"Brajcino" Brajcino by Pijlmans

Brajcino is a small village on the slopes of the mountains of Pelister National Park. It is located on the south-east side of Lake Prespa, close to the border with Greece.

We came to Brajcino full of expectations. The village is known for its eco-tourism, sponsored by the Swiss organistation ProNatura in 2003. There should be well-kept marked hikes, in and around the village and into Pelister National Park. Supposedly, 10-15% of the income from tourism should be invested in preserving the local area, information panels, brochures, marking the trails etc etc.

Brajcino

After arriving in Brajcino, we wanted to walk the trail around the village along six churches. Unfortunately, all the brochures with the description of the village and the hikes were finished, and apparently no effort was made to print new ones.

The trail was badly marked from the beginning, and when we were at the Church of St Archangel on the mountain, we lost the trail completely when we wanted to continue the walk to the Church of St Bogorodica. In our efforts to pick up the trail again, we got lost in the forest on the slopes, and we managed to get back to the village just at twilight.

Several of the churches along the route were closed, which was really a pity.

In my opinion it is a bad case that this village is advertised for eco-tourism, since little effort is made in marking the trails (which is not very hard or expensive to do, it just takes a bit of paint here and there) or in printing the brochures.

Brajcino

Moreover, most of the characteristic houses are not open anymore, because the caretakers have gotten too old.

We first wanted to stay in the Monastery of St Petka, but when we called we were told it was full. So we arranged private accommodation at a local house. However, when we got to the Monastery the next day, it was deserted.

Nevertheless, Brajcino offers some nice rural architecture and peaceful nature. It is just a pity that the few trails they have are not marked well.

We heard that the trail leading into Pelister National Park, to the two glacial lakes, the Pelister summit and the mountain hut at Golem Ozero, is well marked. However, this is not the work of the Brajcino people, but of the mountaineering clubs. We may try this trail another time...