Lake Skadar: Visit Monenegro`s nature juwel
Lake Skadar, also named Skadarsko Jezero, is the largest freshwater lake in the Balkans and is located in Montenegro and in Albania. It is one of the best things to see in the country and in 1983 it was declared a National Park. Underground water sources called the oki (eyes) feed the lake with fresh water. That’s why the Lake Skadar has the same temperature throughout the year. Around 270 kn2 natural paradise provides a home to more than 270 different species of birds. Also, it´s the home of the Dalmatian pelicans, if you are lucky you can even have the chance to see them on a boat trip at Lake Skadar!
But it is not just the biodiversity that attracts visitors from all over the world. Lake Skadar offers plenty of scenic attractions and innumerable breath-taking landscapes! Here you will find amazing viewpoints, beautiful small monastery islands called Beska, Gorica and Moracnik and some cool activities like kayaking, boat tours and swimming. The spectacular Skadar Lake is located just around 20 kilometres away from the best beaches in Montenegro and therefore its suit well as an excursion.
In this travel guide we will show you the best places and activities around Lake Skadar. Additionally, you get the best information about where to stay, things to do and where to go!
Things to do at Lake Skadar
From Virpazar to Rijeka Crnojevica
Due to the overwhelming size of the Skadar Lake it is often not easy to find out where to go. In order to get to the truly best place with the popular unique postcard view you have to travel from Virpazar to Rijeka Crnojevica. Most tourists book a large tourist boat in Virpazar and unfortunately miss the most beautiful natural scenery of Lake Skadar. Although there you will see the monastery islands you won`t get deep enough in the lake and river landscape. To discover the really beautiful places you must go a bit further, namely near the town of Rijeka Crnojevica. There are 2 ways to get to this place.
By car (panoramic road):
As soon as you arrive in Virpazar take the road to the left in direction to Rijeka Crnojevica. Driving the scenic road is a unique experience: We were more than thrilled by breath-taking beautiful landscapes and the amazing viewpoints along the way. Also we saw plenty of interesting animal species.
By boat:
A Boat tour is one of the best things to do at Lake Skadar. But make sure the tour will bring you to Rijeka Crnojevica. Cruise through small reed canals, observe a variety of bird species and admire the huge rugs of water lilies. Also swimming inside the Skadar Lake is allowed and is, especially in summer, a pleasure!
Exploring Rijeka Crnojevica
This small hidden place is located on the bank of the river Crnojevica, not far from Skadar lake and it is an absolute insider tip in Montenegro. The small village has only about 175 inhabitants and is mainly known for its pretty old stone houses and for the old stone bridge. In the village, just next to the bridge there is a lovely restaurant that serves amazing fish dishes. Not far from the Rijeka Crnojevica you will find the viewpoint where all the Lake Skadar pictures were taken.
If you are planning to spend a night in this idyllic setting, we can recommend the apartments of Dujeva Drago! Although it is not directly in the town, it has a fantastic view of the Skadar Lake.
Lake Skadar – Pavlova Strana Viewpoint
Maybe you also wonder where the typical postcard motif of Skadar Lake was taken? To enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Skadar Lake you have to drive from Rijeka Crnojevica for about 3 km, to the Pavlova Strana viewpoint. Actually, if you are sporty, there is also the possibility for hiking. From there you will have the most incredible views all over the fjord-like river landscape. It is an unforgettable experience and we highly recommend a visit!
Book a Boat trip on Lake Skadar
Boat tours are mainly offered starting in Virpazar and a boat tour is one of the best things to do to explore the Lake. Click here to choose your perfect Skadar Lake Tours.
Day Trips to Skadar Lake
If you are not having the possibilty to travel by car through Montenegro, there is still the great opportunity to join a guided tour. Here are the best day trips for visiting Skadar Lake:
Where to stay at Skadar Lake?
A stay in the Skadar Lake National Park is definitely recommended and you will find plenty of fantastic accommodations in that area. Most of the apartments can be found around the village of Virpazar. Here you have a great selection of accommodations.
Our favorite pick is the Ethno Lodge AB. The wooden charlets are beautiful, nicely equipped and very comfortable. Another great option is to stay in the lovely small town of Rijeka Crnojevica.
Conclusion: Visiting the Lake Skadar was a fantastic experience for us. We were overwhelmed by the pure nature, the wonderful views and this never ending lake. For us it was one of the most Photogenic Spots in Montenegro and we highly recommend this place – it´s a paradise!
Read more about Montenegro:
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12 Best Things to Do in Montenegro
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Sveti Stefan, Montenegro: Attractions & Beaches
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Top 7 Beaches in Montenegro
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Bay of Kotor – a holiday travel guide
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Montenegro travel guide – a perfect road trip itinerary
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Perast – A Guide to the Costal Town in Montenegro
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Things to do in Herceg Novi | Montenegro
Find the best Accommodation at Lake Skadar:
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. Meaning that if you click on certain links, and then subsequently purchase a product, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
14 Comments
Never even knew where this was. Drop dead beautiful. Love all the photos
Thank you dear Candy, we are happy that you like our pics 🙂
The boat tour pix look spectacular. What a beautiful peaceful place.
Thank you dear Marilyn 🙂
Wow this place looks incredible! We love family travel and adventure so I’ve added this to our travel bucket list.
Thats fantastic Brittany 🙂 we are happy to inspire you!
It looks so beautiful here, and relaxing too! Thanks for the great tips, I always prefer a boat ride to a car ride when possible.
you are welcome Caroline!
Beautiful Place! I would love to take my kayak there and explore it for a day
Fantastic idea! 🙂
I would love to visit here. It looks beautiful. Apparently there are a few areas I found out that birds migrate to near me. I haven’t made it there to see them yet.
Thanks Rose 🙂 happy you liked this article!
Wow, wow, wow! Literally all that came out of my mouth while looking at each picture, Lake Skadar looks absolutely beautiful, I would really love to visit myself, I am sure it is one of those places you have to see to believe! Gorgeous.
Thank you so much dear Elizabeth for you great words!