Pikrolimni: Lake and Thermal Baths in the Surrounding Area

Around Pikrolimni, a shallow lake, birdwatching, and water and mud treatments come together. These features offer different starting points for planning a trip: the lake changes in character as it usually dries up in summer, while the thermal bath complex has indoor areas for hydrotherapy and pelotherapy. Seasonal mud baths are also available on the shore in summer. The landscape, nature watching, and treatments therefore offer distinct points of interest in the surrounding area.

Lake Pikrolimni and its seasonal landscape

Lake Pikrolimni, a shallow lake, lies near the village of the same name in the southwestern part of the Municipality of Kilkis. Its average depth is one meter, and its area is 3.7 to 4.5 square kilometers. The lake usually dries up in summer. Its shallow depth and seasonal changes shape the landscape differently at different times of year. If you are mainly interested in experiencing the lake’s surface, take this seasonal change into account when planning your trip.

The lake is also a place for birdwatching. Those interested in this aspect of nature can consider it as a focus in its own right, alongside the water and mud treatments. At the same lake, visitors can enjoy both the landscape and birdwatching.

Water and mud treatments in the surrounding area

The Pikrolimni thermal bath complex is also nearby. It combines modern pelotherapy and hydrotherapy with heated, saline water. Treatments take place in a specially designed indoor hydrotherapy center with communal pools and individual areas. Pelotherapy focuses on mud treatments, while hydrotherapy centers on water treatments. The two types of treatment offered by the complex are therefore clearly distinct.

In summer, mud baths are available at Lake Pikrolimni in a specially designed area along the shore. This activity is seasonal; check before your trip whether it will be available during your stay. This distinguishes the seasonal shore activity from the treatments at the indoor center.

Nature and culture in the wider destination of Kilkis

In the wider destination of Kilkis, Lake Doirani offers another nature-focused experience. It is a wetland that serves as a habitat or stopover for numerous resident and migratory birds. Dense reeds and vegetation along the shore characterize the lake. A path along the shore runs from the village of Doirani to the Forest of a Thousand Trees; birdlife, the lake, and the route each offer a distinct focus.

The forest of Mouries, also known as the Forest of a Thousand Trees, is designated a natural monument and covers 590 stremmata. Its designation and size give it a different profile from the wetland features of Lake Doirani. For a cultural stop in Kilkis, the Lake Doirani Museum is another option: it is open daily from 08:00 to 14:00 for visits and guided tours for school groups, and is also open to residents and visitors to the municipality. Check the opening hours before your trip.

The clay soil of Pikrolimni is also part of the wider destination of Kilkis. It contains sulfur compounds and nitrates and is attributed with healing and cosmetic properties. In addition to the seasonal mud baths on the lakeshore, the composition of the clay is another distinct aspect of the mud theme.

Discover more destinations: Eptálofos, Polykastro, Stathmos Mourion, Stavrochori, Kilkis, Agios Petros, Axioupoli, Doïráni.

Return to the main travel overview: Kilkis.