Protected Area of Pogradec – Lake Ohrid

Protected Area of Pogradec – Lake Ohrid

This park was declared a protected area in 1999 and is located in southeastern Albania, situated at the wellknown Lake Ohrid and bordering on Northern Macedonia.

The part of Ohrid Lake that belongs to Northern Macedonia is part of the UNESCO world heritage list since 1979.

The area has a unique and inspirational landscape, where high natural and cultural values are intertwined with the traditional way of life.

Lake Ohrid

Lake Ohrid is one of the oldest lakes in Europe, has an area of 358 km² and is located at an altitude of 695 m above sea level.

It is surrounded by a high mountain chain in the east and west, reaching to a maximum altitude of 2288 m.

There are some animal and plant species found only in this lake, for example aquatic herbs, fish, and about 25 species of birds.

The area around the lake has forests and bushes as well as agricultural lands. Agricultural areas are typically located near the villages of the area.

Highlights of the seasons

Each season has its own beauties in this area, but the seasons we suggest for a visit are summer and winter. These are also the most popular seasons for tourists.

During the summer time, the most visited part is the lake, its beaches as well as the numerous monuments of culture and nature.

This is also a good time for hiking and bicycle tours, however these activities are certainly also possible in the other seasons.

During the winter this region is almost completely covered by snow reaching down to the lake, and the landscape becomes amazing and extraordinarily beautiful.

The lake is also populated by various migrating birds during winter, and visitors interested in ornithology may have the opportunity of observing rare bird species.

What else can visitors do here?

In this region visitors can visit different monuments of nature as well as monuments of culture.

They can go hiking, biking, boating on the lake or simply walk by the lake. And they should taste the traditional local cuisine.

Special events and festivals

There are number of folk celebrations in the Pogradec area, derived from different traditions and religious events. Some of them are:

• The Day of Holy Water on January 6^th, when a cross is thrown into Lake Ohrid and the first boy to find it by diving will have a lucky year.
• Xinxifilo Puppet Festival during April
• Lake Ohrid Day on June 21^st
• Night of Poetry on June 21^st
• Family Wine Feast in December

Videos from the protected area

Drone video of the city of Pogradec, the Lin Peninsula, and the Driloni Springs.

Drone video of the lake shore, the Lin Peninsula, and the Driloni Springs.

Drone video of the Valamara Lakes (natural monument), hiking trail

Hiking trail in Mali Thate in the protected area in winter

On the summit of Pllaja e Pusit, 2288 m, Mali Thate, from where you can see the two lakes Prespa and Ohrid, a breathtaking view.

Text and photos: Protected Area of Pogradec – Lake Ohrid