To further explore possible outdoor activities (hiking, mountain biking and paragliding) in the Lake Ohrid area on the Macedonian side, we were on our way to Magaro, the highest peak in the Galicica National Park.

Coming from Ohrid, the road initially leads along the lakeshore towards Sveti Naum / Albania, then turns left shortly after the pile-dwelling village into the national park.

Via serpentines up to the Magaro

Now rising steadily to around 1,700 meters above sea level, there are incredible views over the entire Lake Ohrid. There are some stopping points that visitors should definitely use.

At the entrance to the national park there is a checkpoint that asks about the purpose of entering the park and charges a corresponding entrance fee. To climb the Magaro, you have to pay 200 denars, which corresponds to around €3.30. We were happy to pay the amount as it was intended to support the preservation of the national park.

Constantly rising thermals from the lake

A little later we reach the take-off point for paragliders, which was set up here at around 1,760 meters above sea level as part of the development of the Galicica National Park. In addition to the exact coordinates of the departure and arrival locations, there is a large display board with further instructions for paragliders, which are written in two languages and also point out the necessary registration of flight activities.

The launch ramp is slightly sloping and covered with fine gravel, so that good starts should be possible even for less professional pilots. Constantly rising thermals from the lake indicate excellent flying conditions, which are probably further supported by the wonderful panorama. In short, a second take-off should the wind conditions in Struga not allow taking off from the other bank.

As already mentioned, at the beginning of October we will invite three pilots for test flights, based on their advice we would like to plan and offer a small paragliding festival on Lake Ohrid in spring 2016. We would be very grateful for any supportive suggestions and advice.

We then continued our way to Magaro because we wanted to finally reach the summit. But there will be a separate report on this. Stay tuned.

Please read as well:

Circular hiking tour above Kalista / Lake Ohrid

Omis - adrenaline fun in a spectacular canyon landscape