Ohrid

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Ohrid
<map lat='41.122' lng='20.8' zoom='13' view='3' />
Information
Country:
Flag of North Macedonia
North Macedonia
Population: 56'000
Licence plate: OH
Major roads: E 65
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Ohrid is a town in the southwest of North Macedonia on the shore of the big lake Ohrid. It has lots of sights, so you can expect many tourists there, especially during the school holidays. There is a lot of business in the town. Already in ancient times Ohrid was a important town on the road via egnatia, which led from Rome to the former Constantinople. The influence of the different times and religions (muslim and orthodox christians) can be seen and makes this town very impressing.

Hitching out

North, direction Struga, Skopje and Tirana

Walk out of the old town direction north-west on Bulevard Turistichka. You can already try to hitch here with a sign saying Kicevo, Struga or Skopje. There is also cheap local transport to Podmolje (6 km), the intersection of the highways to Skopje and Struga, from where it should be easier to catch a ride going your way.

To Tirana: From Struga bus station walk south to the roundabout and turn right onto the A2. Walk past the shops and round the slight bend. There is a decent shoulder to hitchhike from in front of a few warehouse type stores. Once you have reached that spot you may be offered a ride to the border. Say yes. Then, after crossing the border you can walk about 2-3 km on the Albanian side to reach to the main road, where you will be easily picked up. If you don't want to walk you may be asked by taxis for a ride to the main road, but the price can be extremely high for 2km. Alternatively, don't catch the bus to struga but walk further west on Bulevar Turisticka. Near the onramp there are two petrol stations that are frequented by Albania cars. You can ask around there for a ride to Albania.

I hitched from Struga directly to Tirana after waiting about half an hour at the coordinates 41°11′00.29″N 20°40′11.7″E (solo male, July 2017)

South, direction Galičica National Park, Sveti Naum & Pogradec (Albania)

Walk out south-east/south on Bulevard Turistichka. It's about 10 km along the lake till the border and there are many good places to stop a car once you are out of Ohrid.

Most traffic will not go further than to the monastery Sveti Naum. However, you can walk to Pogradec, which is about 7.5km away and takes 90 minutes. Try hithching a ride along the main road.

Info on Galičica Naitonal Park: The main entrance to the Park is located a couple of minutes south from the town of Trpejca. It is very common to ask for rides there that take you up to the park, e.g. the starting point of the Magoro Trail.


Sleeping

In July & August of 2024, there will be Autostop House established in Ohrid by Polish hitchhikers, where you can crash on the floor for a few nights.

A very good spot to wildcamp, inside the city, is right behind the Sv. Sofia church, very central. Behind it (opposite part of the square), there is a road leading to the beach, you will notice a theatre, where some orchestra play in the night, right beside the theatre you have a little park, very hided and perfectly central, there is also tap water available. You can put your tent everywhere but the best spot is a roof of a little garage, 10-15 metre on the left from the entrance. On the other side of the city, u have also a beach, but a bit dirty and some weird people around. Better, Sv. Sofia. For other paying options more than these here below there is also a good list on Wikivoyage. Just walk with your backpack to the harbour on the lake, there will be some private people who will ask you if you want a place to stay. With them you can go and take a look in the room they are offering to you. Then you can decide weather you want to stay or not. The room should cost between 5 to 12 Euro per night.

Edward1012 was planning to camp, but was offered a bed for 5 euros a night by the Filceska family. Good location, Hot Shower, Clean, Kitchen and light refreshments, It is worth helping them out; Jovanka's husband died early 2015 and so its been a tough time for them. Their address: Marko Nestoroski 35, Ohrid.

Another option to sleep nearly for free is to ask at the orthodox monasteries. They have simple rooms for you and you will probably get something to eat too. It is polite if you give them a donation.

  • I camped behind Sv. Sofia 2 days, leaving also my tent and backpack alone during the whole day. the spot is perfectly hidden and easy to reach. At night security asked where was i going when i entered the little park but just because lots of people used this park to enter and see the orchestra for free, i explained them i had my tent there and they said no problem. Fedecicco
  • Not Hidden anymore! Been at the spot behind Sv. Sofia in July 2019. Apparently they cut down some bushesy so by now it's not hidden, just a small, very open park.

trash:Ohrid