North Macedonia – The real insider tip in the Balkans

Macedonia is a country that looks far back – and yet does not get lost in the past.

The very name evokes associations: Alexander the Great, the Macedonian dynasty, an empire that once stretched as far as India. To this day, there are places where this history lives on – not only in ruins like Heraclea Lyncestis near Bitola or the archaeological sites of Ohrid, but also in the consciousness of many people.

In the summer of 2008, a delegation from Pakistan's Hunza Valley, which claims Macedonian roots, visited the region in search of traces of a shared heritage. And they found: openness, hospitality, cultural similarities – and wonder at a land that is often historically overlooked but has much to tell.

Landscapes, monasteries, undiscovered sites

North Macedonia is not only historically rich – it is also surprisingly diverse in its landscape. Gentle hills, crystal-clear lakes, dense forests and high plateaus surround monasteries, cave fortresses and archaeological sites, many of which are still not fully explored.

Every summer, archaeological excavations take place nationwide – for example at the Kale fortress in Skopje or as part of the rediscovery of the early medieval St. Klement University in Ohrid – probably the oldest Slavic university in Europe.

The combination of archaeological activity, vast landscapes, and spiritual sites creates a travel experience that is not loud, but profound.

Everyday Life & Flavors – North Macedonia: A Place to Arrive

A complete picture of North Macedonia only emerges when looking at everyday life: the long lunches, the open doors, the homemade rakia, the inevitable question about a second plate.

The cuisine is hearty, aromatic, and honest. Local markets offer peppers, sheep's cheese, and dried herbs. The wines are robust, distinctive, and gaining international recognition – especially those from the regions around Tikveš and Veles.

Hospitality here is not a ritual, but a fundamental attitude – whether in the monastery courtyard, in the village tavern or at a wine tasting by the roadside.