Pogradec is a town in the east of Albania on the shores of Lake Ohrid. Overshadowed by its glitzy neighbors on the Macedonian side of the lake, the town of Pogradec has been experiencing a revival recently. After communism collapsed, the once popular lakeside resort town went into a state of decay and disrepair, with minimal investment undertaken. The urban development that took place was generally chaotic and unappealing. However today, private investors and government, interested in bringing Pogradec to its' former glory, have begun pouring in money to the town. A waste water treatment plant is being built (soon to be completed), and will return the excellent water clarity that is seen on the Macedonian part, to the Albanian part of the lake as well. Hotels are being built or renovated and refurbished, and infrastructure is improving throughout.
The shores of Lake Lychnidus were inhabited as early as (6000-2000 BC). The Illyrian tribe of the Enkelei inhabited the areas near Pogradec. Drilon, the name of the river that flows into the lake near Tushemisht, is mentioned in early texts of antiquity. The hill overlooking Pogradec is the site of old castle ruins dating back to ??. Pogradec was settled or occupied by Ancient Macedonian, Roman, Bulgarian, Serbian, Ottoman, French, Greek, Italian, and German armies. One of the first Albanian language schools was started in Pogradec. During the Greeko-Italian war in 1940-1941 Pogradec and the areas around were the cut in two by the war front. The town was a favorite summer escape for many communist government officials and particularly Enver Hoxha. The summer residences and the area around them were sealed off from the public.
SEE AND DO
Take a boat ride at the springs of Drilon, the origin of the mighty Drin river which flow into the lake here. Visit the picturesque resort village of Tushemisht next to Drilon and swim in the crystal clear water of Tushemisht's sandy beach. Head north from Pogradec to the village of Lin, where you can visit the archeological site on the hilltop of the village. The site was once an important settlement and fortress of the ancient Illyrian tribes that lived throughout the Lake Ohrid region. The site is mostly unexcavated, however the beautiful mosaics and exposed sections of the ancient walls give the visitor a glimpse of the hidden treasures that lie beneath your feet. The views of the lake and surrounding mountains from the hill above Lin are nice.
Pogradec Castle (Albanian:Kalaja e Pogradecit) is a castle in Pogradec, Albania. At its highest point, it stands 205 metres above Lake Ohrid.
HOW TO REACH
From Macedonia, you can enter via Qafë Thanë or Tushemisht border crossings.
There is one train a day from Tirana that leaves at 5.55am and gets in at 12.23pm. The train line stops a few miles short of Pogradec so when you get off the train there is a rush for the buses which take you into the town.
A better option is to take a furgon from Tirana: the departure points of these change regularly so check with the hotel or hostel. These take several hours but the roads in the East are largely good.
It is possible to cross the border to the Republic of Macedonia by foot or by car to the south of Lake Ohrid, but major coaches to Ohrid town take the northern route from Tirana.
