Prespes, a Nature that won’t and can’t be Tamed

Nature and strength. Mountain, water and life synthesize one of the most unique places on the map. The Prespes Lakes. In this lacustrine tripoint we get a solid proof of the word “hospitality”, which we do exploit but not without the apt reminder of the strict natural dynamic of this place.

All images © λ3 by Olga Saliampoukou

Despite being separated between three countries (Greece, Albania, Northern Macedonia), the Prespes Lakes remain a unified and robust entity, a truly unique wetland in its entirety.

About 60 kilometres outside the town of Florina, the Prespes Lakes form a natural canvas that is almost impossible to describe with words.

All images © λ3 by Olga Saliampoukou

All images © λ3 by Olga Saliampoukou

All images © λ3 by Olga Saliampoukou

A ton of elements are forced to coexist in this place, both living and nonliving, creating a mystified, almost sacramental scenery, filled with great volumes of nearby mountains and an overall transcendent beauty.

In the Prespes National Park, the basic protagonists are the 260 species of birds, the 40 species of mammals and the 15 species of fish that are surrounded by over 1300 species of plants. The rare elements of the local flora and the fauna are combined with the intense historical interaction between civilizations to create a remote area of high aesthetic and international interest.

All images © λ3 by Olga Saliampoukou

All images © λ3 by Olga Saliampoukou

All images © λ3 by Olga Saliampoukou

All images © λ3 by Olga Saliampoukou

When you choose to come in contact with the Prespes Lakes, you must be prepared to face the truth and the omnipotence of nature.

A nature that won’t and can’t be tamed, a nature that will create the right circumstances for you to discover what lies within you.

Maybe that is the reason why, for centuries, the Prespes Lakes have been a place of sincere “exercise” for humans. The few locals know the deep meaning of isolation, as well as the multifaceted importance of existence.

Try to be quiet and let all your senses kick into gear. Respect the mysticism of this place, and also buy beans!