Lake Ohrid: A Balkan Jewel

Discover Lake Ohrid: Europe's ancient gem, offering stunning beauty, rich history, and unique biodiversity in the heart of the Balkans.

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Lake Ohrid, shared by North Macedonia and Albania, is one of Europe's oldest and deepest lakes, boasting a unique ecosystem, historical significance, and stunning natural beauty. Its clear waters, ancient churches, and surrounding mountains make it a captivating destination.

A brief summary to Lake Ohrid

Local tips

Explore the Old Town of Ohrid on foot to discover hidden gems and historical sites.
Take a boat trip to the Monastery of Saint Naum for stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere.
Enjoy the local cuisine, especially the fresh fish from Lake Ohrid.
Visit during the shoulder season (April-May or September-October) for pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
Haggle taxi prices and be aware of potential tourist scams.

Getting There

Walking

From the center of Ohrid town, many lakeside attractions are easily accessible on foot. The promenade stretches along the shore, connecting beaches, bars, and restaurants. Cobbled streets lead to historical sites like Samuel's Fortress and the Church of Saint John at Kaneo. Walking allows you to fully appreciate the town's atmosphere and discover hidden gems.
Public Transport

Local buses connect Ohrid with nearby towns and attractions. The bus station is located a short distance north of the Old Town. Buses run frequently to Struga and less frequently to Sveti Naum Monastery. A bus ride to Struga costs approximately 50 MKD. Check local timetables for the most up-to-date information. Buses to Sveti Naum Monastery cost around 150 MKD.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available in Ohrid and can be a convenient way to reach destinations further afield. Negotiate the fare before starting your journey. A taxi from the bus station to the Old Town should cost around 200-300 MKD. Taxis can also be hired for day trips to attractions like Sveti Naum Monastery, with prices varying depending on the distance and duration.
Boat

Boat trips are a popular way to explore Lake Ohrid. Numerous boats depart from the harbor, offering tours to various destinations, including the Monastery of Saint Naum and the Bay of Bones. A round-trip boat ticket to Sveti Naum Monastery costs around 600 MKD. Water taxis are also available, but they are generally more expensive. Check the ferry timetable at the marina.

Discover more about Lake Ohrid

Lake Ohrid, straddling the border between North Macedonia and Albania, is a true Balkan treasure. This ancient lake, estimated to be between 1.36 and 5 million years old, is one of the oldest and deepest in Europe. Its immense size can be confusing, and you might consider it to be a sea. With a surface of 358.2 km2, it is almost entirely encircled by mountains. Known as the "Jerusalem of the Balkans", Lake Ohrid is not only a place of natural beauty but also a significant cultural and spiritual center. The lake's shores have been inhabited since prehistoric times, with the first signs of human settlements dating back to the Bronze Age. Over 40 churches dot the lake's perimeter, many of which are ancient Byzantine-era structures. The Cyrillic alphabet was developed here, and in the 9th and 10th centuries AD, a thriving university educated over 3,500 students. Today, Lake Ohrid is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its unique ecosystem and cultural significance. The lake is home to over 200 endemic species, including the Ohrid trout, various snails, worms, and sponges. Visitors can explore the historic town of Ohrid, with its narrow cobbled streets, ancient churches, and the imposing Samuel's Fortress. Boat trips on the lake offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and access to attractions such as the Monastery of Saint Naum and the Bay of Bones. Swimming, sunbathing, and watersports are popular activities during the summer months. However, Lake Ohrid faces threats from pollution, overdevelopment, and climate change. Efforts are underway to protect this natural and cultural treasure for future generations.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

The oldest settlement in Europe

6.9 km

Explore the ancient wonders of the oldest settlement in Europe, a historical landmark by Lake Ohrid, rich in culture and breathtaking views.

Hotel „Granit“

7.4 km

Experience lakeside serenity at Hotel Granit Ohrid, with private beach access and close proximity to historical attractions.

Hotel Park Lakeside

8.6 km

Experience tranquility and luxury on the shores of Lake Ohrid at Hotel Park Lakeside, your perfect Macedonian getaway.

National Workshop For Handmade Paper Ljupcho Panevski

10.1 km

Experience the ancient art of handmade paper at Ljupcho Panevski's workshop in Ohrid. Witness traditional techniques and support local craftsmanship.

National Workshop For Handmade Paper Ljupcho Panevski

Chinar Tree

10.7 km

Discover Ohrid's ancient Chinar Tree: a millennium-old natural monument offering shade, history, and cultural richness in the heart of the city.

ATV Adventure Ohrid

10.7 km

Experience Ohrid's stunning landscapes with thrilling ATV tours! Explore forests, hills, and lakeside trails for an unforgettable adventure.

Koritski Rid

11.5 km

Breathtaking views of Lake Ohrid from a scenic overlook in Galicica National Park, North Macedonia.

Monastery of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Kališta

12.8 km

Discover the Monastery of Kališta: A historic lakeside sanctuary with cave churches, ancient frescoes, and the revered Black Virgin Mary icon.

Monastery of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Kališta

Galičica

12.9 km

Explore Galičica National Park: Hike scenic trails, discover rare species, and witness breathtaking views of Lake Ohrid and Lake Prespa.

National Park Galicica

13.1 km

Explore Galicica National Park: breathtaking views, diverse wildlife, and hiking trails between Lake Ohrid and Lake Prespa in North Macedonia.

New Drim Bridge

15.3 km

Discover the modern architectural gem of Struga, offering breathtaking views and easy access to the town's cultural and natural attractions.

Camping ARBI

15.6 km

Experience the serene beauty of Lake Ohrid at Camping ARBI, a perfect blend of nature, comfort, and adventure in Pogradec, Albania.

National Park of Drilon

15.8 km

Explore the serene landscapes and diverse wildlife of the National Park of Drilon, a hidden gem in Albania's natural beauty.

Pogradec Panoramic View Point

16.1 km

Experience the stunning vistas and serene atmosphere of the Pogradec Panoramic View Point, a historical landmark overlooking Lake Ohrid in Albania.

Beach

16.1 km

Relax on the shores of Lake Ohrid at Pogradec Beach, Albania. Enjoy clear waters, stunning views, and local cuisine.

Unmissable attractions to see

Lin Camping

6.2 km

Experience the tranquil beauty of Lin Camping, a serene escape by Lake Ohrid in Albania, perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Lin highest checkpoint,magical view!!

6.8 km

Experience the breathtaking views from Lin's highest checkpoint, overlooking the stunning Lake Ohrid and surrounding picturesque hills.

Lin Ancient Mosaics

6.8 km

Uncover the stunning mosaics of Lin Ancient Mosaics, an archaeological gem in Albania, showcasing early Christian artistry amidst breathtaking landscapes.

Lin

6.9 km

Discover Lin: Albania's ancient lakeside village with Byzantine mosaics, stunning views, and Europe's oldest settlement secrets.

Nemo Beach

7.9 km

Experience the tranquil beauty of Nemo Beach in Ohrid, North Macedonia, with crystal-clear waters and stunning natural landscapes for relaxation and adventure.

Cross Gorno Konjsko

8.1 km

Discover the serene beauty and spiritual significance of Cross Gorno Konjsko, a stunning monument in North Macedonia surrounded by breathtaking landscapes.

Museum „The Bay of Bones“

8.5 km

Explore the Bay of Bones Museum, an archaeological gem on Lake Ohrid revealing the intriguing history of prehistoric life in North Macedonia.

Bay of Bones Museum - Entrance (Viewpoint)

8.6 km

Explore the Bay of Bones Museum, an archaeological gem in North Macedonia showcasing prehistoric life along the stunning shores of Lake Ohrid.

Bay of Bones Museum - Entrance (Viewpoint)

Nativity of the Holy Mother of God

9.7 km

Discover the serene beauty and rich heritage of the Nativity of the Holy Mother of God in Ohrid, a gem of Orthodox architecture and spirituality.

Church of Saint John the Theologian

9.7 km

Explore the Church of Saint John the Theologian, a captivating Orthodox church on Lake Ohrid, renowned for its stunning frescoes and breathtaking views.

Paragliding Ohrid

9.8 km

Experience breathtaking paragliding over Lake Ohrid, embracing adventure and stunning views in North Macedonia's most picturesque destination.

Church of Saints Clement and Panteleimon

9.9 km

Discover the architectural beauty and spiritual significance of the Church of Saints Clement and Panteleimon in Ohrid, North Macedonia.

Church of Saints Clement & Panteleimon

9.9 km

Discover Ohrid's spiritual heart at this reconstructed Byzantine church, a cradle of Slavic literacy with breathtaking lake views.

Plaoshnik

9.9 km

Explore the archaeological wonder of Plaoshnik and uncover the ancient history nestled along the beautiful shores of Lake Ohrid.

Plaoshnik Archaeological park

9.9 km

Explore Plaoshnik Archaeological Park in Ohrid: Uncover ancient Christian heritage amidst stunning lake views and historical ruins.

Experience authentic Albanian cuisine with stunning lake views at Restorant Berberi in Pogradec.

Explore TONA Market in Pogradec, Albania: Your destination for fresh local produce and unique Albanian delicacies.

Discover Triss, Pogradec's vibrant bar where locals and tourists unite for exceptional drinks and unforgettable views of Lake Ohrid.

Your Ultimate Free Travel Guide

Discover Lake Ohrid with Evendo, a 100% free app-based travel guide. Explore attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more with ease and convenience.

Lake Ohrid: A Balkan Jewel

A brief summary to Lake Ohrid

Local tips

Getting There

Walking

Public Transport

Taxi

Boat

Unlock the Best of Lake Ohrid

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Lake Ohrid

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

The oldest settlement in Europe

Hotel „Granit“

Hotel Park Lakeside

National Workshop For Handmade Paper Ljupcho Panevski

Chinar Tree

ATV Adventure Ohrid

Koritski Rid

Monastery of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Kališta

Galičica

National Park Galicica

New Drim Bridge

Camping ARBI

National Park of Drilon

Pogradec Panoramic View Point

Beach

Unmissable attractions to see

Lin Camping

Lin highest checkpoint,magical view!!

Lin Ancient Mosaics

Lin

Nemo Beach

Cross Gorno Konjsko

Museum „The Bay of Bones“

Bay of Bones Museum - Entrance (Viewpoint)

Nativity of the Holy Mother of God

Church of Saint John the Theologian

Paragliding Ohrid

Church of Saints Clement and Panteleimon

Church of Saints Clement & Panteleimon

Plaoshnik

Plaoshnik Archaeological park

Essential places to dine

Ezerski Raj Fish Restaurant

Taverna Mimi

Restaurant „Ostrovo“

Dallga

Taverna KOÇO

Rritja e Koranit

Bar Restorante “Te Bakja”

Purple Sky Beach Bar

1 Maji Restaurant

Te Minarollët

Bar Restorant Kuinda

Perla Restaurant

Taverna Saimel

Dy Vëllezërit

Restorant Berberi

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Melodija Souvenir Shop

Knigovez Workshop & Gift Shop Ohrid Macedonia

Market Toçka

La Coquette

Woodcarving

Garden Villa

Kartodrom Pogradeci

Taverna Ndona

Restaurant Rosa e Tymosur

The Fragrance Shop IN ACCESSORIZE

Friends Bar-Restaurant

Kreperi & Pastiçeri Kanellë

Optimax, Pogradec

Western Union

TONA Market Pogradec

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

Jazz Inn

BLU Restaurant & Bar