Address:Montenegro
Skadar Lake National Park
When you are in Montenegro, something that definitely should not be missed is a visit to Skadar Lake, the largest lake on the Balkan Peninsula, which covers 391 km2. The overall ambient, the empire of flora and fauna, the phenomenon of cryptodepression, the habitat of rare and endangered bird species, clean air piece and silence are something specific to this natural gem and something you need to experience. The lake has a stretched coastline with several beautiful beaches, peninsulas, bays, which together make a unique archipelago. On the other hand, the towns that lie on the shores of this national park, such as Virpazar or Rijeka Crnojevića, with their old stone buildings provide an experience of the historical and cultural wealth of Montenegro.
What to do
1. Cruising and sport fishing
A boat tour is the opportunity for tourists to find hidden beaches, as well as cultural and historical monuments, some of the islands such as Lesendro, Grmozur (Montenegrin,, Alkatraz'' because King Nikola turned him into a notorious prison where he kept his opponents), Moracnik or Beska, where the monasteries dedicated to the Mother of God and St. George are located, as well as to closely enjoy the plant and animal wealth of the lake. The ships depart from three ports: Vranjina, Plavnica and Virpazar. For fishermen, it may also be interesting to try the luck and to catch a carp, eel or bleak. For sport fishing on Skadar Lake it is necessary to buy a daily fishing permit in the premises of the National Park in Vranjina.
2. Walking and hiking
For lovers of taking a walk in the nature, there are dozens of kilometers of marked paths, which leads to the beautiful viewpoints or hidden details that Skadar Lake is rich in.
3. Birdwatching
The world trend of "birdwatching" has become popular in Montenegro, which is not surprising considering that the Skadar Lake is an oasis for birds. In the basin of the lake there are as many as 264 species of birds, many of which are very rare and endangered species. It is possible to see Mediterranean species such as the seagull, pelican, rare black African herons, royal eagle, griffon vulture, wild duck, ibis, puddle and so on.
How to get there
It is easiest to get to Skadar Lake by car, because it is only 30 minutes away from Podgorica, from Budva about 50 minutes, or 30 minutes from Bar Sozin tunnel. The lake can be reached by rail, because it is located on the main railway line Podgorica-Bar, and the railway station where you need to stop is "Virpazar", about 800 meters from the center of this small town.
