Vodno (Macedonian: Водно) is a mountain in North Macedonia. It is located in the northern part of the country, to the southwest of the capital city Skopje. The highest point of the mountain is at Krstovar peak, on 1066 meters and the submontane is on 337 meters (Middle Vodno is on 557 m). In 2002, on Krstovar peak the Millennium Cross was built, one of the biggest Christian Crosses in the world.
Climate
The climate in Vodno is cold and temperate. Vodno has a significant amount of rainfall during the year. This is true even for the driest month. The average temperature is 23 °C (73 °F). The lowest temperature measured on the mountain, in January 2017, is −24 °C (−11 °F); and the highest measured temperature, in July 2005, is 43 °C (109 °F).
Hydrography
View from Vodno Mountain
Vodno has a heterogeneous hydrographic web: streams, vaults, waterfalls, springs. Vodno has a lot of streams which are used by the shepherds for feeding their goats and for watering the wild chestnuts.
Vodno has two types of vaults:
Arterial
Well water
The objects that are on a higher above sea level are using the arterial underground water, and the objects that are placed on lower above sea level use the well water ones.
The water is bacteriologically and chemically clean.
Vodno has a mini waterfall which is 15 meters high and is more active in spring when the snow coverlet is melting.
Vodno has a lot of springs too that are used for the need of the local people.
The evergreen plants are in bigger number related to the deciduous one. From the evergreen plants there is pine from both sides of the mountain. In smaller number there are the juniperus and the boxwood.
Although Vodno is a significant tourist center, the revenues from tourism are relatively low.
Tourism
Houses in Dolno Sonje on the slopes of mount Vodno.
The tourism on Vodno mountain can be divided into:
Recreational tourism
Cultural tourism
Modern tourism
Recreational Tourism
On Vodno mountain, one of the most impressive destinations is the waterfall "Prskalo". However, there are many other sights and activities to experience.
One of them is the village of Dolno Sonje, which is one of the most beautiful sights around the mountain. The small village, made on the side of the mountain, was historically inhabited by local hunters. Recently it has attracted people from Skopje, who have a weekend house or have permanently relocated there, due to its proximity to the capital and its clean air, beautiful surroundings, and medieval churches.
Additionally the hike from Middle Vodno (557 m) to the Krstovar Peak (1066 m), where the Millennium Cross is located, has become a highly attractive leisure activity. The increase in interest in this activity can be attributed to the opening of a bus-line that makes round-trips from the Skopje City Centre to Middle Vodno, as well as the availability of cable transport from Middle Vodno to Krstovar Peak.
The churches are an important part of the cultural-historical heritage, and have remained there for years. The older churches and monasteries are very significant because they have kept their authenticity, due to not having been reconstructed, but rather having survived through the ages. They attract more visitors due to their historical significance.
Manifestations
Christmas Eve Celebration
Setting for seasonal motorsport events in hillclimb discipline
The monuments are the most visited attractions on Mount Vodno. One of the most distinct landmarks on Mount Vodno is the Millennium Cross. Found on the peak of Mount Vodno, and standing at 66 metres high, it is one of the most visited locations in the Skopje region. It was constructed in 2002, in order to commemorate 2000 years since the birth of Christ, and serves as a memorial of two millennia of Christianity.
As of 2011, a gondola lift has been in operation to allow an easy ascent to visit the Millennium Cross. The ropeway includes 28 regular gondolas for eight persons and two VIP gondolas for four people. The lift starts at Middle Vodno and ends at the Millennium Cross.
The route is 1,750m long, with the ride lasting 6–8 minutes.
