Dubbed the Jerusalem of the Balkans, Ohrid is one of the most enchanting and exciting places to visit in North Macedonia. My fascination with this historical city by the lake began with reading Kaska Kassabova’s poetic memoir, To the Lake. Every time I walk the narrow streets of the old town or stare out at the vast waters of Lake Ohrid, I feel a sense of calm and charm.
As a UNESCO World Heritage site, Ohrid has plenty to offer to history geeks and cultural travellers. But its location on the shore of a great lake and at the feet of the Galicica Mountains also makes it a perfect base for outdoor explorers. Whether you’re into hiking, water sports or extreme sports, you’ll find plenty to do in Ohrid.
A Glimpse into Ohrid’s History
Once known as Lychnidos, the city of light, Ohrid is one of the oldest settlements in Europe. Archaeological findings confirm that people have lived there for over 5,000 years.
Its most iconic historical sites, such as Samuel’s Fortress, Plaošnik, the ancient theatre, and the stunning Byzantine church, attract thousands of tourists, both local and from around the world.
The city is nestled on the shores of one of Europe’s oldest lakes – Lake Ohrid, which straddles the Albanian-Macedonian Border. Its deep waters hide plenty of secrets and are home to an astonishing variety of wildlife.
Active Adventures in and Around Ohrid
Cycling Around Lake Ohrid
North Macedonia and Albania are some of my favourite countries for bicycle touring. You can visit both of them in one day by cycling around Lake Ohrid. This scenic loop is 94 kilometres long, and if you want to split it into two days to have extra time for sightseeing, it’s best to stay the night in Pogradec or Lin on the Albanian side.
You can rent a bike from Bike Station Ohrid (this is what I did during my last stay in Ohrid in March 2025). They have great bikes starting from 15 euros per day, and if you need some extra support, you can always rent an e-bike. You can reserve the bike through their website or message them on WhatsApp.
Don’t forget to bring your passport to cross the border!
If you’re in good shape and up for some climbs, you can tackle the beautiful road through the Magaro Pass to Lake Prespa in Galicica National Park—it is one of my absolute cycle routes in North Macedonia and the Balkans.
Hiking in Galičica National Park
The Galičica National Park, located just outside of Ohrid, is also an incredible place for hiking. Of course, the most popular hike is to its highest peak, Mount Magaro (2255 m).
To get to the trailhead, drive up the switchback road P504, up to the parking before the Mountain Hut Spiridon. From there, you’ll wander through alpine meadows with endless vistas. The entire loop is just over 7 km and should take you between 3 and 4 hours.
You can find a detailed guide to hiking Magaro Peak on this blog.
If you don’t have a car, you can do another hike, starting in Ohrid. You’ll have to walk a few kilometres on the asphalt road to the village of Velestovo. From there, the trail will take you to Tri Mazhi (1625 m). Most of the time, you’ll enjoy the stunning view of Lake Ohrid and the mountain peaks surrounding it.
From Tri Mazhi, you can either continue towards Konjsko and make a loop or return the same way.
With enough patience and good luck, you might spot some unique wild animals, such as the rare Balkan lynx, brown bear and multiple types of lizards and snakes. The best time to visit Galičica National Park is late spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October), when the mountain plains turn into a kaleidoscope of warm colours. Summer can be too hot for hiking, especially in lower elevations.
Paragliding in Galičica
Galičica National Park is not only a great place for cyclists, hikers and nature enthusiasts. It is also a fantastic playground for adrenaline seekers. Paragliding gives you a unique perspective on Lake Ohrid, the city, and the surrounding mountains.
Scuba Diving in Lake Ohrid
As one of the oldest lakes in Europe, Lake Ohrid hides plenty of secrets. And what’s a better way to discover them than to dive into its depths?
Dive Centre Amfora offers scuba diving tours on different levels. The dive at the prehistoric settlement in the Bay of Bones gives you a rare glimpse into underwater archaeology. In deeper locations such as the Pythos or the Eel Hotel, you’ll find plenty of wildlife, such as the Ohrid sponge, eels, and various types of snails.
Kayaking and SUP
The calm waters of Lake Ohrid are perfect for beginner kayakers and SUP enthusiasts. Exploring its secrets using your muscles is much more satisfying than taking a touristy boat tour.
You can book a kayaking or SUP tour with Adventure Ohrid. They will help you reach the hidden beaches and paddle your way through the lake safely and enjoyably.
Cultural Curiosities and Relaxed Exploration
Religious heritage
There are 365 churches in Ohrid, so if you’re interested in the history of religion, you will never be bored there!
St Jovan at Kaneo
The most iconic church in Ohrid is the St Jovan at Kaneo. Its scenic location on the cliffs overlooking Lake Ohrid makes it one of the most photographed spots in North Macedonia.
It was most likely built in the 13th century, and inside you’ll find some well-preserved frescoes.
St Sofia
One of the most important monuments of Byzantine architecture in North Macedonia, the Church of Santa Sofia has a long and turbulent history. The current temple was built on the foundations of a cathedral that was demolished in the 6th century.
During Ottoman rule, the church was converted into a mosque, and all the beautiful 11th-century frescoes on its walls were painted over. They were rediscovered in the 1950s and are now some of the best examples of Balkan religious paintings from that period.
You can find information about other churches in Ohrid on this blog.
Muslim Traditions
While the majority of Ohrid inhabitants are Orthodox Christians, there is also a significant Muslim minority that cultivates their traditions (most of them are ethnic Albanians or Turks).
You can visit a couple of mosques. The largest one is the Ali Pasha Mosque, next to the 1000-year-old chinar tree and the bazaar.
This spring, I visited Ohrid during Ramadan. I experienced some interesting customs, such as the drummers walking through the neighbourhoods after sunset to wake people for prayers and a meal.
Something for history geeks
The National Workshop for Handmade Paper
This free museum offers a glimpse into the old art of making paper. This tiny museum has one of the two exact replicas of the Gutenberg Press in the world, but the highlight of the visit is the presentation on how handmade paper is made. You can also buy plenty of cute souvenirs, such as handmade notebooks.
The Bay of Bones Museum
Located a few kilometres outside the city of Ohrid, the Bay of Bones (also called the Museum on the Water) is a replica of a Bronze Age settlement. In the late 20th century, archaeologists discovered artefacts proving that the shores of Lake Ohrid were inhabited by people as early as 1200 BC.
If you want a deeper insight into this historical place, you can not only visit the museum but also the underwater archaeology centre with scuba diving Amfora.
Practical tips
How to Get to Ohrid
By plane
You can fly directly to Ohrid Airport from Memmingen, Istanbul, Amsterdam, Vienna, Zurich, Belgrade, Dortmund (some of the connections are seasonal). There is no public transportation from the airport, so you must take a taxi or rent a car.
Other regional airports are in Skopje and in Tirana (Albania).
By bus
There are direct bus routes to Ohrid from the Macedonian capital of Skopje and from Tirana, Albania’s capital.
The trip from Skopje to Ohrid takes just over three hours. Bus tickets can be bought at the Skopje Bus Station. They cost 860 dinars (ca. 14 euros) and have a couple of departures a day.
The bus ride from Tirana East Terminal to Ohrid takes between 4 and 5 hours and costs between €15 and €22, depending on the bus operator.
You can find the timetable here.
By car
Having a car makes exploring the area around Ohrid much easier. If you didn’t bring your own vehicle, you can always rent one from one of the many rental companies. For more information on driving in North Macedonia, check out this blog.
Where to Stay in Ohrid
If you want to enjoy the old town charm, there are plenty of boutique guesthouses and historical villas in the historical centre of Ohrid. For example, Villa Elena is next to the Church of Saint Sophia and has beautiful lake-view apartments.
Another great place to stay in Ohrid is Villa Bella. It is near the Upper Gate, and the views are also stunning.
If you’re a solo traveller on a budget, looking to meet other young tourists, there are a few hostels in Ohrid. The prices start from 10-12 euros for a dorm bed in the historical city centre. Sunset Lake hostel, Majap Hostel, Old Town Hostel
Local B&Bs are another affordable option. I stayed in Villa Ivanovi where I paid only 12 euros per night for a private room with a little kitchenette and a terrace. It was about two kilometres outside the historical centre yet close to the quiet beach, and I enjoyed my daily walk through the park.
What and where to eat in Ohrid
As a lakeside town, Ohrid has plenty of restaurants serving fresh fish. The most renowned speciality is the Ohrid trout, usually served with lemon juice and local herbs. One of the best places to enjoy it while admiring the views of the lake is Kaneo Letna Bavcha.
If you’re a vegetarian like me, you’ll love Tavče gravče – a Macedonian bean stew that is both very nutritious and tasty. I had an amazing one in Gostilnica Neim – a traditional restaurant that doesn’t look very tempting from the outside but is a real hidden gem.
If you visit North Macedonia in September, you’ll be intoxicated by the smell of roasted red peppers coming from everywhere. In the Balkans, the fall is the time to make ajvar – a red pepper and eggplant spread you can add as garnish to grilled meat or other dishes. Don’t miss a chance to taste some homemade ajvar in Ohrid and buy a jar or two as a souvenir.
Best time to visit Ohrid
The best time to travel to Ohrid is spring and autumn. The weather is pleasant and allows for outdoor activities, and the city is less crowded than during the summer months.
Final thoughts
Ohrid is one of the most popular tourist destinations in North Macedonia for a good reason. It has a rich history, diverse culture, and beautiful lake views. It is also a fantastic base for adventurous travellers who want to explore the lake’s depths, hike in the Galicica Mountains, or explore North Macedonia and Albania by bicycle. It’s one of my favourite places to recharge my batteries, as if the ancient Lake Ohrid released some mysterious energy.
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