Location
Ohrid town - Marc Morell
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Lake Ohrid, that came into being between four to ten million years ago, is Europe's oldest lake, and is amongst the oldest in the world. It is a typical oligotrophic lake, meaning that it contains low levels of nutrients. By its origin the lake is a tectonic one and belongs to the so-called group of "Dasaretian lakes" (named by an ancient region called Dasaretia). The Lake came about in the tertiary period, prior to the glaciation.
Otherwise, most of the lakes of the world came into being immediately after the end of the latest glaciation period. Only a few lakes in the world are older than this one. Famous examples are Lake Baikal, Caspian Lake, and Lake Tanganyka and just a few lakes situated on Celebes, Philippines and China.
Research on the living world of the Lake Ohrid has shown the existence of an exquisit flora and fauna, prolific in endemic, as well as relic fauna forms. Thus, the Lake is thought to be unique in Europe. Similarities can be found only with Lake Baikal and with the Caspian Lake.
Lake Ohrid lies in the valley between Ohrid and Struga, in the border region between FYR of Macedonia and Albania. It is situated on 41 degree northern latitude and 20 - 21 degrees eastern longitude, and its altitude is 695 metres above sea level. It covers an area of 358.2 km², two thirds of which belong to FY Republic of Macedonia, and the rest to the Republic of Albania. The shoreline is 87.5 km long - the maximum length being 30.8 kilometres, and its maximum of 14.8 km. The average depth is 164 m, and the maximum depth 289 m. The Lake is sorrounded by mountain ranges of Mount Mokra (Mokra Planina - 1589 m.) and Jablanica (1945 m) on the Albanian side and by the limestone ridge of Mount Galicica (2255 m) on the eastern side.The surrounding mountains are extremely karstic.
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Ohrid town and lake - Marc Morell
Lake Ohrid is the seventh deepest lake in Europe.
Most of the Lake's water bulk comes from numerous surface and underground springs. That is the reason certain researchers consider it unique in the world. Most of the surface springs lie along the southern shore, near the monastery of St. Naum on the Macedonian side, and near the villages of Tusemiste and Starovo and the town of Pogradec in Albania. There are about 40 rivers and springs that flow into the Lake (23 on Albanian, and 17 on Macedonian territory). During summer, most of them dry out, whereas the rivers Sateska, Koselska, and Corava are the only waters with sighificant waterflow that feed up the Lake.
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Useful information for visitors
International telephone prefix number is 389.
For entrance in Republic of Macedonia, a passport or some other valid identification document is necessary so that a border pass permit can be issued (valid three months). If the visa is necessary, in most cases it can also be issued at the border. However, if you're not sure if you need a visa, it is a good idea to check at the Macedonian Embassy or Consulate in your country prior to your trip.
New : Website for information on Visa : Click here...
Tourists can bring in Republic of Macedonia all their personal belongings without any limitations. Duty-free allowance is 200 cigarettes, one bottle (1 liter) of alcoholic beverage, 1 kg coffee or tea, parfume for personal use. You should declare: sport/camping, professional radio, TV, HIFI or photo-equipment.
Republic of Macedonian currency is Macedonian Denar - MKD. Money should be exchanged in official exchange offices (banks, post offices, hotels, tourist agencies) according to current exchange rates. When leaving Macedonia foreigners can exchange MKDs back into foreign currency (at official places) only after presenting the evidence on exchange for Denars when entering the country.
Some major credit cards (Diners, American Express, Visa and MasterCard/EuroCard) and euro-checks can be used for payments wherever noticed, as a rule in most hotels, shops, and restaurants.
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Venue, Accommodation
