Drilon Springs and Tushemisht Guide: Lake Ohrid, Albania
Updated 2026-11-01 · 5 min read · Prices and schedules change — check locally.
How to Visit Drilon Springs and Tushemisht from Pogradec
- Board an eastbound municipal minibus or hire a taxi from the center of Pogradec toward the North Macedonian border.
- Disembark at the entrance of Drilon National Park to explore the spring-fed waterways on walking paths or by rowboat.
- Walk 500 meters eastward along the lakeside road into the village of Tushemisht.
- Explore the inland stone alleys, the water canals running past residential homes, and the bronze statue of Teto Ollga.
- Dine at a village tavern to try local Koran fish before catching a return minibus to Pogradec.
What are Drilon Springs and why are they significant?
Drilon Springs are natural karst springs where subterranean waters from Lake Prespa emerge to feed directly into Lake Ohrid.
The springs form a small inland lake surrounded by weeping willow trees, reed beds, and populated by swans and ducks. Because the water filters through limestone mountain ranges before surfacing, it maintains a cold temperature year-round and remains exceptionally clear.
During the communist period in Albania, Drilon was an exclusive government retreat. Dictator Enver Hoxha maintained a private holiday residence on the grounds, which restricted public access for decades. Today, the area is a public protected park with pedestrian paths, arched wooden bridges, and open-air cafes operating along the riverbanks.
How do you reach Drilon and Tushemisht from Pogradec or Tirana?
You can reach Drilon and Tushemisht by car, taxi, public minibus, or rental bicycle from Pogradec via the SH64 road.
Travelers arriving from Tirana must first take an intercity bus or drive roughly 135 kilometers southeast through Elbasan and Prrenjas to Pogradec. Once in Pogradec, municipal minibuses running the Pogradec-Tushemisht line depart regularly from the town center throughout daylight hours.
The lakefront boulevard connecting Pogradec to Drilon is flat, making cycling or walking a viable alternative. The North Macedonian border crossing at Sveti Naum is located just 4 kilometers east of Tushemisht, allowing cross-border travelers to combine both sites in a single itinerary.
Taxis offer fixed short-trip pricing between central Pogradec and Drilon. Prices change depending on the season and fuel costs.
| Transport Mode | Route | Typical Travel Time | Approximate Cost (Prices Change) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minibus (Furgon) | Pogradec to Tushemisht | 10-15 minutes | 50-100 ALL (0.50-1.00 EUR) |
| Taxi | Pogradec to Drilon | 8-10 minutes | 500-800 ALL (5-8 EUR) |
| Bicycle Rental | Pogradec lakefront to Drilon | 20-25 minutes | 500-1,000 ALL/day (5-10 EUR) |
| Intercity Bus | Tirana to Pogradec | 2.5-3.5 hours | 500-700 ALL (5-7 EUR) |
What is Tushemisht village known for?
Tushemisht is a traditional lakeside village known for stone houses, natural spring canals running through private gardens, and its role in Albanian cinema.
The village sits immediately adjacent to Drilon Springs. Freshwater streams originating from the springs flow directly under roads and through the courtyards of residential properties, emptying out into Lake Ohrid. Many families have converted their historic stone houses into small guesthouses.
Tushemisht holds cultural importance in Albania as the primary filming location for the 1976 classic film 'Zonja nga qyteti' (The Lady from the City). A bronze statue honoring the main character, Teto Ollga, stands near the village center along the lakefront promenade, serving as a prominent landmark for domestic tourists.
What activities are available at Drilon Springs?
Visitors to Drilon can hire human-powered rowboats, walk along paved tree-lined paths, and photograph local waterfowl.
The main recreational activity inside the park is renting a traditional flat-bottom wooden boat. Local boatmen guide visitors through the network of spring pools and canals, or visitors can row themselves along designated sections. Rides typically last 15 to 30 minutes and cost roughly 300 to 600 ALL (3 to 6 EUR); prices change seasonally.
Aside from boating, Drilon functions as a walking area. Paved pathways loop around the primary spring basin, crossing arched bridges with viewpoints of the water flora and resident swan colonies. The site also provides access to public lakeside beaches extending east into Tushemisht.
What should you eat in Tushemisht and what does dining cost?
Dining in Tushemisht centers on freshwater fish from Lake Ohrid, most notably the endemic Koran trout.
Koran (Salmo letnica) is a trout species unique to Lake Ohrid, prepared either grilled or baked in earthenware pans with walnuts and local herbs (tavë korani). Restaurants also serve Belushka, another small endemic salmonid fish, alongside traditional Korçë region appetizers such as lakror (thin baked pie) and local cheeses.
A complete meal of fresh Koran trout with side dishes and a beverage generally costs between 1,200 and 2,500 ALL (12 to 25 EUR) per person, though prices change based on fish weight and dining establishment. Taverns along the Tushemisht shoreline offer indoor and outdoor seating with direct lake views.