If you’re looking for an easy day trip surrounded by nature, Duf Waterfall in Mavrovo National Park is the perfect spot. Nestled near the charming village of Rostuše, this hidden gem offers a peaceful escape where you can enjoy both nature and local Macedonian culture.
The waterfall it is a perfect place for a daily trip from Skopje. The ride takes around 1.40 minutes. The journey to Duf Waterfall begins with a scenic drive through the National Park, one of Macedonia’s most beautiful areas. Mavrovo is home to Šar, Korab and Bistra mountains , lush forests, and picturesque villages like Janche, Galichnik, Lazaropole, known for their traditional architecture and unique customs. As you explore these places, you’ll notice how proud locals are of their culture, wearing traditional clothing on special occasions and preparing delicious homemade dishes.
Once you arrive to Rostuše, you can park the car at the entrance of the village, to reach the waterfall follow a short, easy trail along the Radika river. The hike takes around 30 minutes, with greenery surrounding you at every step. Once you arrive, the sound of water crashing down the rocks will leave you speechless. The setting feels almost magical, with cold, clear water and a fresh air.
After enjoying some quiet time at Duf Waterfall, there are plenty of other things to explore nearby. You can visit the Monastery of Saint Jovan Bigorski, famous for its stunning wood-carved iconostasis, the Monastery of Rajchica, famous for its handcrafted priest crowns (Mitras) or just take a break at a local restaurant and try some Macedonian specialties like pita, kachamak, kiselo mleko, local sheep cheese, ajvar or tavče gravče.
On the way back, you can stop in Mavrovo to visit the famous Church of St. Nikola, located in the lake, or take a break for coffee and enjoy the mountain views and fresh air before heading back to Skopje. If you like to visit more unique places in Macedonia read also this blog post