The stunning Lake Ohrid paradise in North Macedonia, a Balkans best!
Updated: Mar 31
One of our favorite destinations, Lake Ohrid in North Macedonia is not to be missed! We spent four amazing days exploring the beautiful city of Ohrid. The surrounding Lake Ohrid is one of Europe's deepest and oldest lakes and a gem to both North Macedonia and also its neighbor Albania, with whom the lake is divided. In our opinion it is a must visit destination and we will show you why!
So let's take a closer look at the Pearl of the Balkans! In this post we will give you some background behind the town of Ohrid, and all you need to know about the natural marvel that is Lake Ohrid.
Plus find out how to cross the border from Albania, check out our Ohrid Blog Post, and get your all you need to know GUIDE to visiting North Macedonia.
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Why Ohrid?
We stayed in the town of Ohrid, the largest city on Lake Ohrid, which is jam packed with everything for history, food, nature and lake lovers alike. Having just spent a month in Tirana (Albania), we were looking for a short getaway and this just ticked all of the boxes.
We absolutely loved the infusion of all of the great empires that have ruled here and there is lots to explore, including some of the 365, yes 365 churches in the city. For that reason it is sometimes referred to as 'Jerusalem of the Balkans'. We also have a particular fascination with the Greek and Roman empires and that was a big factor too.
An interesting part of our journey here was crossing a land border, something interestingly enough we had not done much in our travels up to this point. In fact we have only ever crossed this way once, via the Batumi (Georgia) border into Trabzon (Turkey). We were keen to experience this and so booked a coach from Tirana. Find out all about it in our blog post below.
Before we get to our highlights video, read on for the history of the incredible town of Ohrid, and all you need to know about Lake Ohrid itself.
The history of Ohrid
Ohrid is one of the oldest and most historically significant cities in the Balkans. Its history spans over two millennia, and it has played a crucial role in the cultural and political development of the region. Here is an overview of the history of this magical place:
⪢ Ancient Ohrid
Ohrid's history can be traced back to ancient times, with evidence of human settlement dating as far back as Neolithic and Bronze Age periods. In the 4th century BC, Ohrid was known as Lychnidos and was part of the Kingdom of Paeonia, an ancient kingdom in the western Balkans. During the Roman period, it became part of the Roman province of Macedonia and was an important administrative and trade center. Christianity also began to spread in the region during this time.
⪢ Byzantine Era
Ohrid played a significant role in the early spread of Christianity in the Balkans. It became an Episcopal center in the 3rd century AD and later an important archbishopric in the Byzantine Empire. The city is known for its many churches and monasteries, some of which date back to the 9th and 10th centuries, including the famous St. Sophia Cathedral.
⪢ Bulgarian Rule
Ohrid was briefly ruled by the Bulgarian Empire during the 10th century, and it became a cultural and religious center for the Bulgarian Orthodox Church. The city was the birthplace of Saints Cyril and Methodius, who created the Cyrillic alphabet, which is still used in many Slavic languages today.
⪢ Ottoman Rule
In the late 14th century, Ohrid fell under Ottoman Turkish rule, marking the end of the city's independence. The Ottomans continued to influence the city's architecture and culture. During this period, Ohrid's importance as a religious center persisted, with the construction of several Ottoman-era mosques, bridges, and public buildings.
⪢ Yugoslav & Modern Period
After World War I, Ohrid became part of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia and later the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. In 1991, with the breakup of Yugoslavia, Ohrid became part of the newly independent Republic of Macedonia (now North Macedonia). Today, Ohrid is a popular tourist destination known for its historical sites, beautiful lake, and vibrant cultural scene.
⪢ UNESCO World Heritage Site
Ohrid and its surroundings were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979 due to their rich cultural and historical heritage, including the city's Byzantine churches, monasteries, and Ottoman-era architecture.
Lake Ohrid, the Pearl of the Balkans, all you need to know
Lake Ohrid is a magnificent and ancient freshwater lake located in the southwestern part of the Balkan Peninsula, primarily within North Macedonia, with a small portion extending into Albania. It is one of the oldest and deepest lakes in Europe and holds significant ecological, cultural, and historical importance.
⪢ Geography & Size
Lake Ohrid is approximately 30 kilometers (18.6 miles) long and 14 kilometers (8.7 miles) wide, with a total shoreline of about 87 kilometers (54 miles). It covers an area of approximately 358 square kilometers (138 square miles). The lake reaches a maximum depth of about 290 meters (951 feet), making it one of the deepest lakes in Europe.
⪢ Ancient Origins
Lake Ohrid is estimated to be around 2 to 3 million years old, making it one of the oldest and most ancient lakes in the world. Its age has earned it the nickname "the Pearl of the Balkans" and a place on UNESCO's World Heritage List.
⪢ Biodiversity
The lake is renowned for its exceptional biodiversity, with numerous endemic species found nowhere else in the world. It is home to several species of fish, including the Ohrid trout, which is a symbol of the lake. The surrounding area features rich flora and fauna, including a variety of birds and aquatic life.
⪢ Cultural & Historical Significance
The region around Lake Ohrid has been inhabited for thousands of years, and the lake has played a central role in the development of local cultures and civilizations. Ohrid, a historic town located on the lake's eastern shore, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and boasts numerous ancient churches, monasteries, and archaeological sites.
⪢ Tourism
Lake Ohrid is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors with its stunning natural beauty, crystal-clear waters, and opportunities for water-based activities such as swimming, boating, and fishing. The town of Ohrid, with its historic architecture and vibrant cultural scene, is a major tourist hub.
⪢ Conservation Efforts
Due to its ecological significance and unique biodiversity, Lake Ohrid has been the focus of conservation efforts and research to preserve its delicate ecosystem. Efforts are underway to protect the lake's water quality and surrounding environment.
⪢ Transboundary Lake
The lake is shared between North Macedonia and Albania, and the two countries cooperate on environmental and conservation initiatives to protect this valuable natural resource. Lake Ohrid's combination of natural beauty, historical significance, and ecological importance makes it a truly exceptional destination for travelers interested in both culture and nature. It continues to be a cherished and protected treasure in the Balkans.
Our Lake Ohrid YouTube video
Now let's get to it! Check out one of perhaps our favorite YouTube videos to date! Highlights include the famous Church of St John Kaneo, the Ohrid Amphitheatre, the Bay of Bones, Ohrid night market and a fantastic boat trip to St Naum and its incredible monastery. Plus get to know us a little better too!
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Our Ohrid Blog Post
Find out much more about the history of the town of Ohrid, including places to visit, food, nightlife, best time to visit and accommodation all in our comprehensive blog post!
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Your FREE interactive map of North Macedonia
Check out all of the places we visited in North Macedonia courtesy of this interactive map from Wanderlog. Tap any of the numbers for more information including directions, our blog posts, links to reviews and much more.
Wanderlog is a free travel planning app for iOS and Android devices that allows users to create trip itineraries, organize flights, hotel and car reservations, view places to visit on a map, and collaborate with friends. It is super handy and has made a big impact on our travel planning. It saves time and is super easy to use!
Your GUIDE to visiting North Macedonia
First time in North Macedonia? Check out our comprehensive guide with all you need to know including our latest posts, must-see places, and key information about health & safety, transport, local customs, connectivity, visa information, useful links and much more!
