The amazingly beautiful lake, which will be discussed in this article, is located in two countries - Albania (1/3 part) and Montenegro (2/3 part). Natural reservoir occupying an area equal to 390 square meters. kilometers, is the largest in the Balkans. When completely spilled, its surface is 530 square meters. km This is a huge Skadar lake.
After reading the article, you can find out what constitutes a magnificent, one of the largest natural reservoirs, called Skadar Lake (Montenegro). How to get to it yourself, what are the attractions in its vicinity, etc.? About all this and much more later in the article.
general information
An amazing creation of nature - Skadar Lake (Montenegro). The location on 40 thousand hectares of the territory of the conservation zone created in Montenegro in 1983 is quite justified. Most of this unique national park is represented by Skadar Lake itself (approximately 391 sq. Km), which is home to more than 40 species of fish. Among other things, the park is one of the largest bird sanctuaries in Europe, where more than 270 species of birds live. Some of the birds (for example, the Dalmatian pelican and black ibis) are not found anywhere else in Europe.
Among fish, the most numerous aquatic inhabitants are cyprinids. It is curious that even some species of marine inhabitants get here through the Boyane River from the sea, although this lake can not be called brackish.
The most significant settlements located on the shore of the lake are Virpazar and Rijeka Crnoevich. The second was once the capital of Montenegro, although today almost nothing reminds of its former significance in the life of the state, but only the name that came from the name of the very first leader of Montenegro - Ivan Tsrnoevich.
Skadar Lake (Montenegro): photo, description
Although the lake is located in the mountains, however, it lies only 5 meters above sea level. The surrounding hills, low, but quite picturesque, covered with various greens. The shores in some parts of the lake are very boggy and almost completely covered with vegetation, and therefore it is difficult to reach them.
The length of the reservoir is 43 kilometers, width - 25, area - 370 square meters. km, and the average depth is 7 meters. The dimensions of the reservoir at different times of the year may vary. The part of the lake located in the Albanian territory is called Shkoder.
It feeds on a natural body of water by underground springs and six rivers, the largest of which is Moraca, which is connected via the Buna to the Adriatic Sea. The water on Lake Skadarsky is flowing, so in a year it manages to be completely renewed twice twice. The water temperature in the summer is heated to + 27 ° C. The coastline in Montenegro is 110 kilometers long, of which only 5 kilometers are reserved for tourism development.
During periods of rains, the lake acquires a beautiful blue color and spreads quite strongly, and in the summer it is silvery and sparkles on sunny days. Thanks to the springs, the water in the lake is very clean. The most famous of the underground sources is Radus, which is very deep (about 90 meters, which is below the sea level). He beats not far from the village of Seoka (the southern shore of the lake). Such places attract fishermen who are aware of the possibility of a large catch in them. Very popular among lovers of fishing Skadar Lake (Montenegro).
sights
Small islands (about 50 in total) can be observed along the western shores of the lake. On some of them you can watch tiny secluded monasteries. Across the coast are scattered many preserved ancient architectural monuments.
At the spring of Radus on a stone island there is a Turkish fortress called Grmozur, which was turned into a prison by King Nicholas I. History says that for obvious reasons, those who could swim were not detained here. The same rule applied to the guards. If the prisoner escaped, the jailer spent the rest of his life for him.
In the north-west of the lake is the aforementioned village of Rijeka Crnoevich, which was once a fabulous beauty, the summer residence of the court of King Nikola. Among the local attractions is a pearl factory, in which pearls were not mined, but made from fish scales.
The Konak Perianik restaurant, which functions today, in the old days, delivered delicious dishes to the royal table. The institution is run by a descendant of the very king of Montenegro.
Historical information
It is still unknown how long ago this karst lake was formed by the nature of its origin. In historical materials of a thousand years ago, there are some references only to the surrounding rivers. Curious in terms of historical events Skadar Lake (Montenegro). How to get to it by car and see everything with my own eyes? More about this later.
This huge natural reservoir was known to many people. The path through it was held by the Turks, Greeks, Romans and Illyrians. Along the coast of the lake are mainly small villages. Since ancient times, people have lived here, therefore, traces of their culture have remained, especially in Shkoder (settlements, forts, churches). True, many of them have turned into inaccessible ruins.
How to get there
You should definitely see Skadar Lake (Montenegro). Getting to it yourself is not so difficult.
There is a lake on the border of the municipalities of Cetinje, Bar and Podgorica, whose airport is 15 kilometers from the lake. About the same distance from the lake is the sea, however, the road to it lies through the Sozin tunnel. In addition to the old, ancient roads, with the help of which the lake was connected with many areas of Montenegro, there is also a main road for cars and a railway running from Podgorica to Bar. The main stations on it are Virpazar and Vranjina. The railway line runs almost next to the lake.
The southern part of the lake, where many picturesque villages are located, can be reached from Bar and Ulcinj. In order to get to the northern part of the lake, you should use the road Podgorica - Cetinje.
You can get to Virpazar by train from Sutomore, Bar or Podgorica. Regular buses go from Petrovac. If you go to the lake, using the services of a taxi from Budva, the trip will cost about 25-30 euros (the cost depends on the season). One of the most acceptable and convenient solutions for traveling is to rent a car. Therefore, many travelers come to the Skadar Lake of Montenegro on their own, by car of their own.
The option for traveling on the lake is to rent a kayak or a boat (about 20-25 euros per hour), but you will have to pay a fee for entering the national park (4 euros per person). This condition is valid only in the case of departure to the lake on any boat. Simple walks along the coast and swimming on the lake beach are not paid by vacationers.
Excursion tours
In Montenegro, Skadar Lake (photo presented in the article) is quite famous. There are fascinating excursions to the lake (cost per person from 18 to 25 euros). The price includes a trip to the lake with a guide on the bus, a boat trip with a swim in fresh warm waters (summer temperatures up to +27 degrees and more). You can also get meals for a fee of up to 10 euros.
During the tour, tourists can admire the amazing natural landscapes of the picturesque shores with water lilies and other aquatic vegetation, as well as with mountains that leave their foundations in the depths of the lake. The most fantastic landscapes on the lake are during sunset and dawn.
Fishing on the lake
As noted above, Skadar Lake (Montenegro) is attractive to fishermen. As you have seen above, you can get to it yourself. To engage in fishing, you need to get to the village of Vranjina, where it will be possible to purchase a daily license worth 5 euros per person. It allows you to catch fish. Here you can rent the necessary equipment and a boat. Among other things, you need to pay 4 euros for a stay in the national park. Carp, trout, eel, Montenegrin famous bleak and much more are caught in the lake.
You can engage in fishing in the vicinity of several fishing villages: Vranjina, Godinje, Virpazar, Rijeka Crnoevich, Murichi, Karuch. You can rent inexpensive apartments, as well as taste delicious dishes with the gifts of the lake in small restaurants with national river cuisine.
Relaxation
It is important for Montenegro to get to Skadar Lake on their own, it is important to know that on the way to the west coast of the lake, in the very center is the wonderful Murici beach with clear and warm lake water. The shallow coastal zone is covered with faded small pebbles.
Here, a new Guest Center, open from May to October, is located for tourists. It opened in 2007. There are 3 expositions that are devoted to the cultivation of olives, handicrafts and the economic activities of this area.
Right in the rock, not far from the marina, is a liquor store. You can buy excellent champagne and excellent quality local wine in it.
Souvenirs
Many interesting souvenirs can be bought in memory of the unique freshwater Skadar Lake of Montenegro. It is quite possible to get here on your own and is worth it.
Excellent souvenirs in memory of an unforgettable vacation on the lake are mugs, magnets, T-shirts and other national colorful gizmos. For example, various products related by local needlewomen, as well as unique wooden jewelry made by the inhabitants of the neighboring monasteries.
Reviews
As noted above, the best option is to visit the Skadar Lake of Montenegro on your own by car. The reviews of tourists who traveled in this way are the most positive, since such a trip allows you to choose a place to stay and time of stay at will.
Independent travel, of course, is more convenient, but on condition that the driver must be experienced, because in some places the road is a narrow serpentine in the mountains. An alternative is a taxi ride, but it will cost more.
Thus, it is not worth much to visit Skadar Lake of Montenegro on your own. Reviews about it are the most flattering, both among fishing enthusiasts and tourists.
Conclusion
The lake, which is described in this article, is one of the main Montenegrin business cards.
It is important to note that the most important cultural and historical value of the national park in question is the monasteries of the XIV-XV centuries and fortifications built during the Ottoman rule. The national architecture of these places is ancient village huts, mills and stone bridges. All this is very interesting to see.
It turns out that visiting Skadar Lake, you can get for yourself much more than just relaxing on the beach, combined with fishing, surrounded by wonderful nature. Having visited these places, you can learn the interesting history of this amazing and rich in cultural heritage corner of Montenegro.