How To Have The Ultimate Road Trip To Solunska Glava

Solunska Glava is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.526m (8,287ft) above sea level, located in Studeničani, in the Republic of North Macedonia. It's one of the highest roads of the country.

How long is the road to Solunska Glava?

Located in the heart of the country, the road to the summit is unpaved and is only suitable for 4x4 vehicles. If your car is quite low, don't even try. The ascent is 23.2 km (14.41 miles) long starting from Aldinci. Over this distance, the elevation gain is 1,335 m, and the average gradient is 5.75%.

Can I drive to the summit of Solunska Glava?

Unfortunately, the very summit of Solunska Glava is unapproachable. At the summit, there's a military tower (Воена база) with a weather station, and the road is gated at around 2.505m, guarded by armed soldiers.

Is the road to Solunska Glava open in winters?

The region is one of the wildest, remote, and most beautiful in Macedonia, a paradise for true nature lovers. The trail is impassable in winters. It’s one of the highest peaks in Macedonia. Expect a harsh climate. Avalanches, heavy snowfalls, and landslides can occur anytime, being extremely dangerous due to frequent patches of ice. Solunska Glava is a high peak with cold and snowy winters and strong winds. Located within the Jakupitsa mountain range, the summit is often in clouds then as warm air rises up the huge eastern side and clouds condense on the ridge.

Is the road to Solunska Glava worth it?

The drive is definitely worth it. The view from the summit is very wide, covering almost all Macedonian mountains and uninterrupted in all directions. Don't forget your camera. The literal translation of Solunska glava is “Thessaloniki’s head” because legend has it that on a good, clear day, you can see Thessaloniki in Greece. Put the camera in a backpack somewhere along the final summit ascent to avoid problems with the military.
Road suggested by: Hugh Wilson
Pic&video: Lupo sto