Velestovo-Elen Peak in Galicica National park
Trail photos
Author
Trail stats
- Distance
- 6.3 mi
- Elevation gain
- 1,250 ft
- Technical difficulty
- Moderate
- Elevation loss
- 1,250 ft
- Max elevation
- 4,010 ft
- TrailRank
-
55
5
- Min elevation
- 2,884 ft
- Trail type
- Loop
- Time
- 4 hours 30 minutes
- Coordinates
- 1540
- Uploaded
- August 21, 2020
- Recorded
- July 2020
near Rača, Општина Охрид (Република Северна Македонија)
Viewed 3697 times, downloaded 133 times
Trail photos
Itinerary description
See https://mymacedoniablog.wordpress.com/ for more info about sightseeing and hiking in Macedonia
This hike starts along the road from Ohrid to Velestovo and is 10 km long with 425 m ascent. We parked the car in a turn in the road where also an information panel about Galicica National Park is. There is also parking space in the next curve uphill.
You reach the Church St Rodeztvo na Presveta Mala Bogorodica (Small church of Most Holy Mother of God) after less than 2 pleasant kilometers on a nice small trail. The church is located next to a brook that was dry when we were there in July 2020. The church was being build or restored when we were there.
Right after the church there is a couple of 100 meters of steep (30%) climbing, but it soon gets easier and after a bit more than 2 km you reach the Elen vrv (Deer peak). Without the GPS track you would probably miss the turn to the Elen Vrv. We had a lunch with an excellent view over Lake Ohrid.
From the top, follow the track back and make sure you do not miss the trail to the right towards Velestovo. In Velestovo the Church St Uspenie na Presveta Bogorodica (St Dormition of Most Holy Mother of God) on the cemetery is certainly worth a visit. The more recently added outside hides a much older church with frescoes dating back to the 15th century. It usually is open.
The way back is on the asphalt road to Ohrid. The Monastery of St Troijca was under construction when we were there. They were building a restaurant and lodging houses. The little Church of St Trojca, built in 1986, was closed.
This was a nice short hike to a top with a good view. 3.5 out of 5 stars.
This hike starts along the road from Ohrid to Velestovo and is 10 km long with 425 m ascent. We parked the car in a turn in the road where also an information panel about Galicica National Park is. There is also parking space in the next curve uphill.
You reach the Church St Rodeztvo na Presveta Mala Bogorodica (Small church of Most Holy Mother of God) after less than 2 pleasant kilometers on a nice small trail. The church is located next to a brook that was dry when we were there in July 2020. The church was being build or restored when we were there.
Right after the church there is a couple of 100 meters of steep (30%) climbing, but it soon gets easier and after a bit more than 2 km you reach the Elen vrv (Deer peak). Without the GPS track you would probably miss the turn to the Elen Vrv. We had a lunch with an excellent view over Lake Ohrid.
From the top, follow the track back and make sure you do not miss the trail to the right towards Velestovo. In Velestovo the Church St Uspenie na Presveta Bogorodica (St Dormition of Most Holy Mother of God) on the cemetery is certainly worth a visit. The more recently added outside hides a much older church with frescoes dating back to the 15th century. It usually is open.
The way back is on the asphalt road to Ohrid. The Monastery of St Troijca was under construction when we were there. They were building a restaurant and lodging houses. The little Church of St Trojca, built in 1986, was closed.
This was a nice short hike to a top with a good view. 3.5 out of 5 stars.
Waypoints
Summit
4,002 ft
Religious site
Comments (5)
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I have followed this trail verified View more
Information
Easy to follow
Scenery
Moderate
Great trail!
I have followed this trail verified View more
Information
Easy to follow
Scenery
Moderate
Fantastic trail, had a blast. My girlfriend's first peak. Also our first time in Macedonia. Greetings from Scotland.
Great to hear. Don’t miss peak Magaro!
Very nice trail, thanks! I followed about 3/4 of it and then took a different path because I started walking from Ohrid center. The little church is still in renovation and the stream was also dry when I was there (sep 2023)
Thanks for the trail and description. I did it today, although did not pass throuh Velestovo. It was enough 9 km for a morning wake up hike. 👍🖐