Photo: Ale30307 · CC BY-SA 4.0
Drakolimni of Tymfi is an alpine lake on the Tymfi range in Vikos–Aoös National Park in Epirus, overlooked by the peaks of Ploskos and Astraka. Its name means Dragon Lake: local folk tales say that dragons once lived in the lakes of this region and fought each other. It is a popular trekking destination, reached on foot from the village of Papingo.
How it formed
Drakolimni Tymfis is an alpine lake on the Tymfi (Gamila) massif, a glacial lake high above the tree line.
History
According to local folk tales, the lakes called Drakolimni were once inhabited by dragons that fought each other by throwing pines and rocks, and in this way made the rugged landscape and gave the lakes their names. The best-known Drakolimni are the one on Tymfi and the one on Smolikas, a few kilometres to the north, with the gorge of the Aoos river between them.
Nature
The lake is inhabited by a species of alpine newt, which also lives in the second Drakolimni on Smolikas.
Visit
Swimming
No reliable information
Tips
The lake is a popular trekking destination in Vikos–Aoös National Park, reached by a walk of several hours from the village of Papingo. It lies high on the mountain, so prepare for alpine weather and check the national park’s rules and current trail conditions before you set out.
The route
The usual route climbs from Papigo to the Astraka refuge, at about 1,950 m, and from there it is about 50 minutes to an hour to the lake. The hike is demanding and needs experience and good fitness. The peak of Gamila stands behind the lake. A longer itinerary crosses the Vikos Gorge first and climbs the north-west side towards Mikro Papigo. Vikos–Aoös National Park receives more than 100,000 visitors a year.
Nearby lakes
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Guides
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Sources & data
- OpenStreetMap: Δρακόλιμνη (way 67625569), OpenStreetMap contributors
- English Wikipedia: Drakolimni, Wikimedia Foundation
- Wikidata: Drakolimni (Q2615364), Wikimedia Foundation
- Dragonlake of Tymfi hike, Papigo, Unlimited Adrenaline
- Mount Tymfi thru-hike: Dragon Lake (Drakolimni), Olympus Mountaineering