Kopaonik is located between the rivers Ibar and Sitnica to the west, Lab to the southeast, Jošanica and Koznička rivers to the north, while its eastern side is bordered by the valleys of the Rasina and Toplica rivers. The deep basins and gorges of Kopaonik have been carved by the Barska and Lisinska rivers on the western side, the Duboka and Brzećka rivers on the eastern side, and the Ciganska and Gobeljska rivers on the northern side. Along with the Samokovska river, the central water artery of Kopaonik, these rivers influence the distribution of flora and fauna and define the landscape of Kopaonik. The mountain is characterized by diverse geological formations with rocks of various origins and ages (serpentinites, granites, schists, marbles, andesites, limestones). The current relief forms of Kopaonik were shaped over many years by processes of erosion and runoff.
Climate
The climate of Kopaonik is characterized by over 200 sunny days per year, earning it the title “Mountain of the Sun.” Kopaonik is situated at the transition between a maritime and a continental climate. The southern position of the massif, its flattened terrain, and openness prevent prolonged cloud cover over the mountain. Cold and dense air remains in the surrounding valleys, resulting in winter temperatures that are not excessively low. The average annual temperature on the flatlands of Kopaonik is 3.7°C. Snowfall, with some variations, begins in late November and lasts until May, averaging 180 to 230 days per year. Annual precipitation exceeds 1,000 mm on average.
Mineral Resources
The mineral wealth of Kopaonik gave the mountain its name, where ore has been mined since ancient times. Volcanic activity and hot mineral melts caused changes in the rocks due to high temperatures and intense pressures. This led to the formation of the “Kopaonik ore region,” featuring numerous mines where iron, lead, and zinc ores, as well as rare metals such as silver and gold, can be found. Additionally, rare minerals like wollastonite, fluorite, and asbestos are present in the region.
Kopaonik is not the source of large rivers due to relatively low annual precipitation. However, there is a dense network of small surface streams that originate from numerous springs spread across the mountain. Some of these springs provide cold water, while others are known for their medicinal properties, featuring increased radioactivity and water mineralization
The most well-known springs on Kopaonik include: Marine Vode, Krčmar Voda, Pajino Preslo, Javor Česma, and Kaznovske Bačije
Along the course of the Samokovska River (Samokovska Reka), Kopaonik’s largest water artery, small waterfalls and cascades are formed. On the Zaplaninska River (Zaplaninska Reka), the multi-tiered Jelovarnik Waterfall, with a total height of 80 meters, can be found.
Kopaonik is renowned for its intriguing hydrological phenomena, such as peat bogs and wetlands. Peat bogs arise from the significant evaporation of numerous streams and ponds, and some are over 1,000 years old. The largest peat bog on Kopaonik is Jankova Bara. Wetlands are natural barriers formed from tufted grass, where water accumulates, and they typically evolve into peat bogs over time.
In the Kopaonik area, several landslide lakes can be found, with the largest being Semeteško Lake (Semeteško Jezero). Located at 900 meters above sea level in the vicinity of the village Semeteš, beneath the peak Orlovac, Semeteško Lake has a circular shape with a diameter of 60 meters. It is fed by underwater springs and, to a lesser extent, by two springs above the lake. The underwater springs are responsible for the lake’s seemingly immeasurable depth, as they are so deep and expansive that they effectively form part of the lake itself.
The average water temperature of the lake is 10°C, rising to 20°C during July and August. The lake features so-called “floating islands” covered with vegetation. When the wind blows, these islands move across the lake, offering a unique attraction for visitors, including boat rides. Semeteško Lake (Semeteško Jezero) has been stocked with carp, and its native inhabitants include newts, tailed amphibians from the Salamandridae family, characterized by underdeveloped legs (an endemic species). In addition to the newts, the colorful fire salamander (Salamandra salamandra) from the same family (Salamandridae) is also present.
Southwest of Jošanička Spa (Jošanička Banja), there are two more landslide lakes: Upper (Long) and Lower (Small) Lake.
Among hydrotechnical projects on Kopaonik, the Mijatović Canal stands out, which Dragoljub Mijatović from the village of Žutica excavated in 1929 as a water channel (vadu) stretching 18 km. The “geyser” of cold water, resulting from hydrogeological research, forms a water column approximately 5 meters high.
Favorable climatic conditions, diverse geological composition, and a thick snow cover have contributed to the development of an exceptionally rich and varied flora and fauna, making Kopaonik a significant center for both scientific research and practical studies.
