History North of the lake, with a panoramic view of the entire Stymphalia valley, lies the Stymphalia Environment Museum, which opened to the public in 2010. It belongs to the Municipality of Sikyona and operates under the management of the Piraeus Bank Group Cultural Foundation for the next fifty years from its establishment.

The Museum building is designed to take advantage of positive local climate features, such as cool winds for natural cooling and solar energy for the winter months. A key aspect of its design is the unobstructed view of the lake. The Museum emerges from the sloping terrain, making its presence boldly felt.

In 2008, the building received a Special Mention at the Architecture Awards of the Hellenic Institute of Architecture and was featured in the publication “The Phaedon Atlas of 21st Century World Architecture.”

The Museum The Stymphalia Environment Museum aims to highlight the interdependence between humans and nature, focusing on their harmonious coexistence within the Stymphalia basin. Its primary mission is to promote environmental awareness and preserve knowledge of the region’s traditional technology.

What to See? The Stymphalia Environment Museum is situated on the slopes of one of the lush hills surrounding Lake Stymphalia, where, according to mythology, Hercules drove away the Stymphalian birds.

In the first section, you will find information about the region's environment and its importance. Stymphalia is part of the European NATURA 2000 network of protected areas. Its lake and Mount Ziria hold significant ecological value, connected by both underground and visible water pathways, forming the largest mountain water basin in the Peloponnese. This is the southernmost mountain wetland of the Balkans, boasting rich flora and fauna.

The second section reveals how the area’s environment shaped human activity, especially traditional crafts. To better understand the history, folklore, environment, and life in Stymphalia over the centuries, the Museum features:

• Artistic displays demonstrating object use

• Extensive educational visual aids

• Models and dioramas

• Original digital reconstructions

• Documentary films

Inside the Museum, you can also view a unique exhibit for Greece: an open aquarium that recreates a cross-section of the lake, complete with live fish and plants native to the region!

The Multi-Purpose Hall hosts temporary exhibitions, cultural events, and activities.

For Children Young visitors can climb aboard a boat to observe plants and fish from the lake's wetland habitat, as represented in the museum’s open aquarium. They can also explore original models and enjoy digital reconstructions that bring to life the ways humans lived in harmony with nature around Lake Stymphalia for thousands of years.

The Stymphalia Environment Museum organizes educational programs with games and activities for schools and group visits, including the program “Secret Games in the Waters of the Lake.”

Opening Hours From March 1 to October 15:

• Daily (except Tuesday) 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. From October 16 to February 28:

• Daily (except Tuesday) 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Closed: Every Tuesday, January 1, Good Friday (until 12:00 p.m.), Easter Sunday, May 1, September 14 (local holiday), August 15, December 25-26.

Ticket Prices

• General Admission: €4

• Reduced Admission: €2 (See here)

• Free Admission: (See here)

Free Admission Days

• May 18 (International Museum Day)

• June 5 (World Environment Day)

• Last weekend of September (European Heritage Days)

• Free admission for people with disabilities.

For group visits, prior arrangement with the Museum is required.

Daily KTEL bus routes from Kiato to the villages of the Stymphalia area depart at 12:30 p.m., with return trips to Kiato the following day at 7:00 a.m.