Skadar Lake: history, attractions, location map

When traveling around Montenegro, you should definitely call on Skadar Lake, which for many years has been a national park known throughout the world. Charming landscapes, many birds and fish, islands with monasteries and fortresses, delicious cuisine - all this allows not only to appreciate the flavor of the country, but also to really relax and take a break from city life.

Skadar Lake or Shkodra is considered the largest lake in the Balkans, its area reaches 390 square meters in the summer and as much as 530 square meters during the winter flood. The length of the pond in the warm season is 50 kilometers and the width is approximately 14 kilometers.

Shkoder belongs simultaneously to two countries: Montenegro, two-thirds, and Albania, one-third. Since 1983, more than 40 thousand hectares of the lake is considered a conservation area. Six rivers flow into the freshwater reservoir, as well as a large number of submarine springs providing a constant flow of clean water.

The following fish mainly live in Skadar Lake: carp, trout, bleak, etc. In addition, more than 264 bird species live from the pelicans to herons. Some of them fly to this place for the winter. Bird species such as the Dalmatian pelican and black ibis are not found anywhere else on European territory.

Directly Skadar Lake is part of a national park with the same name, which is one of the largest in Europe. In addition, the national park is considered one of the largest bird sanctuaries in Europe. It should be borne in mind that in the summer on Skadar Lake it is very hot and stuffy. You should come here either in the early morning or in the late afternoon, and ideally in May or June. This is especially true for those who want to enjoy the flowering of snow-white water lilies - it will begin in May, and will end in mid-August.

In the summer, the lake acquires a silver color, and in the fall and spring leaves in blue shades. Near the western border of the lake are numerous islets, some of which are occupied by monasteries.

On one of them was built the well-known Turkish fortress Grmozur, which at one time served as a prison. There are no large cities on the shores of the lake, but it is full of authentic villages, various architectural monuments and even the ruins of buildings: forts and settlements.

Skadar Lake has a rich and fascinating history. Once the reservoir was a component of the Adriatic Sea, which is proved by numerous finds of archaeologists throughout the region. However, volcanic eruptions and shifts of tectonic plates led to the formation of mountains with a plain, and sea level decreased. In the middle of the XIX century, weather conditions led to the fact that the Boyan River changed its route, filled the pool and formed the lake itself.

Skadar Lake National Park is a great place for boat trips. It is more convenient to choose the town of Virpazar as a starting point - local residents will not only organize a worthy excursion and tell many interesting details, but also show the most beautiful corners of the reserve.

On the boat you can simply survey the surroundings and even see the canyons or stop at one of the islands for a more thorough study. Grmozur fortress and various ancient monasteries are usually popular.

Unfortunately, Skadar Lake is not a place where you can admire clean water. Wetlands and an abundance of aquatic vegetation create the corresponding picture.

But during walks you will be able to admire and admire the birds living in the park. It is worth a visit to the village of Karuch, inhabited by fishermen, to learn more about the life of local residents and quench their thirst with a glass of pomegranate juice.

Another interesting place is the village of Godigne. In 1979, she was severely affected by the earthquake, after which a significant part of the population left their small homeland. Now a small number of houses and wineries have been rebuilt in the village. The place is quite picturesque and unusual.

Off the west coast is located Murici beachIdeal for taking water treatments. It is here that the lake water is as clean as possible.

Having bought enough, you should go to the nearby Guest Center and see small exhibitions dedicated to the life of the local population.

Of the monasteries, the one that is located on the island of Starcheva Goritsa is most popular. In a building dating to the 14th century, there is a hermit monk. Starchevo Monastery was built on the southern shore of the reservoir, which used to house the well-known book census center. The first mention of this place dates back to 1376.

On one of the islands is located the tomb of Elena Balsic, which is part of the Mother of God Church. This is the only nunnery of Skadar Lake, which, of course, deserves a visit.

The most popular excursion routes are worked out by several companies operating in Montenegro, including those that have a large number of spacious boats.

Most often, a boat excursion to monasteries or fortresses that are located on the islands is carried out on Skadar Lake.

In addition to water travel, tourists will find an exotic table with soft goat cheese, honey, unusual fried balls and strong brandy.

Of course, for lunch you can go to a restaurant or cafe to taste the local specialties - fried eel and baked carp.

Fishing on the lake is possible, but with the purchase of a special license. It will cost about 5 euros per day, but do not forget that, most likely, you will additionally have to pay for the services of a boatman. They say that about 50 species of fish live in the lake. A fishing permit can be obtained from the National Park Office or paid from an employee who inspects the area.

Fishing on the lake will appeal to any professional, as you can catch a fish whose weight ranges from 20 to 25 kilograms. During spawning, by the way, this type of activity is prohibited, this period lasts until June 10.

In winter, Skadar Lake is also a curious object for travel, but less comfortable. The days at this time are quite short, the humidity is high, and the winter period itself does not last long. At this time, wolves and wild boars actively manifest themselves in the mountains, so it will be especially important to adhere to the rules of personal security.

In general, of course, the best excursion around Skadar Lake is one that is organized independently. Having rented a boat with a boatman, it’s worth to swim to the most interesting islands, to see churches and ancient buildings. Then it’s worth mooring to one of the villages and visiting the local restaurant, which serves delicious fish dishes of national cuisine. Having a rest after a hearty lunch, it would be nice to end the day on the beach, swimming and watching the birds.

Most often, travelers coming to Lake Skadar stay in modern hotels in the small town of Virpazar. The distance from the place of residence to the lake is only 500 meters, which makes it easy to transport fishing equipment or equipment for water sports to the pond. The cost of a hotel room starts at about 2000 rubles per person.

Positive reviews confirm the reputation of places such as Apartment Vukasevic, Apartment Dejic and Draga`s rooms.

You can get to Skadar Lake on your own either by car or by bus. Starting point can be located in any town on the coast. From the cities of Bar and Sutomore, you can get to the lake and by train. However, it is most convenient to visit this picturesque corner as part of an excursion with a local guide. As a rule, three routes are proposed.

• Morning excursion involves a trip on a boat, visiting several monasteries and churches, as well as a delicious lunch and relax on the beach. It takes such an event almost the whole day.
• Evening excursion lasts from lunch until evening. It consists, in principle, of the same events.
• Finally, private tour conducted with a local guide, and as a rule, we are talking about a small group of friends and relatives, so the time and route are discussed separately.

If the starting point is Budva, then the destination is easily accessible by bus, the ticket for which costs about 4 euros. Transport in this case follows through Petrovac to Podgorica.

A trip from Bar and Sutomore will cost 2 euros if you use the train. Those tourists who live in Virpazar can order a transfer taxi, which is the most expensive, but at the same time the most comfortable option. The distance along the route Virpazar – Bar is 25 kilometers.

If you go to Skadar Lake from a distant city as part of an excursion, you should be prepared for a payment of up to 60 euros. Renting a car for one day will cost half as much - 30 euros. If you go to Virpazar from Serbia, you will have to catch a train, spend about 9 hours of time and about 50 euros.

The fact that you can see interesting while traveling around the lake, see below.