Despite the fact that Macedonia is a small country, it contains many unique natural beauties and historical values within its borders. One of these attractions is the Ohrid Lake. Macedonia is famous for this body of water, since it is considered the oldest of all located in the Republic. This reservoir is very picturesque. That is why every year tourists come to the lake, as if to seaside resorts. Most often, you can meet Macedonian and German vacationers here.
Description of the lake
Ohrid Lake (photos are presented in the article) is the deepest body of water in the Balkans. The surrounding landscape is complemented by majestic mountains, having a height of about two thousand meters. Its aquatic ecosystem is also rich, in which there are more than 200 endemic species. Many of them are important for the world ecological system. The city of Ohrid and its lake were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1980.
Lake Ohrid is the deepest in Macedonia. The average depth of the reservoir is 155 meters, while the maximum is 288 meters. The water is very clean and can be seen to a depth of 22 m. Sailing on a boat, you can watch how beautiful and nimble fish swim below.
The area of the lake is 358 km², and the length of its coastline is 87.53 km. It is 30.4 km long and 14.8 km wide.
It is interesting that the lake is divided into two states. One part belongs to the Republic of Macedonia, and 1/3 of its coast is in the possession of Albania.
Lake Hydrology
The city of Ohrid is proud of its heritage, as this basin was formed about five million years ago, which puts it on a par with such famous lakes as Baikal and Tanganyika. Another interesting fact is that the total catchment area is 2600 km2. 25% of the reservoir is fed by precipitation and rivers. Also part of the water comes from the nearby lake Prespa. It is located 150 meters higher, located 10 km from Lake Ohrid. In Prespa, water is drawn from karst underground sources. 50% of Lake Ohrid is fed from underground springs and springs.
Water leaves the reservoir by evaporation, as well as through the Black Drin River, flowing from the lake in a northerly direction. This river heads to Albania, where it joins the White Drin. Such a confluence is combined into one river Drin. Thanks to this cycle, the water always remains crystal clear.
Lake vacation
As already mentioned, many tourists from other countries come here as a resort instead of the sea.
On the coast and in the city itselfeverything is equipped for vacationers, because Ohrid lives off travelers. Already in the spring comes a pleasant warm time. But swimming in the lake at this time is still cold. In May, the water warms up to about 16 degrees. Therefore, many people prefer summer time for a trip to Lake Ohrid. The water temperature rises to 18-240C, the average is 210C.
You can decorate your holiday by visiting cozy cafes, shops and local markets selling amazing decorations. The lake is home to deep-sea trout, whose scales are used by the locals to make such beautiful souvenirs.
Water transport
Going to such an interesting place, tourists on vacation want to get the most out of their experience. That is why you should definitely take a ride on a cruise ship that takes guests to see some of the sights.
Although it is worth noting that Lake Ohrid is not particularly lively in terms of crossing. On the water surface you can see here and there small boats and huge cruise ships. Iron boats of small size are distinguished by bright, cheerful colors and are moored for overnight stays mainly near the mountain slope near the houses.
Ohrid hotels
Ohrid hotels, which exist only at the expense of tourists, try to please every vacationer. The city offers a variety of housing options. These can be hostels, private apartments, rooms, campsites, apartments or hotels. The most common are 2 and 3 hotels. Rent a double room in a place like thisthe average cost is $30. If you think about your accommodation in advance and book places, the impressions of your vacation will be the best, and you will never forget Lake Ohrid. Holidays in the high season are more eventful, but there are also a lot of tourists here, so without thinking about an overnight stay, you will have to stop where you have to.
If staying in a hotel is too expensive, you can choose one of the hostels, which will cost about $10 per night. But it is worth remembering that the room in such an institution is designed for 5 - 10 guests. If you have tents, they can be set up on the hostel for $6. You can also go camping. The work of such stops lasts from July to September. If you choose camping Sveti Naum, there is a nudist beach nearby.
Private rooms are the most profitable housing. On average, a night costs $12. But it's much better than living in a hostel designed for a few strangers.
Lake fauna
Lake Ohrid has its own unique underwater ecosystem, which is characteristic only of this reservoir, while it completely occupies the entire food chain. Baikal and Tanganyika are distinguished by the same characteristic properties. Phyto- and zooplankton, sponges, mollusks, crustaceans live here. Of the fish, there are several varieties of cyprinids, trout, eels and several other types of predatory representatives.
