Lake Skadar 101: Discover the Largest Lake of Southern Europe
If you're looking for a beautiful vacation destination, then you should consider Lake Skadar in Montenegro. Located between the border of Montenegro and Albania, Lake Skadar is the largest lake in Southern Europe and is surrounded by stunning natural beauty.
The lake and its surrounding National Park offer breathtaking views, fascinating wildlife, and abundant activities, making it the perfect spot for a relaxing or adventurous getaway. In this article, we'll look at why Lake Skadar is worth visiting and explore the many reasons why you should add it to your bucket list.
Lake Skadar National Park, which was established in 1983, covers nearly two-thirds of the lake and its surroundings.
Lake Skadar National Park was established in 1983, and it covers two-thirds of the lake, while one third belong to Albania.
Where is Lake Skadar located?
Lake Skadar is a breathtaking and wild natural wonder that is waiting to be explored. This huge freshwater lake is situated between Albania and Montenegro and is surrounded by stunning karst Mountains which divide the lake and Adriatic coast. About two-thirds belongs to Montenegro and one-third to Albania. It is located about 25-30 minutes from Podgorica, and it is very easily accessible. From the sea side (Budva and Bar area), it takes anywhere from 30 minutes to one hour.
Its tranquil waters, rugged shores, and wetlands play host to a rich array of wildlife and offer a unique blend of traditional fishing villages, secluded monasteries, and pristine beaches.
A National Park and UNESCO Heritage Site nominee
Since 1983, Lake Skadar has been protected as a National Park and in 1996, it was added to the Ramsar Convention's World's List of Wetlands of International Importance. In late 2011, it was nominated for UNESCO heritage status.
Lake Skadar National Park is also a Unesco Heritage nominee.
A Place of Natural Beauty: Immerse Yourself in the Majestic Landscape of Lake Skadar
Millions of years ago, the sea met the shores of Lake Skadar and this is evident in the seashell fossils that can still be found scattered around the area. The Zeta-Skadar plain emerged between the karst (limestone) mountains of the Dinaric Alps range after the sea levels subsided and the tectonic plates shifted.
While legend has it that a young bride, excited by her husband's return one night forgot to turn off a fountain tap (overnight producing the lake's sweet waters), the true story of Lake Skadar creation is just as incredible. In 1858, a violent thunderstorm sent the river Drim into a frenzy, creating such a build-up at the mouth of the river Bojana that its course was shifted, flooding an existing pool and producing the largest lake in the Balkans.
Some amazing sightseeing spots you can reach by hiking. On the photos: winter time landscapes :)
The fascinating features of Lake Skadar: size and diverse habitats
The lake is fed by the Moraca River and a series of underwater springs with river Bojana connecting it to the sea, which causes its circumference to expand from 370 square kilometres in summer to 530 square kilometers in winter. Extensive wetlands are created in certain parts of Lake Skadar's shoreline due to its significant surface area fluctuation. These locations are crucial for migratory birds as well as nesting grounds for various wetland and water birds. On average, the lake is 44 km long and 10 km wide.
From lush swamp vegetation to ancient chestnut forests, and from rocky islets covered in shrubs and pomegranates, Lake Skadar's variety of habitats attracts a range of wildlife that is unparalleled in Europe.
Majestic Landscape of Lake Skadar, the largest lake in Southern Europe.
How deep is it?
The average depth of Lake Skadar ranges from 5m in summer up to 8m in the winter time. However, this lake is very interesting since it is a crypto depression, which means that in some parts of the lake (not in the middle) the bottom of the lake is below sea level. Those places are named sublacustric springs or eyes - ‘’oka’’ in Montenegrin language. There are about 30 springs that have been found so far. The deepest one is called Radus and it is 60 meters deep, although some believe that it is deeper, and is an exceptionally rich with fish. Next to this spring, other well-known sublacustric eyes are: Karuc (28 meters deep), Volac (24 meters deep) and Krnjicko (24 meters deep).
What is the largest island in Lake Skadar?
The largest island in Lake Skadar is called Vranjina. It is located in the northern part of the lake, close to the Montenegrin-Albanian border. The island measures around 11 km in length and 3 km in width, making it the largest of the 44 islands found in the lake. Vranjina is home to a number of historical and cultural monuments, including the remnants of a 13th century Venetian castle, a 15th century church, and the remains of a 14th century monastery.
The most interesting one is Grmozur island, which used to be a fortress in battles with Ottoman Empire, and later a prison. Grmozur is also a popular destination for birdwatchers, as the island supports a large number of rare birds, including Dalmatian pelicans, pygmy cormorants and purple herons.
Grmozur Island, one of the most interesting sights of Skadar Lake.
Explore the Rich Wildlife of Balkan's Largest Lake
The biggest lake in the Balkans boasts a rich and diverse wildlife population with over 260 species of birds, including the rare southern Dalmatian pelican, and more than 40 species of fish, including 15 endemic species. Bleak is particularly interesting because it lives exclusively in the Skadar Lake. It is an indigenous species and honoring this fish ‘’Days of Wine and bleak’’ traditional festival is held every year.
The surrounding mountains are also home to a wealth of wildlife, including wild tortoises, brilliantly colored lizards, amphibians, and even snakes. If you are lucky enough, you can encounter wild boar and even a wolf or two in the wintertime.
The region is famous for its medicinal herbs, which grow in abundance throughout the valleys and along hiking trails, accompanied by the sweet scent of wild sage, rosemary and mint. In summer, the lake is adorned with water lilies, while in winter it swells to over 100 square kilometers, providing a home for an estimated 50,000 wintering birds and a variety of fresh-water fish, including trout, saran, and the local specialty, carp.
Boating, hiking and simply admiring majestic views are just some of the activities you can do in Skadar Lake.
A Birders' Paradise
Lake Skadar is a true birders' paradise and offers the chance to spot over 260 different bird species, including storks, three types of herons, egrets, ibises, falcons, eagles and many more. The most important resident is endangered Dalmatian Pelican and here you will find the world's second largest colony of pygmy cormorant. Whatever season ypu choose for your visit, you’ll have the chance to see wetland life in all its glory. In spring, you can witness the birds’ mating rituals, while in fall, you can see the migration of countless species of birds, which can be quite an experience.
The most important resident in Lake Skadar is endangered Dalmatian Pelican.
Organic production + wine cultivation
The area around Lake Skadar is a haven for foodies. The lake's ideal climate, sitting between the mountains and the sea, makes it an excellent spot for organic produce. Mandarin oranges, plums, cherries, figs, walnuts, peppers and pomegranates can be found in almost every garden, and locally produced goat's cheese, honey, and home-cured pršut (smoked ham) are some of the delicacies offered in the area. The local cuisine blends the flavors of the west and east, offering a variety of gastronomic delights.
The Zeta plains and Crmnica Valley are also renowned for their wines, with the red vranac and white krstač grapes producing award-winning wines. Local wine producers in Crmnica maintain a proud tradition of wine-growing excellence, producing some of the region's smoothest gold medalists. You can check more about wine production here. The area's best local restaurants aren't the ones advertised but are well worth discovering.
Local red wine grape variety called Vranac is something you have to try while visiting the area. Each larger property has their own wine production.
A Rich and Proud History
Lake Skadar has a very interesting history that spans centuries, leaving a strong impact on its rich cultural heritage. This area used to be the center of Montenegrin state, before it moved to Cetinje. There are numerous important monuments in this area, including 18 monasteries, various fortresses used for the battles against Ottoman Empire, monuments and churches, as well as the remainings of the Obod Printing house where the oldest book after Gutenberg Bible was printed, in 1494 – Oktoih Prvoglasnik.
Fortresses and villages of Skadar Lake area.
Inhabited by ancient Illyrians, Greeks, and Romans, it was once part of the Byzantine Empire and later occupied by the Ottoman Empire for five centuries, leaving traces in various fortresses such as Besac Fortress in Virpazar, Lesendro Fortress near Vranjina, Zabljak Crnojevica fortress and many others.
In the 19th century, following the Ottoman empire's collapse, Montenegro gained independence as a principality.
During World War II, Virpazar became a historic site as the location of Montenegro's first Partisan uprising.
On the shores of the lake, you can find many small towns with specific architecture, but the most important ones we will mention are Rijeka Crnojevica, Virpazar, and Zabljak Crnojevica. The whole area is famous for the beautiful landscapes, preserved cultural heritage, and rich gastronomy with restaurants that offer traditional specialties and tasty organic wine.
Skadar Lake area was a center of Montenegrin State (ancient Slav kingdom of Zeta) and later became a battleground for five centuries after the Turkish invasion in the 13th century. As the Ottoman Empire collapsed, the Turks were expelled and the 1878 Congress of Berlin confirmed the borders of independent Montenegro.
The lake town of Skadar was incorporated into Albania, while several Albanian villages on the southern shores such as Ostros and Donji-Murići became part of Montenegro. These villages still retain a strong Albanian character and are home to mosques and residents who are bilingual in Albanian and Serbian.
Zabljak Crnojevica
Žabljak Crnojevića, dating back to the 10th century, was once the center of the Crnojević Dynasty from 1466 to 1478. Located on a hill on the banks of the Morača River, the fortress was a strategic spot due to its location, which allowed inhabitants to see for miles in every direction. Although abundant fresh fish from the lake and fertile fields could support the 300 residents, the town fell to Ottoman Turks in 1479 despite some attempts to reclaim it. After 400 years of being a Turkish stronghold, Žabljak Crnojevića returned to Montenegro’s territory in 1878. Over time, the fortress was used as a military base, local school, and the barracks were built in the old mosque.
Zabljak Crnojevica, one of the oldest settlements in Skadar Lake and an archeological site.
Rijeka Crnojevica
Rijeka Crnojevica is one of the most beautiful towns in Montenegro and is easily accessible from the main road Podgorica - Cetinje. It was the largest Montenegrin harbor and leading trade center during the XIX and beginning of the XX century. Highly esteemed products of this region were dried ukljeva (fish) and pearls made from fish bone, which were produced at the Marica factory in the early 20th century. The site preserves remains of historic constructions from the time of Ivan Crnojevic, such as the basement of a building demolished long ago, which is related to the work of the Obod print house where the first book written in Cyrillic script was printed, the Oktoih, in 1494. The town is also the site of the first pharmacy in Montenegro and the first Martial House. At the entrance of Rijeka Crnojevica is the stone Bridge of Danilo, built in 1853 by Prince Danilo in honor of his father Stanko Petrovic. Along the left bank of the river, he built a ground house, preserved to this day, referred to as Mostina.
The way to Rijeka Crnojevica using the boat as transportation :)
Virpazar
Virpazar is a small fisherman village located on the shores of Skadar Lake, at the place where rivers Crmnica and Orahovštica meet and flow into the lake. It is situated between the Capital Podgorica and the municipality of Bar. The village was first mentioned in 1242 in the charter of King Vladislav as Vir, and in the 15th century, it was conquered by the Turks who saw its strategic location and built the Besac Castle in 1478, which still stands above the village. Due to its strategic location, the word 'Pazar' meaning 'the market' was added to its name, keeping the name Virpazar (Vir-marketplace) to this day.
Virpazar played an important trading role in the 18th century, and it was an important trading center visited by traders from Podgorica and Skadar, a city in Albania. In the second half of the 19th century, Virpazar was connected to the city of Bar by road, and from 1908 by the railway too. It was one of the first post offices in Montenegro.
The village of Virpazar is well known for the July 13th, 1941 uprising, when residents of the surrounding villages attacked an Italian garrison and liberated Virpazar, after which the Italian occupiers declared Montenegro's independence. Due to its geographical location, openness to the hinterland and lake, Virpazar is today the administrative, economic and cultural center of the Crmnica region. It is well connected to Podgorica with a roadway and a railroad.
Besac Fortress in Virpazar in Skadar Lake area.
Getting to Lake Skadar from Podgorica
The Skadar Lake national park is located about 25 km away from Podgorica. There are two major spots to access Skadar Lake, Virpazar and Rijeka Crnojevica. To reach this stunning National Park, take a drive on winding back roads for an unforgettable panoramic view. Plan enough time for the challenging drive depending on the route you choose, as there are several.
If you don't have a car, you can take a train in Podgorica towards Vranjina or Virpazar, which takes only half an hour and costs around 1-2 euros. Once you arrive in Virpazar, look for a trail on the other side of the railroad at the railroad switch. The 10-minute walk leads directly to the town center.
Lake Skadar is on the route of the famous Bar-Belgrade train connection, known as the most beautiful train ride in Europe. Although the Montenegro Express route doesn't stop at Lake Skadar, you can get off in Podgorica or Bar and connect from there.
There is no public transport within the park, but there is a bus running between Virpazar and Podgorica or Virpazar and Sutomore. Some long-distance buses, such as those from Ulcinj or Bar to Podgorica, also pass through Virpazar, but be sure to tell the bus driver where to drop you off. The bus stop is a shed along the roadside and across the railway tracks from Hotel Pelikan. You'll need to flag down the buses heading to Podgorica or Ulcinj/Bar for your onward journey.
If all this sounds too complicated, allow us to make all the arrangements for you. These are our two pre made private tours, but also feel free to contact us should you need something custom made only for you.
Getting to Lake Skadar from Kotor
Although this is not the most connected area, there are several ways to get there from Kotor. The best way to get there is to rent a car and drive yourself. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Kotor to Bar, and then another bus from Bar to Virpazar, which is located on the shores of Lake Skadar. From there, you can hire a boat or take a guided tour to explore the lake and its surroundings.
Alternatively, you can let us do the work for you, pick you up and take you exploring Skadar Lake on a private tour.
What type of activities can you do?
Skadar Lake is a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts as it offers a great range of activities to enjoy the area. These are just a few:
Renting a boat is a great way to explore the lake, with different range of options: from short rides of one hour to full-day excursions. Our favorite one hour trip is towards Grmozur island, and a long whole day trip from Virpazar to Murici
Kayaking is another popular option to experience the lake from a different perspective, and it's a great way to discover the hidden corners of the lake.
Hiking is a perfect if you are into exploring the area's natural beauty off the beaten path, with various trails available for all levels of fitness and experience. There are numerous scenic routes and peaks with amazing views surrounding the lake and nearby rivers. Our favorite hikes are hike to Obod cave and hiking to Vranjina hill.
Wine tasting is another option – there are more then 100 small wineries in Montenegro, and majority is located in this exact area. You can read more about wine cultivation here.
Bird watching is a popular activity for nature enthusiasts, as Skadar Lake is home to over 280 bird species, including rare and endangered ones.
Horse riding is a perfect option to explore Skadar Lake while enjoying the beautiful landscapes, flora and fauna.
If you are up for an adventure, and are fit enough, cycling is maybe the best option for you.
Finally, you can also explore the nearby historic towns such as Virpazar, and taste local cuisine and wine, which is known for its high quality. The natural scenery around the lake, with its mountain ranges, forests, and wetlands, offers a breathtaking and memorable experience for all visitors.
Can you swim in Skadar Lake?
Swimming is allowed in the lake, and it's a refreshing way to cool off during the hot summer months. There are many beaches, some are secluded and offer just a tranquil nature experience, but some also feature a restaurant or a bar nearby.
One of the most beautiful beaches in Lake Skadar is Murici Beach. Majority of the beaches are consisted of small pebbles, and this is the only sand beach. It’s located just across Beska Monastery and Starceva Gorica, in the southwestern shore, overlooking Albania, and it is about 45-minute drive from Virpazar.
Kayaking + swimming are some of the best summer activities in Skadar Lake area.
Where to stay?
If you are planning to stay in Skadar Lake area, we suggest considering smaller villages like Karuc, Godinje, or Rijeka Crnojevića on the shores of Lake Skadar National Park for a less crowded and touristy home base than the popular Virpazar.
You can find plenty of hotels and apartments along the shores, but no accommodation within the park itself. In high season, you may be able to find a free room by showing up in one of the villages – a true Montenegin way! There are also three campgrounds, one in Rijeka Crnojevića and two in Virpazar, for those traveling with a tent or camper van. There is also a glamping site, for everyone wanting to experience nature + comfort. Feel free to contact us for suggestions or bookings.
So, what do you think - Is Skadar Lake worth visiting?
In our humble opinion - Absolutely. Lake Skadar's stunning natural scenery, rich biodiversity, and unique cultural heritage make it a must-see destination for anyone traveling to the Balkans. Whether you're an avid nature lover, a history buff, or simply seeking a relaxing escape, the lake has something to offer.
With its picturesque towns and villages, excellent food, and a wide range of outdoor activities, the largest lake of southern Europe is sure to leave a lasting impression on any visitor.
