DISCOVER THE BALKAN JERUSALEM

Ohrid is a city in southwestern North Macedonia, located on the northeastern shore of Lake Ohrid.

PHOTO: Ohrid

Known as the “Balkan Jerusalem” due to its abundance of churches, Ohrid and Lake Ohrid are major tourist destinations in Macedonia.

The city is also referred to as the “City of Light,” a literal translation of its ancient name, Lihnid.

Lake Ohrid is a true natural marvel, home to over 200 endemic plant and animal species, including algae, zooplankton, fish, snails, and worms. This unique biodiversity has led some to call it the “European Galapagos.” Experts believe the lake formed around four million years ago, and its depths harbor species that have long disappeared from other parts of the world. Thus, it’s no surprise that it’s considered one of Europe’s greatest biological reserves, and in 1980, UNESCO added it to the World Heritage list.

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

The Macedonian towns of Ohrid and Struga, as well as Pogradec in Albania, are located along its shores.

With its intense blue color, warm waters, and an area of 358 square kilometers, the lake is often referred to as Macedonia’s freshwater sea. It’s a popular spot for swimming and fishing, and divers may even find archaeological remains dating back around 3,000 years in certain areas.

Lake Ohrid is fed by numerous underwater springs, including those near the Saint Naum Monastery and the Studeništa springs in Ohrid. Most of these springs are underground outflows from Lake Prespa, which is at a higher altitude. Several rivers and streams from the Ohrid Basin also flow into the lake. It is home to 17 species of fish, the most famous being trout, letnica, and belvica, all unique to its waters.

Additionally, the small fish known as plasica, which lives here, provides the scales for crafting the famous Ohrid pearl.