Things you should know before visiting Lake Ohrid in Macedonia:
“Don’t let that powerful water mesmerize you with sleep.
It has such a power: it mesmerizes you to sleep, it enchants you, and then attracts you to itself with its magic.
And you will stay in Ohrid for many days and years, and you will keep coming back.”
– Branislav Nušić, writer (“On the Shores of Lake Ohrid”)
LAKE OHRID IN MACEDONIA
THIS POST MAY CONTAIN COMPENSATED LINKS. PLEASE READ MY DISCLAIMER FOR MORE INFO.
∗
Breathtaking scenery of the bright blue lake surrounded by the snowy mountains,
with the sun that baths in crystal clearness of the lake fed by the spring water.
Ohrid, the town on the shore of Lake Ohrid.
∗
Ohrid, called the jewel of the crown of Macedonia.
A scenic place with splendid landscapes: the lake, the mountains, the churches, the monasteries and the fortress.
∗
Ohrid town, one of the oldest settlements in Europe seated on the shore of one of the oldest lakes in Europe.
The town of Ohrid, an ancient historic place with archeological sites dating from the Stone Age up to the Middle Ages.
Ohrid lake, a natural phenomenon with a few hundred endemic flora and fauna species.
∗
Ohrid, a spiritual and educational center.
The spiritual center once called “Jerusalem of the Balkans” for 365 churches. 365 churches, one for each day of the year.
The educational center for the first Slavonic University in the Balkans and the Ohrid literally school where the Slav literature was created.
∗
Ohrid, a historic, architectural, cultural and artistic museum
with the heritage dating back to the prehistoric Neolithic period, the Byzantine era and the Ottoman era.
∗
Ohrid, a UNESCO’s World Heritage Cultural and Natural site,
where masterpieces of art and nature are packed with a superb dreamy, romantic, and calming atmosphere.
Wondering was I mesmerized by Ohrid?! Do I need to say I will be coming back to Ohrid!?!
And what about you, are you mesmerized by Macedonian Ohrid?
WHAT TO DO IN OHRID: Lake Ohrid in Macedonia is a paradise for outdoors enthusiasts. So, the best things to do in Ohrid are to take a guided boat tour or water taxi to see the lake from all the perspectives or simply swim in Ohrid lake or enjoy walking the waterfront promenade.
WHAT TO SEE IN OHRID: One of the things to do in Ohrid is to visit famous Ohrid churches – church of St John at Kaneo, the church of St Sophia, Holy Mother of God Peribleptos church, beautiful Ohrid monastery of St. Panteleimon, ancient Ohrid theater, Samuel’s Fortress, and Robevi family house.
WHERE IS OHRID: Ohrid is about 110 mi (175 km) southwest of Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia.
HOW TO GET TO LAKE OHRID MACEDONIA: Ohrid Macedonia is accessible by car, by 3.5-hour bus drive from Skopje Bus Station, or by plane. The Ohrid airport connects Ohrid with Zurich, Basel, Ljubljana, Belgrade, Tel Aviv, Amsterdam, Brussels, and London, although the majority of airlines fly only during summer.
WHERE TO STAY IN OHRID: Recommended accommodation in Ohrid – Ohrid hostels and Ohrid hotels
- BUDGET: Old Town Hostel Ohrid, Point Hostel Ohrid, Guest House Ohrid Trpeski
- MID-RANGE: Boutique Villa Arte, Villa Sofija, Hotel & Spa Tino Sveti Stefan
- LUXURY: Vila Bisera, Aleksandar Villa & Spa
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO EXPLORE BALKANS MORE, YOU MIGHT ALSO ENJOY:
- Split in Croatia in One Day (Croatia)
- Winter in Dubrovnik (Croatia)
- Best things to do in Sarajevo in Bosnia (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
- How to Spend One Perfect Day in Vienna - November 18, 2024
- Top 13 Must-Eat Food in Florence Italy - October 15, 2024
- 27 Best Things to Do in Florence Italy - September 17, 2024
I was so gutted to miss out on this place when I was in the FYR Macedonia many years ago. Your photos really want me to go back to the country and check it out. It looks so amazing.
great to see a post on Ohrid! I went a few years ago and loved it – such a pretty spot!
That lake really is gorgeous! Can you swim in it??
Yes, Brianna, the lake is really gorgeous and you can swim in it. Lake Ohrid is a popular Macedonian summer vacation destination.
Oh it looks beautiful, I’m not surprised you want to go back! What a stunning lake – I would love to explore by boat 🙂
I never heard of Ohrid, but it looks and sounds lovely! Thanks for sharing your experience with us, we will be sure to put it on our ever growing travel wish list.
The title fits the description well. I won’t be surprised if you decided to go back, let alone stay.
Beautiful! These photos are gorgeous. I’d love to go here one day, seems like a fantastic place.
Awesome! I haven’t heard of this place before but it sounds so interesting. I love fortresses and the history!
Oh my, we were in Skopje in 2015! How could I have missed this???
Sorry to hear you have missed visiting the lake in 2015. Next time then! 🙂
Perfect place to go canoeing. I hope that is allowed in the lake. The place has a magical touch to it with all those churches.
Breathtaking indeed! Ohrid looks like a beautiful town to visit, full of art and history and great walks.
I have heard that Ohrid has 365 churches, one for each day of the year. This is a great place. I will add it to my bucket list, Milijana!
Hey, Agness. Ohrid used to have hundreds of churches, but over time only several remained. But, needless to say, it is a wonderful place.
Incredibly interesting review, beautiful photos, I like reading your blog! Thanks for sharing!