Location:
Borders northern Macedonia and Albania.

Description:
Unique to Lake Ohrid is that it is one of the oldest lakes in Europe. It is estimated to be about 1.3 million years old. In addition, it is also one of the deepest lakes in Europe. The lowest point is 288 meters deep…! We'll go on and on. The lake also has more than 200 endemic species (plants and/or animals found only there). A small sample:
– The Ohrid trout: In any case, the most famous fish from the lake. Looks a bit like salmon but is definitely not. The northern Macedonians have enjoyed it for centuries and (perhaps because of this) protect it from overfishing. Breeding programs have already been established.
– The Ohrid gondola snail: A particularly small snail only a few millimeters in size. The shell is elongated and smooth and light in color. Due to over a million years of isolation in this lake, it has fully adapted to the ecological nature of the lake. However, the chances of encountering it are extremely low. It usually lives at the bottom of the lake, keeping the rocks there clean. But just because of its name it is in our list…
– When it comes to plants it certainly does not always involve aquatic plants. A super nice example is the 'Ohrid bee orchid'. An orchid that you can therefore only find around Lake Ohrid. To be precise, near pine forests on dry grassy slopes. And what makes this orchid so special? The flower looks like a female bee. That way it lures male bees to "accidentally" provide offspring.

What to do:

• Walk the plank paths of Kaneo to the iconic church of Sveti Jovan Kaneo

• Explore the ancient theater, monasteries and churches (Ohrid once had 365 churches!).

• Boat trips to Sveti Naum monastery

• Swim, kayak, or chill on pebble beaches

Location:
In Mavrovo National Park, in western northern Macedonia and not far from the border with Albania.

Description:
Lake Mavrovo is an artificial lake and, to be fair, it shows. Created in 1953 for electricity production. The river Radika was dammed to create the lake. Last facts: the lake is about 12 kilometers long and has a maximum depth of 48 meters. So what makes this lake so special you may wonder.
During its construction, parts of the old village of Mavrovo were flooded. Including the famous church of St. Nikola. The irony is that (partly) because of this, this church has now become perhaps the most iconic image of northern Macedonia. At low tide you can still walk around the church but at high tide only the roof and turret stick out above the water. I can hear you thinking: tide…. in a lake…?
Yes. At least, not real tides like ebb and flow, but as a result of generating electricity. Water is then drawn from the lake and routed through turbines. This in itself causes a lower water level, add melt water from the mountains, precipitation (autumn and winter) and evaporation (hot summers) et voila: High and low water levels!

The nature around the lake still holds countless secrets in flora and fauna. Think of limestone mountains, rivers, caves but also alpine meadows. And therein live the balkanlynx (almost extinct), the brown bear, the wolf (but we also know them by now …) and the golden eagle.

What to do:

Summer:

• Hiking, mountain biking, camping, fishing, horseback riding

• Boat trips on the lake

• Visit traditional villages with wooden houses

Winter:

• Skiing & snowboarding in Mavrovo Ski Resort (popular local ski resort)

• Winter hikes and snowshoeing excursions

• Fairy landscapes with snow-capped mountains and frozen parts of the lake

Location:
The lake borders three countries: Northern Macedonia, Albania, Greece

Description:
Lake Prespa lies at an altitude of 850 meters and is up to 54 meters deep. This lake is about the same age as Lake Ohrid. But the relationship between these two lakes goes further. Lake Trespa feeds Lake Ohrid through underground rivers! It is a kilometer-long underground system through which water flows to the lower Lake Ohrid. The beauty is that the peculiarities of Lake Ohrid can also be found in Lake Prespa. Think large numbers of endemic species. There is also another side to it. Lake Ohrid is completely dependent on Lake Prespa in its livelihood. Lake Prespa not only determines the water level of Lake Ohrid but is responsible for there being water in Lake Ohrid at all. Ecological connection. A marriage between two lakes.
Nature and especially bird lover? 260 bird species! One of the most important breeding sites in Europe for the Dalmatian Pelican. But also cormorants, herons, spoonbills and ospreys.
The lake has one island, but a very special one! Golem Grad ("Big town"). You will find many remains of Byzantine churches, Roman ruins and ancient tombs. But also bird colonies and…. Snakes! It really is chock-full of snakes (by far most of the harmless kind). That's probably why the island's nickname is more telling: snake island. It can only be visited by boat and with a guide.

What to do:

• Hiking in Galicica National Park (between Prespa and Ohrid)

• Bird watching in the wetlands around the village of Ezerani

• Visit traditional villages such as Resen, Stenje and Konjsko

• Boat trip to Golem Grad

Location:
In western northern Macedonia, near the town of Debar

Description:
Lake Debar is also an artificial lake. It was created in the 1960s with the construction of the Debar Dam. Although artificial, this lake feels very natural. It has 'blended' fantastically into its surroundings over the past 60 years.
Surrounded by the Sharr Mountains and the Bistra Massif, it has those beautiful 'mountainous' views. In terms of flora and fauna, you'll find wild boar, birds of prey, otters and a carload of freshwater fish. And not just any:
– The European catfish: the giant of the lake. Can grow as long as 2 meters. The pubs in Debar talk about the "lake monsters. Catfish, in other words.
– Balkan pike: Still few encountered this aggressive hunter with its elongated body and sharp teeth. Water level dynamics and fishing pressure keep populations small.
– The Macedonian grayling: a regional peculiarity. It is related to the grayling but may be a unique subspecies. You find it mostly in the clear cold tributaries (the Radika) of the lake.
That brings us to a unique monastery which lies on a cliff above this river Radika. Famous for its intricate carvings and with a still active community of monks.

But what does Lake Debar really excel at? Tranquility! There is absolutely nobody there. So much beauty all to yourself. How cool is that!

In short, are you a bit of an adventurer, nature lover, fond of vistas and special places? Then don't think too long about it. The lakes in northern Macedonia!