Lake Ohrid in North Macedonia is a breathtaking natural wonder surrounded by medieval towns. With plenty of activities, affordability, and a relaxing atmosphere, it's one of the best places to visit in the Balkans.
Within this guide, you will find all the information you need to help plan the perfect trip to Lake Ohrid. From hiking to the top of a medieval fortress to visiting ancient churches by the lake, here are the 10 best things to do in Lake Ohrid for solo travelers:
- Lake Ohrid Itinerary Map
- Where to Stay in Lake Ohrid?
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10 Best Things to Do in Lake Ohrid
- Walk the Walls of Samuel's Fortress
- Walk Along the Ohrid Boardwalk
- Take Photos at the Iconic Church of Saint John the Theologian
- Explore the Church of Saints Clement and Panteleimon
- Stroll Around the Ancient Macedonian Theatre of Ohrid
- Admire the Beauty of the Holy Mary Peryvleptos Church
- Explore Ohrid's Old Bazaar
- Visit the Church of Saint Sophia
- Check Out Robev Family House
- Watch the Sunset at the Old Swimming Court
- More Lake Ohrid Activities
- What to Eat and Drink in Lake Ohrid?
- Further Reading for North Macedonia
Lake Ohrid Itinerary Map
10 Best Things to Do in Lake Ohrid
1. Walk the Walls of Samuel's Fortress
One of the most prominent landmarks at Lake Ohrid that you should check out first thing in the morning is Samuel's Fortress, a beautiful towering medieval fortress perched atop a hill overlooking the glistening waters of Lake Ohrid that have stood the test of time for centuries.
Originally built in the 10th century, this imposing fortress was named after the famed Bulgarian tsar Samuel, who ruled the region during its heyday. Thanks to its strategic location, the place is known for its rich history and has played a key role in the region's political and military struggles, with several conquerors fighting for the control of the fortress throughout its existence.
Nowadays, you can stroll around the fortress ground, check out the excavated sites as well as climb up to its walls, and check out the incredible views of the city, the lake, and its mountainous surroundings. The views from the walls are quite a sight to behold.
- Old Town Hostel Ohrid (Budget)
- Villa Darki (Mid-Range) 👍 Top Pick
- Tino Hotel & SPA (High-End)
- Full-Day Private Lake Ohrid and Albania Tour from Ohrid (7 hours)
- Monastery Winery Tour and Wine Tasting (2 to 3 hours)
- Full-Day Private Best of Ohrid and Lake Ohrid Tour (6 hours)
With its extensive walls surrounding the fortress, you can almost circumnavigate the entire area of the fortress on foot along the narrow walking path on the walls providing you with an incredible vantage point from all sides throughout the walk, which is pretty incredible.
I especially enjoy exploring the fortress in the morning when the weather is nice and cool, the lake is calm, and the fortress is not crowded. If you are looking for the best time to visit the fortress, make sure to drop by here in the morning.
The fortress is open from 9 AM to 3 PM every day except on Mondays, and the entrance fee is around 120 MKD or a little under 2 EUR. With the ticket, you will get access to the entire fortress and its walls. You can buy the ticket from the ticket kiosk at the entrance.
To get to the fortress, there are several hiking trails you can take, but I highly recommend you start from the Ohrid Boardwalk. It is definitely one of the best things to do in Lake Ohrid, so be sure to check the place out.
Where to Stay in Lake Ohrid?
2. Walk Along the Ohrid Boardwalk
Ohrid Boardwalk is a lakeside boardwalk that will take you from Ohrid's Old Town all the way to Samuel's Fortress along a lakeside path, through a forest, and up to the fortress on an incredibly picturesque trail that will allow you to appreciate the beauty of Lake Ohrid in its full glory.
The boardwalk starts from here and you will be walking along a trail made out of plank woods that hovers above the lake as it curved its way around the foot of a cliff, zigzagging its way up the cliffside.
Along the way, you will be able to admire the stunning views of the lake and experience it up close as well as get a chance to swim in its crystal clear water at Potpesh Beach, a small strip of pebble beach you can relax at, and Kaneo Beach with swimming platform and a restaurant.
Once you arrive at Kaneo Beach, you should find a path that goes up the cliff. It is a nice easy walk up along the lake and up the cliff that should take about 20 - 30 minutes to complete and at the top of the cliff, awaits the Church of Saint John the Theologian, a place we will be visiting next.
3. Take Photos at the Iconic Church of Saint John the Theologian
Out of all the medieval structures and churches you find at Lake Ohrid, the Church of Saint John the Theologian is by far the most iconic one, thanks to its incredible location, standing atop a cliff with an unmatched view of the beautiful blue Lake Ohrid.
Built in the 13th century, this stunningly preserved medieval church is one of the most iconic landmarks at Lake Ohrid. It is the church that is often featured in postcards and North Macedonia's marketing material, boasting its distinctive Byzantine-style architecture and an incredible vantage point over the entire lake.
You can stroll around the church courtyard, admiring the beautiful view of the lake, or go inside the church and check out its famous Byzantine-era frescoes and intricate stone carvings, surrounded by beautiful interior decorations, and learn about the fascinating history of the church.
The frescoes in particular are the best features of the church, which depict scenes from the New Testament and offer a glimpse into the artistic traditions of the region's past that rival those you find in North Macedonia's more well-known southern neighbor, Greece.
The church is open during daylight every day, and the entrance fee should be around 120 MKD or around 2 EUR. If you are looking for a place to take a postcard-perfect photo of Lake Ohrid, be sure to check out the Church of Saint John the Theologian.
Tours & Tickets You Might Like
Looking to save some costs on your travel? Why not join a shared group tour from Lake Ohrid? Here are some activities you might be interested in:
If you are looking for more activities to do here, be sure to check out some of the available tours and day trips:
- Full-Day Private Lake Ohrid and Albania Tour from Ohrid (7 hours)
- Monastery Winery Tour and Wine Tasting (2 to 3 hours)
- Full-Day Private Best of Ohrid and Lake Ohrid Tour (6 hours)
4. Explore the Church of Saints Clement and Panteleimon
One of the most impressive structures you will find at Lake Ohrid is the Church of Saints Clement and Panteleimon, a Byzantine church located not too far from the Church of Saint John the Theologian, known for its incredible history, impressive architecture, and archeological sites the church was built on top of.
These archeological sites are believed to have been the site where the first students of the Glagolitic alphabet (used to translate the Bible into Old Church Slavonic) were taught in the First Bulgarian Empire. In the church courtyard, you will find remnants of old structures with stone foundations and several columns scattered across the courtyard.
It goes to show just how rich in history the church is. In fact, archeologists recently discovered a collection of approximately 2,383 Venetian coins while excavating the church which goes to show how Ohrid is commercially linked to Venice during its heights.
The church was originally built in the 9th century but has since been renovated, reconstructed, and rebuilt several times over thanks to the conquerors that kept converting it back and forth between a church and a mosque for centuries.
The beautiful Byzantine church you see today was fully reconstructed in 2002, while the Ottoman-era mosque that used to sit on this site was torn down in favor of the ongoing excavation work that continues to discover the long-lost history of this place to this day.
The church is open from 7 AM to 5 PM every day, and the entrance fee is around 120 MKD (2 EUR). Inside, you will find the stunning Byzantine-style frescoes, but unfortunately, photos are prohibited, so you just have to rely on my testimony and decide whether you want to pay to get in. For me, it was well worth the cost. The view from the courtyard is incredible, and the church is kept in excellent condition.
5. Stroll Around the Ancient Macedonian Theatre of Ohrid
After you are done at the church, you can make your way down the hill through the old town instead of from the Ohrid Boardwalk we took earlier and drop by the Ancient Macedonian Theatre of Ohrid.
The ancient theatre was built in the Hellenistic period dating all the way back to 200 BC, and it is believed to be one of the oldest and most significant structures of its kind in the region. Most of the ancient theatres you will find in North Macedonia are from Roman times, but this one was from Greek times, which is extremely rare.
Due to its well-preserved condition, the theatre remains in use to this day. You can walk around the area freely as it is not gated, so be sure to drop by and explore the ancient Macedonian theatre before we continue exploring Ohrid's Old Town.
6. Admire the Beauty of the Holy Mary Peryvleptos Church
As you make your way down the hill, you will also stumble upon the Holy Mary Peryvleptos Church, one of the oldest medieval churches in Ohrid built in the 13th century and is famous for its beautiful Byzantine era intricate frescoes and stunning stone carvings you can explore.
The exterior boasts a beautiful Byzantine architectural style with its iconic orange bricks laid out in a unique pattern giving the church a unique look compared to its peers. The interior is also covered with incredibly beautiful and detailed frescoes from top to bottom.
The spacious square in front of the church also offers great views of Ohrid's Old Town from above as well as a clear unobstructed view of Samuel's Fortress you just visited from afar. It is quite a sight to behold so be sure you drop by the Holy Mary Peryvleptos Church before you make your way down to Ohrid's Bazaar, our next stop.
7. Explore Ohrid's Old Bazaar
Ohrid's Old Bazaar is the main commercial hub of Ohrid with a cobblestone street lined with shops, restaurants, and cafes, waiting for you to indulge yourself in. It is the liveliest spot in town, and it is a great place to stroll around and hang out after a day of exploration.
The old bazaar has a long history that dates all the way back to the Ottoman period, and you will find all sorts of well-preserved old houses and buildings as well as the Mosque of Ali Pasha, one of the most important mosques in the city and a great example of the Ottoman influence over this part of the Balkans.
There are plenty of awesome restaurants and cafes as well as stalls selling all sorts of things, from souvenirs and silverware. If you are looking for a place to stroll around and buy some souvenirs or hang out and enjoy the city vibe, there is no better place to be than Ohrid's Old Bazaar.
8. Visit the Church of Saint Sophia
After you are done with the Old Bazaar, you can continue exploring Ohrid's Old Town by visiting one of the most important churches in the city, the Church of Saint Sophia located right in the heart of the lower part of the Old Town, just before you arrive at Ohrid Boardwalk.
Originally built in the 9th century, like with other medieval structures here, the church has been renovated, reconstructed, and replaced several times over due to the city constantly changing hands between the Byzantine, the Bulgarian Empire, and the Ottomans.
Today, the church is renowned for its impressive Byzantine-style architecture, housing some of the most important pieces of architecture and art from the Middle Ages you can check out.
Some of my favorite parts about this church are its peaceful courtyard filled with trees and park benches making it a great place to rest and hide from the scorching heat of the summer, as well as its cloister and the make-shift theatre behind the church.
The Church of Saint Sophia is open from 9 AM to 5 PM every day, and although the courtyard and the theatre are free to enter, if you wish to go inside the church, you will have to pay the entrance fee, which should be 100 MKD per person.
9. Check Out Robev Family House
If you want to learn more about the history of Ohrid and what it is like to live in this town throughout history, I highly recommend you check out Robev Family House, a popular museum housed in a beautiful 19th Century Ohrid traditional architecture. The museum is inside the Robev Family House which is a tourist attraction in and of itself with its beautiful expansive Ottoman Turkish architectural style that stands out from the rest of the houses here.
The house has a long and rich history that is worthy of a novel completed with protagonists, antagonists, and more. The place is owned by the famous Ohrid merchant family Robev who lived in the house for 35 years when it was burned down in the late 19th Century by the infamous criminal from Ohrid, Ustref Beg.
Inside the museum, you will find several artifacts and stone carvings found in Ohrid from ancient times and the medieval period across the 3 floors. It is a great place to be if you want to learn a bit more about this beautiful city and its inhabitants. The museum is open from 9 AM to 3:30 PM every day except on Mondays, and the entrance fee is around 100 MKD per person.
10. Watch the Sunset at the Old Swimming Court
Last but not least, if you are looking for the best sunset spots at Lake Ohrid, and you should since Lake Ohrid is one of the best places to witness the sunset in the country, you just can't beat the view of the lake and Ohrid's Old Town from the Old Swimming Court.
This old swimming court is a concrete harbor perched off from the lakeside boulevard that runs along the lake, offering an incredible view of Ohrid's Old Town and the surrounding area as if you are in the middle of the lake.
The sunset from here is quite a sight to behold, with the sky turning vivid purple as the sun dips behind the mountains over the horizon. The crystal clear water of the lake also becomes steady and calm, creating a perfect reflection of the lake as it reflects the purple sky.
It feels like I was staring at a painting! It is one of the most memorable sunsets you will ever experience in North Macedonia so if you want to watch the sunset here, be sure to drop by the Old Swimming Court at sunset time and witness the true beauty of Lake Ohrid in its full glory.
What to Eat and Drink in Lake Ohrid?
1. Try Traditional Dishes at Viva Ksantika
If you are looking for a nice local restaurant to try some traditional North Macedonian dishes, I highly recommend you check out Viva Ksantika, a small local restaurant located in the old town of Ohrid.
The restaurant serves dishes like Moussaka which is a popular eggplant or potato-based dish with ground meat stuffing, which is pretty common in this region of the Balkans. You can also find this dish in Greece and Albania as well.
The foods are all homemade and pretty reasonably priced as well, which is great for those who are looking for a place to try real traditional dishes without breaking the bank. The restaurant is open from 8 AM to 1 AM every day.
2. Try Grilled Dishes at Kebapcilnica Vkusno
Kebapcilnica Vkusno is a local restaurant located in the middle of Ohrid's Old Bazaar that serves delicious and affordable grilled meat dishes like cevapi and kebap which the Balkans are known for.
The lady that works at the restaurant can speak great English, and she can help translate the menu for you. Most of the items are pretty affordable and delicious, but if you are unsure, you can ask the lady there for a recommendation.
I stumbled upon the restaurant accidentally as I was walking around the Old Bazaar and saw a ton of locals eating at Kebapcilnica Vkusno, which piqued my curiosity so I decided to test it out and I did not regret it. If you are craving a grilled meat platter, you can't go wrong with Kebapcilnica Vkusno. The restaurant is open from 8 AM to 12 AM every day.
Now that we have all the information we need, it's time to start planning your trip! Here are some resources to help you get going:
Are you planning to travel independently? Be sure to check out my guide on How To Plan A Backpacking Trip here.
Further Reading for North Macedonia
- Want to plan a trip to the Balkans, but not sure where to go? Here is the 31 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in the Balkans.
- For a complete itinerary to the Balkans, check out: 2 Months Backpacking Balkans Itinerary.
- For a complete itinerary of North Macedonia, check out: 5-Day Backpacking North Macedonia Itinerary.
- Want to know why Skopje, the capital city of North Macedonia, is known as the city of statues? You have to be there to see for yourself! For a complete travel guide, check out this article: 12 Best Things to Do in Skopje.
- Not convinced by my words? Here are 125 photos that will inspire you to visit Europe.
- To view all the articles about North Macedonia, visit the North Macedonia Travel Guide page.
- Traveling in Europe can be cheap, really cheap. These are the 12 Cheap European Countries to Visit.
- Looking for more travel guides for Europe? You can find more on my Europe Travel Guide page.
- Or, if you want something more specific to the region, visit our Balkans Travel Guide, Eastern Europe Travel Guide, Western Europe Travel Guide, Southern Europe Travel Guide, or Central Europe Travel Guide pages.
- For more of my travel guides like this, visit my Destinations page.
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2 Comments
Love the article. Good info. Plan to visit in a few days.
There is one minor typo. Under the Robev Family house section, paragraph 3 has Ohrid spelt as Ohris.
Thank you for the heads up! Fixed it now :)