This location is #55 on our Best Travel Destinations In Greece & Greek Islands Map!
Kerkini Lake National Park, located in northern Greece near the Bulgarian border, is an artificial reservoir created in 1932 by damming the Strymon River. The lake spans approximately 29 square miles, with a maximum length of 11 miles, a width of 3.1 miles, and a depth reaching up to 116 feet. The surrounding protected area covers about 205,350 acres, encompassing flat wetlands, riverside forests, and semi-mountainous terrain, including the Beles and Kroussia mountains. The lake’s water levels fluctuate seasonally, ranging from 21 to 28 square miles, supporting a diverse ecosystem vital for irrigation, flood control, and biodiversity in the Serres region. Designated as a National Park in 2006, it is one of Greece’s 10 Ramsar Wetlands of International Importance, recognized for its ecological significance.
What It’s Known For:
Kerkini Lake National Park is renowned as one of Europe’s premier birdwatching destinations, hosting over 300 bird species, including rare and threatened ones like the Dalmatian Pelican and Pygmy Cormorant. Its biodiversity is exceptional, with 32 fish species, 25 reptile species, over 58 mammal species (including water buffalo and golden jackals), and more than 4,700 invertebrate species, some unique to the park. The lake’s vibrant ecosystem, featuring water lilies, willow forests, and colorful wildflower meadows, attracts ecotourists, scientists, and photographers. Visitors can explore via boat tours, hiking trails, or horseback, enjoying stunning landscapes at the foot of Mount Belles. The park’s water buffalo, whose milk produces local delicacies, add a unique cultural and ecological element, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts seeking an alternative to Greece’s typical sun-and-sea tourism.
History:
The history of Kerkini Lake began with the construction of a dam in 1932 by the American company John Monks-Ulen & Co. to address flooding and malaria issues in the Serres plain, transforming an extensive marshland into a manageable reservoir. Initially named Prasiada in ancient records, the area was home to dense forests and wildlife, including lions, as noted by historians during the Persian army’s passage. By 1982, sediment buildup necessitated a higher dam and expanded dykes, increasing the lake’s capacity for irrigation and flood protection. Hunting bans were introduced in 1972 and extended in 1982, reflecting early conservation efforts. The establishment of the National Park in 2006 formalized protections, with the creation of four ecological zones (Strictly Nature Protection, Nature’s Protection, and two Eco-development Zones) to balance conservation and human activity. The Kerkini Wetland Information Centre, operational since 1997, supports environmental education and community involvement, reinforcing the park’s role as a model for sustainable coexistence between humanity and wildlife.