Lake Ohrid, North Macedonia
Lake Ohrid is a lake which straddles the mountainous border between the southwestern part of North Macedonia and eastern Albania. It is one of Europe's deepest and oldest lakes, with a unique aquatic ecosystem of worldwide importance, with more than 200 endemic species.
-Wikipedia-
Lake Ohrid, one of Europe's oldest and deepest lakes, is a gem nestled between North Macedonia and Albania. Its crystal-clear waters, rich history, and vibrant cultural heritage make it a must-visit destination.
This a UNESCO World Heritage site is the perfect addition to a trip to Skopje, or a destination in and of itself. Just about a 3 hour drive, or bus ride, from Skopje, Lake Ohrid is like being in a completely different world. It has a very touristic feel, without feeling artificial or overly commercial.
Cost Breakdown
Hotel: 2 nights in Lake Ohrid paid with credit points equally $77
Villa Kale is a family run hotel situated on the hills surrounding Ohrid Lake. It was pretty no frills, but clean and comfortable and the owners were very kind and welcoming.
Car Rental: 3 days, compact car with manual transmission, from Advant Car (city center) paid with credit card points equivalent to $84
Gas: $44.00 (almost a full tank)
Tolls: Approximately $5. I lost track of how many tolls there were, but it was several and they were each around 40-50MKD. Be sure to have local currency.
Food and Drink:
Sit down, lake front dinner with appetizer, water and beer $29
Burek from the bakery $1.50
Gyro $5
Turkish coffee and simit $4
Entry fees:
Various entry fees $10
Sunset boat ride (with champagne) $11
Souvenirs: I picked up 3 “fancy” magnets for $6
How to get to Ohrid from Skopje
🚗Drive: The direct route from Skopje to Ohrid is just under 3 hours. I opted to drive because I wanted the flexibility to be on my own timeline and veer off to take in sights along the way.
Including 3 day car rental (compact, manual transmission), gas, and tolls, my total was: $133
The only downside to having a car was the parking in Ohrid. It was a bit of a challenge in Early May, so I can imagine it is very challenging in the summer months.
🚌Bus: There are a few bus options from Skopje to Lake Ohrid with some bus services running every 3 hours and others running two days per week. Depending on company and route, roundtrip tickets range from 14€–19€ and the journey takes anywhere from 2 hours and 45 minutes to 4 hours.
For bus options and schedules, check out Rome2Rio.
What to do in Lake Ohrid
When planning my trip to Lake Ohrid, I saw several people say it could be done as a day trip. I personally think Ohrid warrants at least an overnight. I also think that 3 hours each way is too much for a day trip, but if you are up for it or on a super tight timeline, it’s worth the trip!
I had originally planned to spend one night in Ohrid, but extended to 2 because I wanted to take my time and visit Lake Kozjak on the return. I am glad I did.
Samoil's (Samuel) Fortress
Samuel's Fortress is a fortress in the old town of Ohrid, North Macedonia. It was the capital of the First Bulgarian Empire during the rule of Tsar Samuel of Bulgaria at the turn of the 11th century.
-wikipedia-
🗺️4Q7R+QHR, Ohrid, North Macedonia
💶120MKD (about €2.50)
🕰️Tues-Sun 9a-3p Mon - closed
Views on top of views with a side of views. Samoil’s Fortress offers incredible 360 views of Lake Ohrid and if you have a clear day, they are absolutely breathtaking. It does require a bit of an uphill climb, and navigating some stairs inside to get those views, but they are well worth it.
The Fortress is spread out enough that is doesn’t feel especially crowded and you can take as much or as little time as you like.
Churches
Lake Ohrid is renowned not only for its natural beauty but also for its remarkable concentration of historic churches. These ancient sanctuaries, many adorned with stunning frescoes and intricate architecture, reflect the deep spiritual and cultural heritage of the region.
Church of Saint John the Theologian
Saint John the Theologian, Kaneo or simply Saint John at Kaneo is a Macedonian Orthodox church situated on the cliff over Kaneo Beach overlooking Lake Ohrid in the city of Ohrid, North Macedonia
-Wikipedia-
🗺️4Q6Q+CGJ, Kocho Racin, Ohrid 6000, North Macedonia
💶100MKD (€2) to visit the interior
This 13th century church is beautiful on its own, but then when you factor in the setting and views: it is absolutely stunning. There are picnic areas that overlook the church and many people gather here to take in the sunset as it gives incredible views of the lake. I got so caught up with the outside and the views, I neglected to go inside.
Church of Saint Sophia
The Church of Saint Sophia is a church in Ohrid, North Macedonia. The church is one of the most important monuments of North Macedonia, housing architecture and art from the Middle Ages.
-Wikipedia-
💶100MKD (€2) to visit the interior
Normally, I appreciate churches for their architecture and ornate decor, but it was the paintings and artwork in The Church of Saint Sophia that truly had me in awe. Beautifully preserved and holding so much history, these relics are truly remarkable and worth a visit.
Admittedly, I was too busy with the turtles and dogs in the courtyard to take photos of the exterior, but I assure you it is also beautiful.
Church of Saints Clement and Panteleimon
The Church of Saints Clement and Panteleimon is a Byzantine church situated on Plaošnik in Ohrid, North Macedonia. It is attributed to Saint Clement of Ohrid, a disciple of Saint Cyril and Saint Methodius.
-Wikipedia-
🗺️4Q7R+F5X, MK, Kuzman Kapidan, Ohrid 6000, North Macedonia
💶100MKD (2€)
🕰️Daily 8a-7p
Just a short walk from the Fortress, the Church of Saints Clement and Panteleimon comes in to view as you come down the hill and is a stunning sight. The church alone is striking, but the addition of the lake and mountain backdrop really takes it to the next level. Access to the grounds (including small ruins) and entry to the church are included in the 100MKD free.
Currently (May 2024) there is some renovation work taking place on some of the other buildings on the grounds, but those are generally open to visitors as well.
Take a Boat Ride
Probably the most popular activity in Lake Ohrid is hopping in a boat and taking a cruise around the lake. There are several options for boat rides available.
Sites like Viator and Get Your Guide have several pre-book options from 1 hour tours to full day tours that stop at numerous locations. These can range anywhere from about €25 to €110+. There are options for both private and group tours.
It is also possible to hire a boat right from the dock, with numerous pontoon boats, water taxis, and small sailboats lined up along the lakefront. These also come at varying price points, but the average seemed to be €25 per person for a quick spin around the lake.
There are also stands near the dock with people selling tours that can be booked in the morning of for the next day.
If you are looking for a budget friendly or livelier atmosphere, there are also large group “tours” available. These are really just “out and back” boat rides, but are great options for friend groups, solo travelers, anyone on a budget (at only €10) or anyone who isn’t interested in a guided tour or the informational aspect.
I opted to do one of these group boat rides and am so glad I chose the sunset sail.
Since I was in Lake Ohrid solo, I was hesitant to join a small boat ride and be an oddball in a small group and didn’t want to prebook and be committed to a time or duration. The large group rides seemed like a fun option, and then I saw that there was a sunset option for only €10 (with a glass of champagne! Sold!). I bought my ticket at 4:30p and was told to arrive at 6:30p for a 7:00p take off.
I would recommend buying tickets a bit further in advance, especially with a larger party.
Honestly, I had low expectations for this boat ride. I was expecting a total party scene with loud music and a full party atmosphere. To my very pleasant surprise, and that of the lovely ladies I was sat with, it was actually a calm and really lovely experience.
There was soft music playing, table service, and an overall grown but fun vibe.
And… the views!
The views were stunning as the sunset on the lake during the 90 minutes we were on the water enjoying our complimentary champagne and very reasonably priced drinks.
Take a Walk Around the Lake
Okay, “around the lake” might be an overstatement, because it is huge, but you can take a walk (or ride a bicycle or scooter) along the lake. There is a great paved pedestrian walkway that runs along with the lake with plenty of places to stop for a bite or drink or just to snap some photos or enjoy the views.
There are bars and restaurants around the Lake, as well as parks and play areas. If you continue a bit of a way, you will eventually find lakefront beaches and picnic areas as well.
Go To The Beach
While I didn’t properly go to the beach while in Lake Ohrid, I did walk past a couple of them and can imagine they are pretty amazing in the right weather season and weather.
Some of the most popular beaches in Lake Ohrid:
Kaneo Beach.
Gradishte Beach-Fun for the Whole Family.
Potpes Beach-Nature's Hidden Gem.
Cuba Libre Beach.
St. Stefan Beach.
Lagadin Beach: A Quaint Lakeside Retreat.
Labino Beach: An Oasis of Tranquility.
Trpejca Beach: Authentic Village Charm
Museum: The Bay of Bones
I can’t recommend that Bay of Bones Museum form personal experience, since I didn’t actually go, but I really wanted to and you should go so I can live vicariously through you.
Not my photo
I planned to drive there and visit the morning I was leaving Lake Ohrid, but I didn’t manage enough time and ended up, regrettably, skipping it.
This reconstructed village of stilt houses displaying Bronze & Iron Age items recovered from Lake Ohrid can be reached by car or by boat and is included in many day boat tours.
