Overview

This long but beautiful hike will traverse the Varnountas range over two high passes of approximately 2000m. The start and end of the hike is through dense beech forest while the middle section is over alpine pastures with nice views and a carpet of wild flowers early in the summer. Unfortunately the route follows nowadays mostly the forest road since the old footpaths shown on some maps have become overgrown.

Statistics

Distance: 25km

Ascent: +1000m

Duration: 7-9 hours

Description

Starting from Agios Germanos square follow the main road uphill and then turn right by Petrino guesthouse following some signs. Continue on a track that soon enters the forest and ascents with a large switchback to the ridge by Profitis Ilias chapel. You may come here by following a very steep and poorly signposted path just 1km after the village. Now, the old path continues on the ridge and joins the road higher on (it becomes clear once you get into the forest). Eventually reach a saddle and alpine pastures. Looking back there should be nice views of the lakes, and below the saddle there is a cow stall and water trough.

Continue on the road that traverses the Bela Voda slopes with several springs and abundant with wild flowers early in the summer to reach another saddle below Pineritsa peak and its wind farm. Enjoy views to Vitsi mountain and Pisoderi village. Continue on a wider track and start descending soon through forests to join the main paved road at Vigla pass.

Amenities

In Vigla there is only a restaurant but there are a few hotels, restaurants and shop in Pisoderi which is about 3km from the pass. Alternatively take a taxi or the bus to Florina.

Signposting

Until Pineritsa pass the signposting is very sparse. After that there are some wooden signposts at junctions.

Transportation

There is a bus going from Florina to Prespes region three times a week (Monday, Wednesday and Friday). It leaves from Florina early in the morning and in the early afternoon. Do check with the bus office (+30 23850 22430) for exact schedule.

Notes

The route contains high altitude sections that maybe under snow from late October to early May.

Occasional but very rare sightings of bears have been reported. Brown bears generally move during the night and will avoid humans. They can only become dangerous when startled so carry a whistle and make noise from time to time to make your presence clear.

Shepherd dogs will be encountered often on the mountain and near villages. They may become very intimidating and sometimes dangerous. They are usually found in groups and will attack you as soon as they see you or smell you from a distance. Here are some survival rules of thumb. If you cannot avoid them, try keeping them at a distance. Carry a stick (it seems to scare them sometimes), find a place where you cannot be circled and throw stones to them with the intention of harming them. This will usually do the trick. If however this does not work (it has happened to me only twice in twenty years) just stop and remain calm. In most cases they will stop barking after a few seconds (they are triggered by movement). Call the shepherd if he is nearby, otherwise wait for a while so that they become comfortable with your presence. Hopefully they will let you continue.

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