Lake Stymphalia

Lake Stymphalia is located in the mountainous area of the Regional Unit of Corinthia, where, according to Greek mythology, Hercules confronted and slew the Stymphalian birds.

Situated in the northeastern Peloponnese at an altitude of 600 m (1,968 ft), the plateau of Stymphalia is surrounded by the mountains of Zireia, Oligyrtos, Mavrovounio and Gravias, on the southern side of the Regional Unit of Corinthia.

South view of the Lake

Southwest view of the Lake

The water basin of Stymphalia is considered to be the largest mountain lake of the Peloponnese, at the same time is the Balkans’ southernmost mountain wetland. The Lake occupies an area of 1,309 hectares.

Lake Stymphalia from Mount Oligyrtos

East view of the Lake (By ulrichstill – Own work, CC BY-SA 2.0 de, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1146305)

North view of the Lake (By ulrichstill, CC BY-SA 2.0 de, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1146291)

Of great interest is the Lake’s rich biodiversity, as well as the underground and visible waterways. The region’s ecological value is confirmed by its inclusion in the European Network of Protected Areas, Natura 2000. 170 species of birds (breeding species, passage migrants, and winter visitors) have been recorded in the Lake and the surrounding area.

Position on the map