The tranquil town on Lake Ohrid has a lot to offer: Experience the harmonious coexistence of the different cultures of the Balkans. Although it's only a small town, with around 42,000 inhabitants, Ohrid offers many cultural attractions as well as plenty of opportunities for recreational and sporting activities.

Medieval monasteries, white mosques, an enchanting old town and a UNESCO World Heritage-listed lake - all of this beauty awaits you in Ohrid. The picturesque city - surrounded by mountains and the lake - offers something for all tastes. If you like to be active on your holidays, you can hike through the nearby mountain landscape or do water sports. If you're more of a culture vulture, then visit the old town, its medieval fortress or the amphitheatre. And why not sample some of the superb cuisine? In addition to excellent wine, this destination offers you the pleasure of a cuisine that has been shaped by diverse regional influences.

If you're travelling from Zurich, there are only a few hours between you and your holiday destination. Even the journey to Zurich Airport (ZRH) is uncomplicated. Due to the excellent transport connections, you can reach the airport from Zurich city centre and other Swiss cities quickly and easily.

Book your flight from Zurich (ZRH) to Ohrid (OHD) now on swiss.com and look forward to your stay in North Macedonia.

Your trip to Ohrid

• Best time to visit: A holiday to this beautiful coastal city is worthwhile at any time of year. In summer, the numerous hiking trails invite you to explore the picturesque hilly landscape of North Macedonia. And the nearby lake is perfect for water sports and boat trips. Meanwhile, the slightly cooler seasons are a great opportunity to visit the city's historic buildings.
• From OHD Airport to the city centre: The St. Paul the Apostle Airport (OHD) is located about nine kilometres (approx. 5.5 miles) northwest of Ohrid. The easiest and fastest way to get to the city centre is by taxi or rental car via the E65 motorway.
• The currency of North Macedonia: The local currency is the denarius (Macedonian: денар). It used to be divided into 100 Deni, but coins are now only issued to collectors. The smallest coin that's commonly in circulation is now the 1-denar coin.

Discover the sights of the city

You should not miss these highlights during your holiday:

• Ohrid old town
• Gradište
• Galičica National Park

Stroll through the tranquil streets of the old town. They lead you to numerous historical buildings such as the medieval churches of Sveti Sofija and Sveti Kliment. The fortress of Tsar Samuil, which stands on the highest point of the city, is also well worth a visit. From there you have a great view of the old town, Lake Ohrid and the surrounding mountains.

It only takes about ten minutes by car to get from Ohrid to Gradište. There you will find four picturesque bays where you can swim in the crystal clear waters of the lake. Thanks to the flat bank, this region is also suitable for a family outing with small children.

Take an excursion to Galičica National Park and hike up to the 2,260 meter high mountain Magaro. The ascent is a little less strenuous if you drive by car to the viewing platform first. From the summit you can look down on the whole valley, on Lake Ohrid and the neighbouring Lake Prespa.

Savour the Balkan cuisine

If you have already booked your flight from Zurich to Ohrid, you can start getting excited about the specialities of the region. Be sure to try Alexandria, a Macedonian wine speciality. Shopska is the perfect light bite: a delicious salad of regional vegetables and sheep cheese. Also not to be missed are the beautifully delicious bean dish Turli Tava and the regional grilled fish dishes.