air and a smile that never stops.
Riding on a horseback offers special experience and is especially exciting way to enjoy the treasures of the National Park-Mavrovo. This is an unusual way to discover the beauties of this region, far from the everyday pressures of the urban way of life. For both, beginners and experienced riders, if you are a nature lover, the mountain tour is what you need to experience. These tours are for those who want to see all the treasures of Mount Bistra. The tour begins with climbing on the slopes of the mountain and a view of several peaks. On this tour it is necessary to wear appropriate clothing, as well as equipment for protection from sun and rain. By visiting a few sheepfolds this mountain tour will bring you closer to the shepherd’s life, and also by visiting the sheepfold you can taste the best traditional white cheeses and yogurt. I also recommend a visit to the highest peak Medenica (2,163 m) which offers a spectacular view of the Korab massif (2,764 m). Galichnik is a place where, besides pure air and nature, visitors can become familiar with the tradition, culture, and architecture. Cultural events such as the previously mentioned Galicnik Wedding and the organized youth events all year round are dates that you need to mark in your calendar as of now on and enjoy the great fun and friendship.
