Outdoors 15. 04. 2024 - 31. 10. 2024
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Skadar Lake National Park
How admirable is Skadar Lake's magnificence? According to legend, it was created by the tears of a Montenegrin fairy. Though this is of course a story, once you find yourself in front of Skadar’s azure waters, you may start believing in fairy tales.
Skadar Lake National Park
Quick overview:
Seasons
Top activities
Best fit
Facts:
Lake area:
370 km² (summer)
540 km² (winter)
Average depth:
5 m
Coast length:
110.5 km
Status:
National Park since 1983
The wreck of the steamship Skenderbeg
Skenderbeg, a passenger steamship, was built in Trieste in 1916. For nearly three decades, it sailed the Crnojevića Rijeka - Skadar line. It sank near Karuč Bay on Skadar Lake in 1942. Today, you can visit the remains of the ship at the Organization of Diving Clubs.
The Balkans' largest lake: a cradle of culture and history
Whether you come in summer or winter, Skadar Lake always fits perfectly into your travel plan!It is home to around 280 species of birds, historic cities, sacred medieval architecture, and centuries-old vineyards. The lake was also once a favored visit of the former royal family. In other words, if you are a lover of nature, customs, and history, this is your destination!
Active vacation or simply enjoying the Skadar Lake National Park
Start your morning on Skadar Lake, where the "kasoronja" (or "water chestnut" as the locals name it) thrives, along with thousands of green water lilies quietly floating in the water, their simple beauty harmonizing with the sound of the breeze. Feel your worries melt away and joy enter in full force as you take in the wondrous splendour before you!
Visit five ornithological stations to observe birds!
Approach elusive, rare birds, closer than you ever have before! Grab a pair of binoculars and a camera and begin watching the 280 bird species that live in this area, including the Dalmatian pelican and the cormorant. Autumn and winter make up the best seasons to observe birds! There are five ornithological stations where you can observe birds: Manastirska tapija, Grmožur, Omerova gorica, Crni žar, and Pančevo oko.
A special attraction after visiting the lake is the tasting of national culinary specialties. The friendly hosts present to you their way of life and tradition in the local taverns by welcoming you with dried carp, smoked bleak fish, and a glass of local wine.
Rent a kayak and go paddling on Skadar Lake
If you want to discover more about Skadar Lake’s mysterious waters, kayaking is the best way to do it. You can rent a boat or kayak at Virpazar, the most visited settlement on the lake, as well as at the Visitor Center in Vranjina.
In addition to Virpazar, the greatest way to feel the soul of Skadar Lake is to visit Rijeka Crnojevića, which is best explored on two wheels: by bike! In the fertile hinterland, discover little villages boasting local wineries and fortress ruins from another era.
Visit important cultural and historical monuments with organized boat trips
If you don't want to put in all the muscle required for kayaking, a boat excursion is an excellent alternative. There are organized excursions that include a visit to smaller islands with historic monasteries and fortresses. The former Turkish prison castle Grmožur, often known as the Montenegrin Alcatraz, will intrigue you. These tours can include a swimming break in the lake!
Murići Beach is located on the lake's southwest shore and is the best beach on Skadar Lake. Swimming with locals on one of Dodoši's or Karuč's smaller beaches, in addition to Murići, will make you feel like you belong. Jumping into the water from the bridge in Dodoši is especially fun, as is sunbathing on the nearby terrace of the floating raft restaurant!
Quick tip
A paradise for all the senses!
Try the signature pan-seared carp, which is prepared with prunes, apples and quinces. Choose scrumptious desserts include baklava, tulumbe, or homemade strudel
Don’t miss it!
A special attraction on Skadar Lake!
The wreck of the steamship Skenderbeg as a diving destination!
Do you know?
An internationally significant bird habitat area
Skadar Lake National Park has been designated as an Important Bird Area (IBA) since 1989, and has been included on the World List of Wetlands of International Importance - Ramsar List since 1995.
Top 5 activities you should not miss:
Seaside
Boat Tours
Indulge in a ride along the sea shore, enjoying the charming view of fishing villages, or head to Skadar Lake to see bird like the rare Dalmatian pelican.
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Wellness
Bird watching
Fantastic and exciting mornings await you on Skadar Lake, Tivat's Solila, Buljarica, Ulcinjska Solana, Velika Beach (Long Beach), Ada Bojana, or perhaps in Piva Nature Park, all of these places home to 352 registered bird species!
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Adventure
Biking
Montenegro has many bike paths, including strenuous sections, but the effort is always worthwhile! Ride up and down through dense beech and pine forests, across streams and meadows, valleys and canyon ridges, caravan roads and horse trails, past authentic architecture, fortifications, and stećaks (medieval tombstone monuments).
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