Grizzly Igloos North Macedonia
Escape to the Grizzly Igloos in North Macedonia for a unique glamping experience. Nestled in the mountains near Kozjak Lake, these off-grid igloos offer breathtaking views, and a true connection with nature.
Hey guys, in this blog post I’m going to tell you everything you need to know about Grizzly Igloos in North Macedonia, especially if you’re coming from Bulgaria or nearby countries. If you’re wondering whether it’s worth it, how to book, how to get there, and what to do once you arrive, keep reading. Hopefully, this post will give you all the clarity you need.
Where are Grizzly Igloos & How to Book
The Grizzly Igloos are located in North Macedonia, near Kozjak Lake, at 1,300 meters above sea level. They offer stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains, perfect for an amazing glamping experience.
Your travel time will vary depending on the starting point. From Sofia, the drive took us around 4.5 hours. Once you get close, the last part of the road leading to the igloos is a mountain road, so note that it takes a bit longer to navigate.
You can book your stay via Airbnb – Grizzly Igloos on Airbnb. It the best option with better prices.
However, when booking, make sure you know exactly which igloo you’re reserving. There are 6 in total, 5 of them are similar but still offer slightly different experiences.
5 of the igloos can accommodate 2 people each and the Dome Igloo can accommodate 4 people.
We booked Grizzly Igloo I The Pacific, and it was perfect. It’s isolated from the rest and offers amazing privacy. Exactly what I wanted.
- Igloos 2, 3, and 4 are closer to each other and they are great if you’re going with friends.
- Igloo 5 is a bit more private but near the main entrance.
- The Dome Igloo (which accommodates 4 people) is under the trees rather than on the cliff edge, so you get constant shade but miss out on the panoramic views.
Prices start at around €120 per night for the smaller igloos and €150 for the bigger Dome, but remember that they can vary depending on the season.
Arrival & Check-in
Ok guys, this is quite important , so the check-in is between 3:00 PM and 4:00 PM and the check-out is by 11:00 AM the next day, though they can be flexible with this.
There are basically 2 options to get to the igloos:
- Arrive at the Grizzly Mountain Center, but it’s important to do it between 3:00 PM and 4:00 PM, and the staff will drive you up. This is their only open window to do it with their cars. There is no problem to leave your car at the mountain center as there is a parking lot.
- The other option is to drive yourself, however you also need to go to the Mountain Center during the same check-in window. If you go with your car, know that the road is narrow and winding, so only attempt it if you have a suitable car. There is also parking available at the top.
Once you reach the igloos and check in the staff will show you around and explain everything you need to know.
Weather & Conditions
The altitude is 1300 m which means clean air and cooler temperatures, even in summer.
During the daytime they can go up to 30°C, of course depending on the season. I visited the place in August so it was quite hot.
On the other hand during nighttime the temperatures can drop to around 21°C, with a noticeable temperature drop after sunset, again depending on the time period.
The air is dry, which is great for those who dislike humidity, but evenings can feel much colder than expected.
In August there were quite a lot of hot days and lighting a fire was forbidden, so make sure you are informed and be careful.
Because of the lake and forest, mosquitoes can be an issue in the warmer months, so pack repellent just in case.
Accommodation at Grizzly Igloos
In the next section i will share more on what to pack and bring , nevertheless here is a bit more information on what each 2 person igloo has:
- A spacious, comfortable bed with cozy bedding that will keep you warm all night.
- Small seating area on the deck
- Solar-powered lights and limited power outlets
- The private bathroom has a shower and toilet, and during the summer there’s always enough hot water.
- Projector and Netflix selection
- Wi-Fi (good enough for light use, not ideal for working)
- Basic kitchenware – cups, plates, knives, spoons, tea, instant coffee, a small gas stove, and a cooler bag (but you need to ask the staff for ice)
The best of all is that you can lie in bed at night and watch the stars through the igloo’s windows, it’s just an unbelievable experience.
What to Pack for Grizzly Igloos
Even though it’s a glamping spot, you are still in the middle of nowhere, so you need to come prepared. When it comes to clothing, it depends on the season, for the summer this is what i suggest:
- For the evenings – warm, layered clothing , like hoodies, long-sleeved tops , jacket, warm socks and loungewear.
- During the day, it can get quite hot, so I recommend bringing a bikini (swimsuit). There’s plenty of space if you want to sunbathe, as well as shorts, tops, slippers or sandals for walking in and around the igloo, plus a hat and sunglasses.
Other essentials
- Waterproof hiking boots or shoes with good grip if you plan to walk in the mountain area
- Headlamp or flashlight, as outdoor lighting may be limited after dark
- Bug spray
- Sunscreen
- Reusable water bottle
- Power bank (electricity is solar-powered and limited)
- Basic toiletries, some are provided (like shower gel, soap, and towels), but it’s better to bring anything else you might need.
What to eat
This was my big dilemma, deciding how I wanted to handle meals. Here’s what you need to know.
Fairly close to the igloos is the mountain center, where you can grab something to eat. However, the opening hours are a bit tricky, they open at 11:00 and close between 17:30 and 18:30, depending on the day. The menu is limited and, to be honest, I wasn’t too impressed. The only thing I really enjoyed was the burger. I tried a few of the salads and the chicken, but I wouldn’t recommend them.
You can reach the mountain center by car if you’ve managed to park it at the top, or you can hike there. The hike is easy before you’ve eaten, but after a big meal, it might feel like more of a challenge 
so it’s up to you.
I chose another option – bringing snacks and easy-to-prepare food for mornings and evenings. During lunchtime, we went to the mountain center. For breakfast, I prepped yogurt with fruits and granola. For dinner, we had snacks like cheese, hummus, olives, bread, tomatoes, cucumbers, and some cured meats, basically, anything simple that doesn’t require cooking, since you can’t cook there. And of course, drinks like wine, Aperol, and more .
If you decide to eat at the mountain center, you can pay by card or with Revolut.
Activities and What to do during the day
There are a few things you can enjoy during the day around the Grizzly Igloos. Of course, one of the best things is simply to chill and relax, do some yoga, listen to music, soak up the sun, and just do nothing. Honestly, that’s amazing in itself , a full recharge.
If you want to add a bit of adventure during your stay, here are three activities you can try:
- Canoeing on Kozjak Lake – €100 for up to 6 people. You get a small private boat that you can paddle yourself. Eventually, you’ll reach a private beach where you can swim in the lake. They even bring along some fruit and wine. I really wanted to do this and arranged it ahead of time (you need to contact the owners, their details are on the Airbnb page). Unfortunately, when we arrived, they told us the boat was broken, so we couldn’t do it this time.
- Horseback riding – €30 per hour. Another great option near the Grizzly Igloos, just make sure you speak with the owner beforehand.
- Hiking – Absolutely free. Since the Grizzly Igloos are surrounded by mountains, it’s perfect for hiking. There are plenty of paths to explore, each offering beautiful views from different angles
And Finally…
Remember that the power at the Grizzly Igloos is solar-based, which is enough to cover essentials but not heavy electronics. The cell signal may be weak, but honestly, I would say that’s part of the charm.
This is a true off-the-grid experience, so get ready for amazing views, peaceful calmness, the occasional fox visiting at night, incredible stargazing, fresh mountain air, and just pure nothingness…
Enjoy
Tsveti 🌸
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