In the Eastern Serbia, on the territory of the municipalities Zaječar, Knjaževac, Pirot and Dimitrovgrad, partially along the border with Bulgaria, there is Stara Planina (Old Mountain), one of the most beautiful and best preserved areas, inadequately developed, but with an outstanding opportunity to become one of the most important tourism centers in Serbia. The Stara Planina, having the height range from 1,100 to 1,900 meters above sea level, is characteristic for many attractive destinations, among which the most attractive ones are Babin Zub, then the highest peak Midžor (2,169 m), Srebrna Glava, Crni Vrh, Vražija Glava, Visočica, Zavojsko Jezero and others. The whole region has got a great potential for the development of the winter, mountain, hunting, biking and rural tourism and the main support is provided now by the newly built hotel Stara Planina (four stars) and the ski lanes Konjarnik, Sunčana Dolina, as well as Markova Livada, illuminated for night skiing, as well, the first gondola in Serbia and cable railways as the precondition for skiing and winter sports. As declared by Dr. Goran Petković, State Secretary of the Ministry of Economics and Regional Development, “This is the first stage in the development of the future mountain center on this mountain. The Master Plan provides places for 22,000 guests in the final stage.” 

The Stara Planina area is extremely attractive also for the rural tourism, with the increasing number of categorized households in picturesque villages. The nature is intact and convenient for walks and medicinal herb picking. A rich ancient and medieval heritage is also present there, as well as interesting folklore habits. The cuisine is original and it is a tradition of this region. On the Eastern slopes of the Stara Planina, a hunting ground under the same name is located. In this region the hunting game are doe, fox, wild boar, wolf and deer. In the Timok valley, especially around Knjaževac, there are villages with the vine growing, famous for centuries for outstanding wines, and wine manufacturers of this region are the owners of many local and international prizes.

HOW TO REACH Stara Planina is 330 km far from Belgrade, 70 km from Niš, 100 km from Zaječar, 50 km from Knjaževac or Pirot. It is accessible from several directions. We point out two of them: 1st:  A travel on the relation Niš – Svrljig – Knjaževac – Kalna – Babin Zub, 110 km long, is the most recommendable one, especially in the winter period, since the road is regularly maintained. 2nd:  The shortest way for those arriving from Belgrade of Western Serbia  is Sokobanja – Knjaževac – Kalna – Babin Zub, but this travel direction is in a bad condition. Thus, it is not recommended in winter.

THE STARA PLANINA HOTEL The new hotel Stara Planina (four stars), situated at the most beautiful section of Stara Planina, called Jabučko Ravnište, at the height of 1,350 meters above the sea level, which started its operation on December 30, 2011, is the largest Greenfield Investment in Serbian tourism in the past 20 years. This hotel, in which the Government of Serbia invested more than 30 million Euros, spreads at 28,000 sq m, has got 380 beds in 146 rooms, three conference halls, a restaurant, pizza house, bar, children’s playroom, skating rink, Wellness and Spa Center, indoor and outdoor swimming pool, a ski center and an underground garage, in order to preserve the natural ambient of the mountain. It is well located for the ski and snowboard fans, since it is connected to various class lanes by the first Serbian gondola, 1,100 meters long, having the capacity of 2,400 passengers per hour, but it is also intended for those practicing mountaineering, mountain biking, fishing, paragliding and other sports. Organized by the Public Company Ski Resorts of Serbia, the four seated cable railway, ski lifts and a baby ski lift are operating at the moment and another four seated cable railway will be started in the new season, in order to connect the ski resorts Konjarnik and Jabučko Ravnište.

For the 2012 season, the Stara Planina Hotel prices will be promotional, 25 Euros for the half-board, and the ski pass is free of charge.