Is the Vodno cable car open?
No. The cable car from Sredno Vodno to the Millennium Cross has been closed since 25 April 2026. An inspection found damaged ropes and faulty safety sensors, the repair went out to tender, and the reopening date has moved several times, so check before you go. Until it reopens, you reach the cross on foot, by bike or with us.
When it runs, the 1,600 m cable car climbs 480 m in a little over four minutes. In 2024 a ticket cost 100 MKD for adults and children from 14, and 50 MKD for children from 6 to 13.
Hiking trails from Sredno Vodno to the cross
- 01
Olympic trail
One of the shortest ways up.
- Distance: About 2.3 km
- Duration: 1 to 1.5 hours
- 02
Cvetkova trail
Another short, steady climb through the forest.
- Distance: About 2.2 km
- Duration: 1 to 1.5 hours
- 03
New Year's trail
A slightly longer way up to the summit.
- Distance: About 3.3 km
- Duration: About 1.5 hours
- 04
Pensioners' trail
The longest of the marked trails to the top.
- Distance: About 4.9 km
- Duration: About 2 hours
- 05
The asphalt road
Closed to cars above Sredno Vodno, but open to walkers and bikes.
- Distance: About 6.6 km
- Duration: About 2 hours
Go up with us
- 01
Guided e-MTB ride to the cross
Straight from the city up the forest park to the cross on Krstovar, on a Thomus e-MTB. From 65 EUR, bike and guide included.
- Distance: 25 km
- 02
Hike over Vodno to Canyon Matka
Along the ridge from Vodno to Canyon Matka and its monasteries. There is no water on the ridge, so carry enough.
- Distance: About 13 km
- Duration: About 4 hours
- 03
Off-road MTB over Vodno to Matka
Over Vodno and the Millennium Cross, then on to Canyon Matka for lunch, on a mountain bike or e-MTB.
- Distance: 45 km
- 04
Tandem paragliding from Vodno
Fly with an experienced pilot from the summit of Vodno, high above Skopje. No experience needed.
About Vodno
Vodno rises south-west of the centre of Skopje. It has been a city park-forest since 1976, and in 2021 part of the mountain was declared a protected landscape. Sredno Vodno, at about 560 m, is where the road for cars ends, and city bus 25 runs there from the Transport Centre.
The Millennium Cross was finished in 2002 to mark 2,000 years of Christianity. The steel cross is 66 m tall with arms 46 m wide, and it is lit at night. Just behind the summit stands the Dare Dzambaz mountain lodge.
Mountain bikers ride the trails of the forest park, among them the Adrenaline Trail, which our guide Stojan helped build, and the Velo Vodno trails of the City of Skopje between the city and Sredno Vodno.
More near Skopje
Canyon Matka
A gorge 15 km south-west of Skopje with medieval churches and monasteries, caves, and rare endemic plants and butterflies.
Day trips from Skopje
Canyon Matka is 15 km from the city, and Vodno rises right above it. Pick a day on foot, on a bike, on the water or in the air, and we take care of the rest.
Guided e-bike tours
Ride from Skopje to Vodno, Canyon Matka or the mountains with a licensed, experienced guide. The e-MTB helps on every climb, so mixed groups ride together.
Easy hiking
An easy day hike for all ages: over Vodno, Skopje's own mountain, down to Canyon Matka and its medieval monasteries.
Questions and answers
Is the Vodno cable car open?
No. It has been closed since 25 April 2026 for repairs, and the reopening date has not been confirmed. You can still hike up, ride up by bike, or join our guided e-MTB tour.
How do I get to the Millennium Cross?
Take city bus 25 or a taxi to Sredno Vodno, then hike for 1 to 2 hours on one of the marked trails, or walk the 6.6 km road. On a guided e-MTB tour you ride up from the city.
How tall is the Millennium Cross?
It is 66 m tall, with arms 46 m wide. It stands on Krstovar, the 1,066 m summit of Vodno, and was finished in 2002.
Can we hike from Vodno to Canyon Matka?
Yes. Our guided hike goes from Vodno to Canyon Matka, about 13 km and 4 hours. There is no water on the ridge, so carry enough.
How do I book?
Send us your date and the number of people on WhatsApp or Viber at +389 78 315 213. We reply with the details and the price.