Šar Mountains

Šar Mountains, mountain range in western North Macedonia and southern Kosovo, one of the most rugged and impassable in the Balkans, extending northeast–southwest for about 47 miles (75 km). A southern continuation along the Albanian frontier, which includes the Korab, Bistra, Jablanica, and Galičica massifs, makes the total length about 100 miles (160 km). The Pindus mountain system in Greece is the southward extension of these peaks in North Macedonia and Albania. They are fold mountains of nonporous rocks; steep-walled, or cirque, lakes and fretted peaks, many at more than 6,000 feet (1,800 metres), are evidence of local glaciation.

The Šar Mountains proper, which form the watershed between the Morava-Drim and Vardar river systems, include Titov Vrh (9,012 feet [2,747 metres]) and Turčin (8,865 feet [2,702 metres]). Between the mountains are several depressions, some containing large lakes; the land there is suitable for arable farming and fruit growing. Pastureland above the tree line supports livestock, especially sheep. The area is especially noted for the production of cheese. The ranges are increasingly an area for climbing and winter sports; Popova Šapka is a winter sports centre. Principal settlements are Tetovo and Gostivar. The dam and resulting lake in Mavrovo National Park provide a head of water for the Vrutok and Raven hydroelectric power stations. Valuable deposits of chrome ore are mined at the foot of the Šar Mountains.