Skadar lake: history, sights, directions

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

Lake Skadar or Shkoder 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 reservoir in the warm season is 50 kilometers, and its width is approximately 14 kilometers.

Shkoder belongs to two countries at the same time: Montenegro by two-thirds and Albania by one-third. Since 1983, more than 40 thousand hectares of the lake has been considered a protected area. Six rivers flow into the fresh water body, as well as a large number of underwater springs, which provide a constant flow of clean water.

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

Directly Skadar Lake is part of the national park of 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 summer it is very hot and stuffy on Lake Skadar. You should come here either early in the 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 end in mid-August.

In summer, the lake takes on a silvery color, and in autumn and spring it turns into blue shades. There are numerous islets near the western border of the lake, some of which are occupied by monasteries.

On one of them was built the well-known Turkish fortress Grmozur, which once 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. The body of water was once part of the Adriatic Sea, as evidenced by numerous archaeological finds throughout the region. However, volcanic eruptions and shifts in tectonic plates led to the formation of mountains with a plain, and the sea level dropped. In the middle of the 19th century, weather conditions caused the Boyan River to change its route, fill the basin and form 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 - the locals will not only organize a worthy excursion and tell many interesting details, but also show the most beautiful corners of the reserve.

On a boat, you can simply survey the surroundings and even see the canyons, or stop at one of the islets for a more thorough exploration. Usually the Grmozur Fortress and various ancient monasteries are popular.

Unfortunately, Skadar Lake is not the place where you can admire clear water. The wetlands and the abundance of aquatic vegetation create an appropriate picture.

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

Another interesting place is the village of Godinje. In 1979, it was badly damaged by an earthquake, after which a significant part of the population left their small homeland. A small number of houses and wineries have now been rebuilt in the village. The place is quite picturesque and unusual.

Not far from the west coast is located Murichi beachideal for taking water treatments. It is here that the water of the lake is as pure as possible.

Having bathed 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 most popular is the one located on the island of Starcheva Goritsa. The building dates back to the 14th century and is home to a hermit monk. On the southern bank of the reservoir, the Starchevo Monastery was built, which formerly housed a 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 Balshich, which is part of the Church of the Mother of God. This is the only nunnery of Skadar Lake, which certainly 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 capacious boats.

Most often, a boat excursion to monasteries or fortresses, which are located on the islands, is held on Lake Skadar.

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 a cafe to taste the specialties of local cuisine - 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 have to pay extra for the boatman's services. They say that about 50 species of fish live in the lake. Fishing permits can be obtained from the National Parks Authority or paid from the clerk who inspects the area.

Fishing on the lake will appeal to any professional, as you can catch fish, the weight of which 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, Lake Skadar is just as interesting a travel destination, but less comfortable. The days at this time are rather 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 safety.

In general, of course, the best excursion around Lake Skadar is one that is organized independently. Having rented a boat together with a boatman, it is worth sailing to the most interesting islets, seeing churches and old buildings. Then it is worth mooring to one of the villages and visiting a local restaurant, which serves the finest fish dishes of the national cuisine. After relaxing after a hearty meal, it is a good idea to end the day at the beach with swimming and bird watching.

Most often, travelers who come to Lake Skadar stay in modern hotels in the small town of Virpazar. The distance from the residence to the lake is only 500 meters, which makes it easy to transport fishing gear or equipment for water sports to the reservoir. The cost of a room in the hotel starts at approximately 2,000 rubles per person.

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

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

• Morning excursion includes a boat trip, visiting several monasteries and churches, as well as a delicious lunch and relaxing on the beach. Such an event takes almost the whole day.
• Evening excursion lasts from lunch until evening. In principle, it consists of the same activities.
• Finally, individual excursion is conducted with a local guide and usually involves a small group of friends and family, so the time and route are discussed separately.

If the starting point is Budva, then the destination is easy to reach by bus, the ticket for which costs about 4 euros. In this case, transport follows through Petrovac to Podgorica.

A trip from Bar and Sutomore will cost 2 euros if you take 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 Virpazar – Bar route is 25 kilometers.

If you go to Lake Skadar from a distant city as part of an excursion, then you should be ready to pay up to 60 euros. Renting a car for one day will cost half the price - 30 euros. If you go to Virpazar from Serbia, you will have to take a train, spend about 9 hours and about 50 euros.

About what you can see interesting while traveling on the lake, see below.