One of the most important wetlands of Macedonia
Just 6 km from Edessa, at an altitude of 470 m, Lake Agras – Vrytta – Nissi is an ideal destination for those who love nature and wildlife observation. Covering an area of almost 600 hectares, the lake is fed by the waters of the Edessaios River, creating a rare mosaic of hydrophytic and wading vegetation.
It is an artificial wetland created in the early 20th century, but it is now one of the most valuable ecosystems in Northern Greece and has been included in the Natura 2000 network.
Many of the species that live here are rare, endangered and protected, which makes the lake an important biodiversity core for the whole region of Macedonia.
The ecosystem hosts frogs, otters, aquatic turtles and water snakes. At the same time, its avifauna is considered one of the most important in Greece. The lake and lakeside areas are home to more than 250 species of birds, including rare predators, cormorants, herons and migratory species. Look for organised boat trips and birdwatching programmes to get to know the wetland up close.
Fish fauna includes a few species, such as carps, mullets and freshwater crayfish.
Around the lake there are hiking and cycling routes that pass across reeds, aquatic plants, poplars, plane trees, willows, small streams and bird observatories. The landscape changes with the seasons and invites you to explore it. The villages of Nisi and Vrytta embrace the shores of the lake, while the monument of the Macedonian fighter Tellos Agras is very close to the site of his execution during the Macedonian Struggles. Next to the lake there is a tourist centre serving local cuisine and the famous trout.
The close proximity to Edessa makes the lake ideal for short escapes, while it is easily combined with a visit to the famous waterfalls of the area.
It is an artificial wetland created in the early 20th century, but it is now one of the most valuable ecosystems in Northern Greece and has been included in the Natura 2000 network.
Many of the species that live here are rare, endangered and protected, which makes the lake an important biodiversity core for the whole region of Macedonia.
The ecosystem hosts frogs, otters, aquatic turtles and water snakes. At the same time, its avifauna is considered one of the most important in Greece. The lake and lakeside areas are home to more than 250 species of birds, including rare predators, cormorants, herons and migratory species. Look for organised boat trips and birdwatching programmes to get to know the wetland up close.
Fish fauna includes a few species, such as carps, mullets and freshwater crayfish.
Around the lake there are hiking and cycling routes that pass across reeds, aquatic plants, poplars, plane trees, willows, small streams and bird observatories. The landscape changes with the seasons and invites you to explore it. The villages of Nisi and Vrytta embrace the shores of the lake, while the monument of the Macedonian fighter Tellos Agras is very close to the site of his execution during the Macedonian Struggles. Next to the lake there is a tourist centre serving local cuisine and the famous trout.
The close proximity to Edessa makes the lake ideal for short escapes, while it is easily combined with a visit to the famous waterfalls of the area.
