Λιμνι Στυμφαλια

Limni Stymphalia - Stymphalian Lake

Useful Information

Location:	27km west of Nemea, northwest Argolis. 22.4667, 37.85)
Open:	no restrictions
Fee:	free
Classification:	Karst lake, Ponor.
Light:	n/a
Dimension:	Ar=1309ha, A=600m asl.
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History

Description

About 27km west of Nemea, in a wide valley of the northwest Argolis is the location of Lake Stymphalia.

This lake is a typical Explain karst lake. It has numerous tributaries, but no surface drainage. The lake is a seasonal lake, it only exists in winter during the winter rains. In spring the lake begins to disappear, leaving behind a green and wet, somtimes swampy plain. In summer it dries out completely and leaves behind a flat, brown, and dry plain.

The drainage of the lake are Kathavothres ( Explain swallow holes). Strabon, the ancient geographer and historian (64/63 B.C. to 23 A.D.), described this strange behaviour and localized the drainage near Kefalari, south of Argos. We do not know, if modern hydrogeology verified this statement.

The lake also has a part in Greek mythology. This was the place of the man-eating Stymphalian Birds. This birds were killed by demigod Herakles.

Today the lake is still famous for birds, as it is a renowned bird and nature sanctuary.