May 30-31 & June 01
One of the most popular mountaineering destinations in Epirus, Tymfi is characterized by a rugged terrain with steep cliffs formed 37 to 150 million years ago. Its slopes are covered with beech, oak, and cedar trees, while higher up you can find black pine, Macedonian fir, and Bosnian pine.
To the south of the mountain lies the Vikos Gorge with the springs of the Voidomatis River, which joins the Aoos River—a natural boundary between Tymfi and Trapezitsa. In the wider area, which has been designated a national park since 1973, rare mammals such as bears, wolves, and otters live, as well as birds like the golden eagle, bearded vulture, Egyptian vulture, and snowfinch.
The mountain mass of Tymfi is almost treeless and mostly steep, especially on its northern and southwestern approaches. It rises between the Aoos River and its tributary, the Voidomatis. It has been and remains the best resort for the nomadic shepherds of the area.
Lake Tymfi (Drakolimni) is located at an altitude of 2,050 meters in the mountain mass of Tymfi, between the Aoos River and its tributary, the Voidomatis, in the protected area of Northern Pindos. It is also known as the Drakolimni of Gamila. It has an ellipsoidal shape, covers an area of about 8 acres, and is situated next to the cliff above the Aoos River. The landscape around the lake is bare but at the same time impressive, of rare beauty, with a stunning panoramic view of the mountain peaks. It is a popular mountaineering destination and is known for the alpine newts it hosts in its waters. The lake is an hour’s hike from the organized refuge at the Astraka saddle and a 4-hour hike from Mikro Papigo. Access is only possible on foot.
In the Drakolimni of Tymfi and the Drakolimni of Smolikas, two dragons lived, who were hostile to each other and every time they got angry, they would hurl stones at each other. According to the locals, this myth explains why the shores of the Drakolimni of Smolikas are white with scattered black stones, while the shores of the lake of Tymfi are black with scattered white stones.
The Zagorochoria, around Tymfi, have largely preserved the traditional architecture, with their houses made of stone and wood. It’s worth taking a walk to the Konitsa bridge, located to the right of the settlement of the same name on the Aoos River, as well as the Voidomatis bridge in the village of Kleidonia.
The most important attraction of the area is the Vikos Gorge, but those who do not want to walk an hour to the springs of the Voidomatis can cool off in the natural pools just outside Mikro Papigo. Samples of all plant species thriving in the gorge are exhibited at the Lazaridis Folklore Museum in the village of Koukoulia.
Day 1
Our meeting will be at 20:00 at Mikro Papigo at the foot of Astraka at an altitude of 960 meters. We arrive and get ready to enjoy our wine with a view of the imposing Towers of Astraka.
Day 2
Early in the morning, after our hearty breakfast, we pack the essentials and start our hike through the forest with beech trees and later with firs and Bosnian pines leading us to the Astraka refuge at 1,950 meters.
A little rest at the refuge and we continue our journey to the highest peak of Tymfi, Gamila (2,497 meters).
From the summit, the view is breathtaking with the slopes of Gamila dropping vertically into the gorge of the Aoos River that opens up before us, while to the west and slightly lower, the Drakolimni is visible at the edge of the cliff.
We return for lunch at the refuge and then continue our descent to Papigo.
10 hours of hiking
Day 3
Breakfast with a view of the Towers of Astraka and then we head to the village of Vikos. From here we descend to the springs of the Voidomatis for swimming, relaxation, and a picnic.
Then we return to Vikos on the same path, reminding us that the village’s staircase is a nice challenge when climbing. 3 hours of hiking
Essential equipment:
- Trail running or trekking or hiking shoes
- Sportswear or hiking clothes suitable for every season
- Waterproof – windproof jacket
- Fleece or cotton jacket
- Hat – gloves
- Snacks like sandwiches, bars, pasteli, nuts, fruits, etc.
- Hiking poles
- 40-liter backpack
- Hat – buff – sunglasses
- Towel – swimsuit – slippers
- Sunscreen
- Water bottle or bladder
- Headlamp
- Personal hygiene items
- Sleeping bag, mat – tent (where required by the excursion)
Cost: 205 euros / person
- Two nights in a hotel in Papigo with breakfast.
- Guide for the hikes and throughout the 3-day trip
- Personal private accident insurance
For more information and reservations, contact us at 6972934764 Giorgos Raios & e-mail: [email protected]
