Where the dragons live…

Drakolimni (dragon lake), 2.050 m. altitude

where the dragons live…

Once upon a time, in two faraway mountains, there were two mighty dragons! Each one has wandered considerably, before deciding which magnificent mountain peak would be his natural habitat. They both found their way in the mountain range of Epirus, a magnificent region of Greece. One of them chose a lake on top of Smolikas mountain, the second highest in the land of Greece. Οur dragon 😊 preferred a gorgeous alpine lake right below Gamila, the highest (2.497 m.) peak of Tymfi mountain.

So, as usually happens in legends and fairytales, they decided to try to prove themselves worthier than the other – in their case through a beauty contest, whose lake is more gorgeous – they placed in on votes, who knows? Alas, perhaps that wasn’t invented just yet, so all they could do was roar and howl (can you picture this?) ‘my lake is prettier than yours!’ and throw stones on each other’s side. Well, due to their stubbornness, these days, each lake is adorned with rocks from the other one. The shores of Smolikas lake are white with black stones, while the ones in Tymfi lake are black with white stones.

Legends don’t lie, after all…

An alpine blue gem, crowned by magnificent mountain peaks, which scientists believe is a remnant of the ice age.

Mountain hiking with the ultimate goal of visiting, once again -after a promise I made thirty years ago- the famous dragon lake of Tymfi and its wonderful inhabitants, the amphibious alpine newts, or simply … little dragons.

Although I have hiked this path long time ago, I remember it so vividly, but my surprise is enormous, looking around at all this green landscape and the snow on the mountain peaks. After all, my first visit happened during summertime, so apart from the extremely hot weather, the whole scenery was dry like a barren desert. On the contrary, now, the steep uphill route beginning from Mikro Papigo, crosses a beautiful forest, which seems to have extended substantially since my last visit, with oaks and cypress trees, dense vegetation and flowers of all kinds and colours.

All around us, nature is blooming…

As the path approaches to the mountain refuge, it brings the hiker closer to the majestic ‘towers of Astraka’, one of the most impressive mountain complexes I have ever witnessed. It is steep and demanding, due to the extreme altitude difference (1.000m.) The uphill path resembles endless, although the constant traverses try to ‘trick’ the altitude. Only the birdsong and the sounds of the animals accompany the step, and the various springs refresh the visitor. Although the scenery is gradually changing, the dominant colour is green, with low vegetation and several rock formations to emphasize that we have entered the alpine zone.

…mountains all around me
reaching out to heaven…

And, as we reach the col, the awe!

A mountain ridge so impressive, it seems to be floating in the air! It is so quiet now, just a light breeze and the sounds of the magnificent blackbirds flying above us…

From the mountain hut, I gaze into the next part of our path, and I cannot believe my own eyes. Exhilarated, I try to absorb all the panoramic views around, and below! A glorious lake, a stunning turquoise jewel adorning the mountain ridge, with a loud waterfall beside, and oh, an abundance of flowers all around! Unfortunately, all this beauty is temporary, because the lake dries up in the summer, and I simply cannot understand why the locals call this masterpiece Xerolakka (dried lake).

My eyes are wet, I feel proud I made it here, once again. I feel tempted for a while, to just stay here and enjoy the gorgeous view, but I long to visit her once again.

The way to Drakolimni is rather demanding, a steep and narrow downhill path, filled with slippery rocks, and then the final uphill route. In between, the green meadows, the flowers, a herd of horses gathering around a pregnant mare… One hiker alone going up, two of them coming down with a contented smile on their faces.

A bit more… I know, I remember! You see her, when you least expect it!

The lake takes your breath away, as is adorned by the snowy peaks of Astraka and Ploskos, while Gamila is also reflected in its waters. Τhat is why her other name is, Drakolimni of Gamila. The weather is changing quickly, grey clouds surround us and the wind is becoming strong. The colours are different now, the glacial pool darkens, and wild goats running on the ridge contribute to the creation of an eerie atmosphere.

and if you find that moment,

it lasts forever…

Now, one believes all about the legends and the dragons…

Back in the day, Ι did take a swim in the lake, along with the playful amphibians. Now, although there is no sign forbidding it, we didn’t want to disturb the newts. It was enough for us, to just walk on the lakeshore, trying to discover more of the  tiny salamanders.

24.5 km total route, with an altitude difference of 1,000 meters. You need to experience this, at least once in your lifetime!

It is breathtaking, literally and figuratively.

…wild and full of colours
standing proud forever…