Frakto Virgin Forest: Greece’s Most Unique Forest

Frakto Virgin Forest, Drama. It stands as a rare treasure for our country and among the few remaining virgin forests across Europe. It is the wildest forest in Greece, left without any human intervention for 500 years! The Virgin Forest is a part of Frakto Forest, which in turn is part of the Frakto Forest Complex. The complex spans 11,935.2 hectares, while the Virgin Forest itself covers 589.2 hectares.

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Frakto Virgin Forest: Greece’s Most Unique Forest

The fact that this virgin segment has remained untouched by humans for centuries results in the forest functioning as a natural laboratory. Here, trees die standing after they age and then decompose on the ground, paving the way for a new cycle of life.

Its historical name was Zagkradenia, meaning the enclosed area. True to its name, the forest spreads across a basin enclosed by peaks in the north, with the only outlet towards the south. Located in the northeast of the Drama region, right on the border with Bulgaria, it is part of a mountainous area with Delimposka peak reaching 1,953 meters.

Frakto Forest: Ecological Significance

The scenery is wild, certainly among Europe’s most stunning natural landscapes. A file has already been submitted for its inclusion as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Frakto Virgin Forest was declared a Preserved Natural Monument in 1980 due to its significant plant-geographical, ecological, and historical value. As part of the establishment of the Rhodope Mountain Range National Park, it has been designated as an Absolute Nature Protection Area, allowing no human activity except for scientific research and certain management actions to preserve the area's character.

Here lies the Gorge of the Wild Goat, significant for its wildlife, alongside the beautiful waterfalls of Achladorema. It is also Europe’s southernmost spot hosting the Norway spruce, forming large forests in Northern Europe. The density and height of trees, numerous running waters, unique flowers like the Rodopi lily, and the presence of bears, red deer, and birds of prey form its unique landscape.

The avifauna includes species such as the magnificent capercaillie, the rare western capercaillie, the pygmy owl, the nutcracker, and the tawny owl, along with predators like golden eagles and imperial eagles. Brown bears frequent the forests, with numerous wolves as well. Along the border lies Greece’s last wild red deer population, while wild goats find refuge in the rocks and cliffs.

Frakto Virgin Forest is also home to roe deer, often found in dense populations, wildcats, wild boars, otters, dormice, squirrels, and numerous bat species. Access to the heart of the untouched section is restricted, as it’s under strict protection. However, you can reach its fringes through protected trails within the area.

Frakto Forest: A Woodland Paradise

Approaching the area is extremely challenging. Nevertheless, visitors can stay overnight at the forest work site near the woodcutters’ cabins, upon contact with the forestry office, as visitor numbers are limited and only allowed for specific periods. The site is also home to a guard from the Drama Forestry Department.

Typically, the forest is visited by nature lovers and hikers from around the world, offering them an unparalleled chance to witness nature's grandeur up close. Starting from the work site, you can explore Frakto Forest via three routes: towards the Virgin Forest, the "Vilaora" position, and the Waterfalls - Ahladochori. Frakto Forest serves as an antechamber to the Virgin Forest and has supporting facilities, such as the Frakto Visitor Center, where guests can learn about the Virgin Forest, and the natural ecosystems of the area, examine exhibits, and use a permanently installed telescope to admire the spectacular waterfalls.

Frakto Forest is 715 kilometers from Athens, 192 kilometers from Thessaloniki, and about 90 kilometers from Drama. Administratively, it is under the Municipality of Paranesti, with access involving travel towards the village of Paranesti followed by local signs. Part of the journey is on a dirt road.