When traveling around Montenegro, you should definitely visit Skadar Lake, which has been known throughout the world for many years. Charming landscapes, a multitude of living birds and fish, islands with monasteries and fortresses, delicious cuisine - all this allows not only to appreciate the color of the country, but also to truly relax and rest from city life.
Description
Skadar Lake 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 the width is approximately 14 kilometers.
Shkodra belongs simultaneously to two countries: Montenegro for two thirds and Albania for one third. Since 1983, more than 40 thousand hectares of the lake is considered a protected area. Six rivers flow into the freshwater reservoir, as well as a large number of underwater keys that provide a constant supply of clean water.
The maximum depth of the lake reaches 60 meters, and on average it is 6 meters. At some points the depth of the lake even exceeds the depth of the sea. In summer, the water temperature ranges from 26 to 27 degrees, and in winter it drops to 6-7 degrees.
The following fish live in the Skadar Lake: carp, trout, bleak, etc. In addition, more than 264 bird species inhabit the lake, from pelicans to herons. Some of them arrive at this place for the winter. Bird species such as the Dalmatian pelican and the black ibis are not found anywhere else in the European territory.
Skadar Lake itself 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 summer time it is very hot and stuffy on Lake Skadar. 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 blooming of snow-white water lilies - it will begin in May and end in mid-August.
In summer, the lake takes on a silver color, and in autumn and spring it goes into blue shades. Near the western border of the lake are numerous islets, some of which are occupied by monasteries.
On one of them, the well-known Turkish fortress Grmozur was built, in its time serving as a prison. On the shores of the lake there are no large cities, but it is full of authentic villages, various architectural monuments and even ruins of buildings: forts and settlements.
It is important to mention that the entrance to the territory of the national park is 15 euros. This amount will have to be paid in the case of a boat excursion, and going fishing, and just when studying the surroundings on your own.
Skadar Lake has a rich and fascinating history. Once the reservoir was a component of the Adriatic Sea, as evidenced by numerous finds of archaeologists throughout the region. However, volcanic eruptions and tectonic plate shifts led to the formation of mountains with plains, and sea level dropped. In the middle of the XIX century, weather conditions led to the fact that the Boyan River changed the route, filled the pool and formed the lake itself.
What to see?
Lake Skadar National Park is a great place for boating. It is more convenient to choose the town of Virpazar as a point of reference - local residents not only organize a decent tour and tell you many interesting details, but also show the most beautiful corners of the reserve.
However, for such an event will have to pay a considerable amount: as a rule, the price of the tour is about 40 euros.
On the boat, you can simply observe the environment and even see the canyons or stop at one of the islands for more thorough research. Usually popular fortress Grmozur and various ancient monasteries.
Unfortunately, Lake Skadar is not a place to admire clean water. The wetland and the abundance of aquatic vegetation create the corresponding picture.
But while walking you will be able to admire and admire the birds living in the park. It is worth looking into the village of Karuch, inhabited by fishermen, to learn more about the lives of local residents and quench their thirst with a glass of pomegranate juice.
Another interesting place is the village of Godinje. In 1979, she was badly hit by an earthquake, after which a significant part of the population left their small homeland. Now a small number of houses and wineries have been built in the village. The place is quite picturesque and unusual.
Near the west coast is located Murichi beachPerfect for taking water treatments. It is here that the lake water is as clean as possible.
Enough to buy, you should go to the nearby Guest Center and see small exhibitions on the life of the local population.
Of the monasteries, the one that is located on the island of Starcheva Goritsa enjoys the greatest popularity. In a building dating back to the 14th century, there is a hermit monk. On the southern shore of the reservoir, Starchevo monastery was built, which previously housed a well-known 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 Mother of God Church. This is the only female monastery of Lake Skadar, which certainly deserves a visit.
Popular sightseeing routes
The most popular excursion routes are being worked out by several companies operating in Montenegro, including those that have a large number of spacious boats.
Most often, a boat tour to monasteries or fortresses, which are located on the islands, is held on Lake Skadar.
In addition to water travel, tourists are waiting for an exotic table with soft goat cheese, honey, unusual fried balls and strong raki.
Of course, for lunch you can go to a restaurant or in a cafe to taste the specialties of the local cuisine - roasted eel and baked carp.
By the way, the cuisine of the Skadar Lake region deserves special mention. Almost every garden grows figs and pomegranates, plums and cherries, as well as walnuts. Locals independently produce dairy products, ham, fresh honey and several types of alcohol. Together with delicious fish, all these ingredients are used in all functioning restaurants.
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. It is said that about 50 species of fish inhabit the lake. Fishing permits can be obtained from the National Park Authority or paid from an employee who conducts an inspection of 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, Lake Skadar is a curious 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 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 on Lake Skadar is the one that is organized independently. Having rented a boat together with a boatman, it is worthwhile to swim to the most interesting islets, see churches and old buildings. Then you should go to one of the villages and visit the local restaurant, which serves the finest fish dishes of national cuisine. After resting after a hearty lunch, it would be good to end the day at the beach, swimming and watching the birds.
Where to stay?
Most often, travelers coming 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 pond. The cost of hotel rooms starts from about 2000 rubles per person.
Positive reviews confirm the reputation of such places as Apartment Vukasevic, Apartment Dejic and Draga`s rooms.
How to get there?
On your own, you can reach Lake Skadar either by car or by bus. The starting point can be located in any town of the coast. From the cities of Bar and Sutomore you can reach the lake and by train. However, it is most convenient to visit this picturesque corner as part of the tour with a local guide. As a rule, three routes are offered.
- Morning excursion involves traveling by boat, visiting several monasteries and churches, as well as a delicious lunch and relaxing on the beach. It takes such an event almost a whole day.
- Evening tour lasts from lunch until the evening. It consists in principle of the same events.
- Finally, individual excursion conducted with a local guide, and, as a rule, it is a small group of friends and relatives, so the time and itinerary are discussed separately.
If the starting point is Budva, then the destination is easily accessible by bus, a ticket for which costs about 4 euros. Transport in this case goes 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 remote city as part of an excursion, you should be ready for payment, reaching 60 euros. Renting a car for one day will cost twice as much - 30 euros. If you go to Virpazar from Serbia, you will have to take the train, spend about 9 hours of time and about 50 euros.
The fact that you can see interesting, traveling on the lake, see below.
