Drakolimni of Tymfi from Mikro Papingo

What it is

Drakolimni, the “dragon lake”, is a small high-mountain lake in the Tymfi massif, at about 2,050 m, inside Vikos-Aoos National Park. The summits of Ploskos and Astraka stand guard over it, and from its edge you look out over the Aoos valley. A species of alpine newt lives in its waters. Legend has it that dragons lived in the lakes of these mountains and fought each other with stones and uprooted pines, and that this is how they shaped the landscape.

It is the great high-mountain route of Zagori: a long climb from Mikro Papingo, through forest and then alpine pasture, with an optional night at the Astraka refuge.

The route step by step

1. Mikro Papingo. You leave the village. The path climbs through forest at first, on a steady slope.
2. The towers of Astraka. As you leave the forest, the path climbs beneath the great limestone walls of Astraka, now in open terrain.
3. Astraka refuge, at 1,950 m. You reach the refuge about three hours after setting out, depending on your pace.
4. Down to the plateau and up to the lake. From the refuge the path continues over open alpine terrain to the lake. Allow another hour and a half.
5. Return the same way.

Distance, ascent and time

According to the Trekking Hellas guides, it is 16.5 km there and back, with 1,370 m of ascent and as much again of descent, and around 9 hours: close to 5 up and 4 down. It is a hard route because of its length and ascent, not because of technical sections. You need to be fit and comfortable with heights.

If you do not want to do it all in one day, sleep at the refuge. That way you climb at a relaxed pace, reach the lake at sunset or the next sunrise, and come down rested.

The Astraka refuge

The refuge is open from early May to the end of October and has a kitchen. A night costs €18, or €13 with a mountaineering club card. Book before you climb, especially at weekends: the phone number and email are on the Astraka refuge booking page. More details on the accommodation are on the refuge page.

When to go

The season runs from May to October. The guides recommend 20 May to mid-July and early September to the end of October. Before May there may still be snow up high, and out of season the refuge is closed. In July and August, set out very early: the climb up the open slope gets a lot of sun.

Water, shade and gear

There is shade in the forest at the start; after that, almost none. Carry water for the whole climb and ask when you book whether you can refill at the refuge. Wear mountain footwear and bring warm clothing and a waterproof even if it is hot down below: at 2,000 m the weather changes fast. Bring a hat, sunglasses and sun cream.

If the weather changes

In summer there can be afternoon storms on Tymfi. If you see storm clouds building, do not continue towards the lake: shelter at the refuge or head down. In fog, open terrain is disorienting; do not leave the marked path.

With a guide

Trekking Hellas climbs in a group from Mikro Papingo, leaving at 6:00 and returning around 15:00. It includes a guide, poles, a snack and insurance. For 2026 it costs €85 per person in groups of 4 or more (€130 if there are two of you). From age 12; departure needs a minimum of 4 people.

With children or a dog

Because of its length it is not a route for children. Fit teenagers can do it, preferably over two days with a night at the refuge. With a dog, remember this is a national park: always on a lead.

Where to sleep beforehand

To get an early start, sleep in Papingo: Mikro Papigo 1700, with its restaurant Veranda 1700, is at the starting point.