Top 17 Lakes in Southwestern Region

For Western Europeans, the name Galicia first brings to mind the region in northwestern Spain best known for the famous pilgrimage destination of Santiago de Compostela (with the tomb of the Apostle James the Greater). But the name also appears here, as the name of a national park. The website mazedonien.de writes: "Galičica National Park, in the southwestern part of North Macedonia, has its highest peak, Magaro, at 2,255 meters above sea level, from where you can enjoy a unique view of the two beautiful lakes, Ohrid and Prespa. The mountains are also home to several rare animals such as bears, lynx, and wolves, but the park also harbors many birds, reptiles, and amphibians, as well as plants and trees. The park was established on January 1, 1999, under the name 'Bistritsa-Magarita National Park,' but it changed its name to Galičica National Park in March 2008..." (Source: https://mazedonien.de/trekking-natur/galicica-nationalpark/)

Please note that a passport is required for this hike because you have to cross the border with North Macedonia. We left them at the hotel and had to turn back!

Great view of Lake Ohrid

We decide to go for a walk here, a beautiful walk through the forest of 2.5 km. On the way we come across a very small church (Church of Holy Mother of God) that lies against the source of Lake Ohrid. The water here is very clear and the vegetation on the bottom is very beautiful to see. We walk on and come across the next church (Church of Saint Athanasius). Here are also the homes of the nuns/brothers and the caretaker. Unfortunately the church is closed, but then the caretaker comes running to open the church especially for us! He gives some explanation about the church and officially we were not allowed to take pictures, but for this time he allowed it. Very beautiful church too, very richly decorated.

We decide to go for a walk here, a beautiful walk through the forest of 2.5 km. On the way we come across a very small church (Church of Holy Mother of God) that lies against the source of Lake Ohrid. The water here is very clear and the vegetation on the bottom is very beautiful to see. We walk on and come across the next church (Church of Saint Athanasius). Here are also the homes of the nuns/brothers and the caretaker. Unfortunately the church is closed, but then the caretaker comes running to open the church especially for us! He gives some explanation about the church and officially we were not allowed to take pictures, but for this time he allowed it. Very beautiful church too, very richly decorated.

The Church of St. John of Kaneo stands on a rocky outcrop on the edge of Lake Ohrid in southern Macedonia. The church was built between 1130 and 1150, but there are also earlier layers of construction dating back to the 10th century, including a small chapel dedicated to St. Tryphon, which dates back to the 6th-century Macedonian Orthodox Archbishopric of Ohrid, when the city of Ohrid was founded and its bishop Tryphon became its first holy bishop in 524 AD. History of the Church In the 12th century, it was decided to build the current church on the site where the original one stood, which had been destroyed by an earthquake.

A small circular path has been created around Sveti Naum, leading to the springs and two chapels. It is very worthwhile and inviting.

Clear water makes Lake Ohrid a truly beautiful lake. Lake Ohrid is one of the oldest lakes in Europe and at the center of historical developments.