OHRID: A BALKAN JEWEL OF HISTORY AND NATURE

Ohrid, located in the southwestern part of North Macedonia on the northeastern shore of Lake Ohrid, stands as one of the country’s most important tourist destinations. Together, the city and the lake attract visitors from around the world, drawn by their unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Due to its remarkable number of churches, Ohrid is often referred to as the “Jerusalem of the Balkans.”

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The city is also known as the “City of Light,” a literal translation of its ancient name, Lychnidos.

Lake Ohrid itself is considered a true natural wonder. It is home to more than 200 endemic species of plants and animals, including algae, zooplankton, fish, snails, and crustaceans, earning it the nickname “Europe’s Galápagos.” Experts estimate that the lake formed around four million years ago, preserving species that have long disappeared elsewhere in the world.

This extraordinary biodiversity is one of the reasons why UNESCO placed Lake Ohrid on the World Heritage List in 1980, recognizing it as one of Europe’s most significant biological reserves.

Situated at an altitude of 693 meters, the lake stretches 30.8 kilometers in length and reaches a maximum depth of 289 meters. It is bordered by Galičica to the east and Jablanica to the west.

Along its shores lie the cities of Ohrid and Struga in North Macedonia, as well as Pogradec in neighboring Albania. Known for its deep blue color, warm waters, and vast surface area of 358 square kilometers, the lake is often described as Macedonia’s freshwater sea. It is a popular destination for swimming and fishing, and in certain areas, divers can even discover archaeological remains dating back some 3,000 years.

Lake Ohrid is fed by numerous underwater springs, as well as sources near the Monastery of Saint Naum and at Studenište in Ohrid. Much of its water originates from underground flows connected to Lake Prespa, which lies at a higher elevation. Several rivers and streams from the Ohrid basin also flow into the lake.

Seventeen species of fish inhabit the lake, including the well-known Ohrid trout, letnica, and belvica—species found nowhere else in the world. Alongside eel, chub, carp, and barbel, the lake is also home to a small fish called plašica, whose scales are used to produce the famous Ohrid pearl.