Lake Ohrid in Albania & Macedonia

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Have you ever heard of Lake Ohrid? If not, it’s about time because we’re talking about an absolute insider tip in the Balkan region!

Lake Ohrid is a huge lake located between Albania and the underrated travel destination of Macedonia. It is surrounded by beautiful nature and is perfect for swimming holidays and nature lovers. There are some pretty little fishing villages around Lake Ohrid and the breathtaking mountains stretch out on the horizon.

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Lake Ohrid – a lakeside holiday set in spectacular natural scenery

In this area, travellers can relax, be active, and culture and history lovers can also let off steam in the many villages. If a visit to Lake Ohrid is part of your future plans, here are the travel options and the most important information you need to know.

One of the most revered Albanian national poets, Lasgush Poradeci, has sung odes to Lake Ohrid in many of his works: “On the road of the autumn forest sleeps the endless lake”. Like the famous Romantics Wordsworth, Byron and Keats, Poradeci’s poetry was inspired and inspired by the magnificent natural beauty that surrounded him. He never left Pogradec, and Pogradec never left him.

Lake Ohrid is called Ohridsko Ezero in North Macedonia and Liqeni i Ohrit in Albania. It is a tectonic lake with an average depth of 155 meters and a maximum depth of 289 meters. The average residence time of the water is 70-85 years. There are more than enough reasons to combine your vacation in Albania with a visit to Lake Ohrid in Macedonia.

Lake Ohrid in Macedonia – sacred, mysterious and picturesque

Picturesquely situated in the midst of a breathtaking natural backdrop – that is Lake Ohrid in Macedonia. As a travel destination, this beautiful lake is still relatively unknown to Europeans. Yet it is one of the oldest lakes in the world and the clear blue water is so clean you could drink it. Surrounding the lake are the high mountains, where brown bears, wolves and lynx roam in the evergreen, pristine forests. An area full of such natural beauty, culture and history, full of churches and monasteries, that it was once called the “Jerusalem of the Balkans”.

Origins and History of the Lake

Two different countries share the long-term lake, which is said to have been formed by a rift valley in the so-called Pliocene – the period before the Ice Age, which began 5.3 million years ago – i.e. more than 2.5 million years ago. The largest part of the lake lies on the North Macedonian side, the rest, around a third, in Albania.

Lake Ohrid is around 30 kilometers long and 15 kilometers wide, almost 20 times the size of the popular Lake Wörthersee. At its deepest point, the lake measures just under 300 meters, and you can see far down through the beautiful, crystal-clear water. If you look over to the horizon from the foot of Lake Ohrid, you can see Albania. Lake Ohrid has no tributaries worth mentioning.

It is fed by a number of spring streams. The most important spring rises right next to the holy monastery of Sveti Naum. The water comes from Lake Prespa, which is about 200 meters higher to the southeast and has an underground connection to Lake Ohrid. However, it is not certain whether this connection is still open or how long the connection between the two lakes has existed. In Albania there is another important source for Lake Ohrid, in Drillon.

The magnificent flora and fauna of Lake Ohrid

The lake is mainly remarkable for its unusual fauna: the fish species common in other European waters, such as perch, pike, char, grayling and stickleback, are not found here. Instead, species that can only be found here in this beautiful lake, such as the Ohrid salmon, have developed over hundreds of thousands of years in the nutrient-poor and therefore clear waters.

The most famous, however, is the Ohrid trout, a delicately spotted trout that can be found on restaurant menus everywhere. The Ohrid trout is endangered due to overfishing. However, the popular trout is now being bred in special farms and is also being released back into the wild in some places.

Hiking in Galicica National Park

Galicica National Park is located directly between Lake Ohrid and Lake Prespa. Dedicate a day to unspoiled nature, clean air and good hikes. Discover the rich flora and fauna of the mountains and enjoy the silence. The mountains around Lake Ohrid reach up to over 2000 m, so there are plenty of opportunities for hiking. In addition to the routes in the Galicica National Park, hiking trails also lead to charming mountain villages such as Velgosti and Elshani.

The blue-green lake with its crystal-clear water is picturesquely nestled between the green wooded mountains of the Galicica Mountains, which are up to 2200 meters high. The mountains with their impressive, almost pristine nature have been a Macedonian national park since 1958 and are home to brown bears, lynxes and wolves.

In addition to wonderful hiking trails and other sporting activities, the mountain offers an impressive view of the lake and, on the other side of the pass, Lake Prespa, as the mountain separates Lake Ohrid from Lake Prespa.

Lake Ohrid – Things To Do And See

The old center of the city of Ohrid in North Macedonia

It’s easy to get lost in the old town of Ohrid. Apart from the signs of the pizzerias with flickering LED advertising, it feels like you’re in the Middle Ages. There is no asphalt, no cars; the narrow streets are “paved” with pebbles. The houses are not made of clean bricks, but of flattened stones.

• Location: Ancient Macedonian Theatre of Ohrid

The city of Ohrid lies on the north-eastern shore of the lake. At first glance, the town almost looks like an old fishing village on the Mediterranean. Small, snow-white houses with red terracotta roofs are strung together from the harbor to the top of a hill. Up there, like a guardian, Samoil’s fortress sits enthroned and shapes Ohrid’s townscape with its massive walls. The city is a pearl of architecture, because this is where the Orient met the West. Oriental-style buildings mingle with Western buildings – the entire city is a valuable cultural asset full of historical monuments.

Church St. John of Kaneo

Due to its location and history, the church of St. John of Kaneo is considered the city’s landmark. The beautiful 13th century Orthodox church stands picturesquely on a rocky outcrop above the former fishing village of the same name, Kaneo, on the shores of Lake Ohrid. The magnificent 14th century frescoes in the dome and chancel are still very well-preserved in places. From the church, you have a wonderful panoramic view over Lake Ohrid.

• Location: Church of Saint John the Theologian

In 1979, UNESCO declared Lake Ohrid a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A year later, Ohrid’s old town and the surrounding area followed suit.

The Historic towns of Radozda & Struga, Macedonia

This beautiful, peaceful place is an ideal starting point for your route. There’s not much here, especially fish restaurants, where the fish is caught by the locals themselves. The special thing about Radozda? Here you will find one of the 365 churches of Ohrid, which is unique because it was built into the rock! This church was dedicated to the Archangel Michael and is easily accessible via a steep, long staircase. Don’t forget to get the key in one of the fish restaurants, otherwise you won’t be able to enter the church. Are you on the upper floor? Then look out for a beautiful fresco by Michael and enjoy the view!

Saint Naum Monastery

The monastery is located on the southern shore of Lake Ohrid. The orthodox monastery from the 10th century was founded and named after Saint Naum. He is buried here today and, according to the locals, you can still hear his heartbeat if you put an ear to his grave. Others believe it is the wave that beats against the cliff bordering the monastery. In the church in the inner courtyard of the monastery you will find frescoes depicting Cyril: the inventor of the Cyrillic alphabet. This monastery is also known for its many peacocks.

• Location: Monastery Saint Naum

In St. Naum, you can also board a small rowing boat for a trip across the Ohrid springs. Enjoy the tranquillity, the beautiful water and the mighty mountains in the background.

Bay of Bones

Just outside Ohrid is the Bay of Bones, which takes its name from the large number of animal bones that were once found there. The aim is to show you how the inhabitants probably lived here around ten centuries before Christ. In stilt houses, high above the water. It is also a popular diving spot.

• Location: The Bay of Bones

Places on Lake Ohrid in Albania

Pogradec Albania

Pogradec is a tranquil, historic and cultural town. It is the perfect destination for romantic souls and has inspired generations of artists with its natural beauty.

Some cities are undeniably special. As soon as you enter them for the first time, breathe in the first breath of fresh air, smell the first scent of a nearby body of water and take your first glimpse of its beauty, you know that these places must have inspired great poetry! Pogradec, the city of artists, located on the shores of Lake Ohrid, is certainly one of these places. It is an ideal place for romantics who want to enjoy the peace and tranquillity of nature.

The town of Pogradec is located on the western shore of Lake Ohrid, which is the heart and soul of the town. Poradeci was not the only one to recognize the value of this beautiful lake. In 1980, it was declared a UNESCO Natural Heritage Site, and as of 2019, the Albanian part was also added to the list. Ohrid is the deepest (285 m) lake in the Balkans and is divided between Macedonia (in Ohrid and Struga) and Albania. It took around 4 million years for the lake to take its present form, when the ground on the western side of the Dinaric Alps began to shift. Today, it is a picture-perfect swan lake and an ecosystem with more than 200 species, making it a true national treasure.

With its enviable three hundred days of sunshine a year and its warm climate, Pogradec is a favorite destination for thousands of Albanian and foreign tourists. In addition to a variety of gastronomic traditions, the world-famous delicacy of Pogradec is a salmon-colored fish with golden skin called koran (also known as Ohrid trout), which is found only in Lake Ohrid.

Let’s not forget that the Albanian triumvirate not only has natural beauty and delicious food to offer, but also a rich history. The castle of Pogradec is not to be missed, as its ruins bear witness to the six-thousand-year history of the city and the Illyrian tribes of Enchelean and Dassareti who founded it. Near the city are the popular excursion destinations of Drilon, Tushemisht and Lin, which offer even more natural beauty, delicious food and historical and cultural surprises.

A stroll through the beautiful parks along the lake and under the stars on a magical Pogradec night will awaken the artist in you, as it did in similarly inspired poets.

Tushemisht Albania

Tushemisht is a village in eastern Albania. It lies on the shores of Lake Ohrid right on the border with North Macedonia. Thanks to its beach and compact historic village center, Tushemisht is a popular vacation resort.

The village lies at the eastern end of the plain on the southern shore of Lake Ohrid at around 700 m above sea level. Behind the village rises a hill 966 m above sea level. Numerous springs emerge in and around Tushemisht – small canals and ponds between the historic houses characterize the village. The ponds of Drilon, a popular excursion destination to the west of the village, are protected as a natural monument.

Hotel tip: My favorite place in Tushemisht is Grand Hotel Pogradec, conveniently located quietly near the old town center and canals, right by the lake. Rooms are modern and some of the offer side lake views and balcony. Restaurants and the Park of Drilon are just around the corner.

Drilon is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Natural and Cultural Heritage of the Ohrid region, which was extended to the Albanian part of the lake and some surrounding areas in 2019.
The abundance of fresh water enables the inhabitants of Tushemisht to farm and breed fish.

The border crossing that connects Tushemisht with Sveti Naum in North Macedonia is located one and a half kilometers northeast of the village. The church on a small hill in the center of the village is dedicated to Saint Pandeleimon. The village is known as the main setting for the Albanian romantic comedy film Zonja nga qyteti (The Lady from the City).

Lin Albania

If you drive down the national road to Pogradec, you will see the village of Lin below. This small peninsula nestles gently on the shores of Lake Ohrid. It was once called the “Lake of Light”, perhaps because the light of the sun and moon illuminates its surface all year round. Indeed, the reflections in this lake are legendary! Hundreds of locals live on this small but beautiful peninsula.

If you drive down the road there, you will notice the beautiful red roofs of the characteristic little houses. Here you will find one of the oldest mosaics in Eastern Europe, dating back to the 4th century. Its intricate patterns and beauty are only surpassed by the surrounding landscape!

Accommodation Tip: One of the best guest houses in the village is the “Vila 43”, with an intimate and private beach area and garden and with direct access to the lake.

The surroundings of Lake Ohrid – a region that combines magnificent natural scenery, history and culture

The Lovcen National Park, located in the southwest of Montenegro, impresses not only with its spectacular mountain scenery. 64 square kilometers of magnificent mountain scenery, monuments, rare animal and plant species and a breathtaking panoramic view of the sea and the bay and old town of Kotor captivate many guests every year.

The national park covers the highest and most central part of the mighty Lovcen massif. Here you will also find the Njego Mausoleum, the final resting place of Petar II Petrovic Njego, prince-bishop and one of the country’s most important poets. You have to climb 461 steps from the parking lot to the highest tomb in the world before you are greeted by two female statues.

Steep rock faces and green, clear water: this is the impressive Koman Reservoir in northern Albania. Built between 1980 and 1988 in the Malgun Gorge, the dam on the Drin River is a 115-metre-high rockfill dam with a concrete outer layer. The steep rock faces make the reservoir look almost like one of Norway’s beautiful fjords.

Skopje, the capital of Macedonia, is full of contradictions. Historic buildings and monuments alternate with modern houses and prefabricated buildings.