Icy stroll – Vevchani and Vevchani Lake

Did you know that one of the most beautiful glacial lakes in the country is at an air distance of only about 15 kilometres from Lake Ohrid? It is Lake Vevchani, located on Jablanica, the mountain whose ridge is along the border line with Albania, and where additional three permanent glacial lakes can be found.

Tour departure point is the Gorna Belica village, a village with once dominant Vlach population, currently without any permanent residents. The mountain trail to the lake is through an exceptionally dense oak forest, requiring about 2.5 hours to reach the lake. Larger than a football field, without any wildlife, surrounded by uncommon black-coloured stones and delicious raspberries – that is Lake Vevchani, above which the highest Jablanica Mountain peak is rising, peak Crn Kamen (Black Rock) (“Cern” – in the Vevchani dialect), with height of 2,257 metres. Sounds rather appealing to rest and refresh after the “long” walk, doesn’t it?

However, we cannot stay here forever. After the short break, we descent back to the village, followed by an all-senses surprise. In a local environment, we shall taste the traditional food… pies, pindzur, cheese… enjoying and savouring.

Village Vevchani is our final destination. Did you know that the famous Via Egnatia road, the main artery connecting Rome with the eastern parts of the Empire, has passed near Vevchani?

We shall first visit the well-known Vevchanski Springs. The more we approach them, the colder it shall get, and yet you shall still feel the warmth of delight of what you have already seen. The main spring emerges from a cave passage, whereas the springs’ yield has created outstanding conditions for the functioning of watermills, of which there were about 30 in the past. One of them is still operational; you will have the opportunity to learn of the watermill’s method of operation, which is a particularly interesting experience.

Afterwards we shall visit the “Saint Nicholas” Church in the centre of the village, with the triangle-shaped fresco with eye in the centre, leading you to think that it is a Masonic symbol.  There are many stories to support the claims that this is an actual Masonic symbol, such as the stories regarding the existence of migrant families from Vevchani, members of the Masonic lodges, wishing to express their power and existence in this manner. On the other side, these claims are disputed indicating that this symbol is, in fact, the Eye of Providence (“the all-seeing eye”), a Christian symbol of the Holy Trinity.  But, what is the truth?

As souvenirs from the visit to the “Republic”, you can take with you the Vevchani passport or banknotes, which, of course, cannot be used. The souvenir you shall also take with you shall include data regarding the famous Vevchani carnival, organized in January and marking the beginning of the New Year according to the old calendar. A tradition older than 1,400 years, with significant cultural and historical value. Finally, the souvenir you shall take with you shall include delight, fresh spirit and desire to visit Vevchani again.

Logistical information: Tour departure point is the Vevchani village. The tour shall include organized transport to Gorna Belica. Hiking from Gorna Belica to Lake Vevchani is in length of about six kilometres, with altitude difference of 600 metres. Tour duration is about six hours.