Lake Skadar: Visit Montenegro’s Famous Nature Jewel

The beautiful Lake Skutari, also known as Lake Skadar or Skadarsko Jezero, is the largest inland body of water on the Balkan Peninsula and a visit is one of the best things to do in Montenegro. It stretches along the border with Albania and is an important nature reserve, known not only for its beauty but also for its rich flora and fauna. The idyllic landscape around the lake is particularly fascinating, creating a picture-book setting with its dense reed beds, tiny islands and a multitude of rare bird species. What’s more, you can discover numerous photo opportunities on a boat trip across the crystal-clear water, past hidden monasteries and picturesque fishing villages.

In this travel guide, you will find all the important information and tips about Lake Skutari in Montenegro. We show you beautiful pictures, the most beautiful sights and activities around Lake Skadar, give you exclusive insider tips and reveal great places to stay.

National Park

General information about Lake Skadar

Lake Skutari, also known as Lake Skadar or Skadarsko Jezero in Montenegrin, is the largest freshwater lake in the Balkan region and is located in Montenegro and Albania. It is certainly one of the most beautiful sights in the country and was declared a national park in 1983. Underground water sources, the Oki (eyes), feed the lake with fresh water and are also the reason why Lake Scutari has the same temperature all year round. The natural paradise is home to around 270 different bird species over an area of around 400 square kilometers and, with a bit of luck, you can even spot pelicans, cormorants, herons and the Scutari frog on a boat trip on Lake Scutari.

But it’s not just the diversity of bird species that attracts visitors from all over the world. The countless breathtaking landscapes, fantastic viewpoints and the small monastery islands of Beska, Gorica and Moracnik on the south side of Lake Skutari also delight excursionists to the coastal region. The spectacular Lake Skutari is located just 20 kilometers from the most beautiful beaches in Montenegro and is therefore also a good excursion for holidaymakers from the coastal region.

Things to do at Lake Skadar

A visit to Lake Skadar is a guarantee for unforgettable experiences and activities. There are many things to see here, especially in nature, but there is also plenty on offer in terms of culture and cuisine. Here are the most beautiful places not to be missed:

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 truly the 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 the direction to Rijeka Crnojevica. Driving the scenic road is a unique experience: We were more than thrilled by breathtaking beautiful landscapes and the fantastic 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!

Viewpoint to Skadarsko Jerzero

Skadarsko Jezero

Skadar Lake National Park

Skadarsko Jerzero – Huge grasshoper

Skadarsko Jezero

Rijeka Crnojevica

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 it’s 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.

Rijeka Crnojevica – old bridge

Rijeka Crnojevica – Skadar Lake

Rijeka Crnojevica

Rijeka Crnojevica

Rijeka Crnojevica – Skadarsko Jezero

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 of 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!

Skadar Lake (Skadarsko Jerzero)

Skadarsko Jerzero

Book a Boat trip on Lake Skadar

A boat trip on Lake Skadar in Montenegro is certainly an experience you won’t forget. Boat tours are mainly offered from the village of Virpazar. We recommend taking a small boat to Rijeka Crnojevica. Many of the large boats only go out into the middle of the lake to the monastery islands, where you can swim briefly, and then return. These boats are also not suitable for animal and bird watching. It is better to find out in advance what the program looks like.

Skadarsko Jerzero

Skadarsko Jerzero

Skadarsko Jezero

Skadarsko Jezero – Virpazar

Skadarsko Jerzero

Day Trips to Skadar Lake

If you are not having the possibility to travel by car through Montenegro, there is still the great opportunity to join a guided tour. Here are some day trips for visiting Skadar Lake:

Where to stay at Skadar Lake?

A stay in the area around Skadar Lake is definitely recommended. This will allow you enough time to discover all the great sights, take a boat trip on Lake Scutari and enjoy the beautiful landscape in peace. You will find most of the accommodation around the village of Virpazar. Here are our top tips for the best places to stay in the area around Lake Scutari…It’s worth a look!

• Charming Ethno Lodge: we particularly recommend the beautiful Ethno Lodge, with its pretty log cabins and delicious breakfast in the morning.
• Lovely Farm: The Vržina Farm House is situated in an absolutely peaceful location. Guests love the hospitality and family atmosphere.
• Nice Apartment: The Lux Apartment Sunset is a real insider tip for a vacation on Lake Skadar. Both the location and the beautiful furnishings are ingenious.

Read more about Montenegro:

• 12 Best Things to Do in Montenegro

• Sveti Stefan, Montenegro: Attractions & Beaches

• Top 7 Beaches in Montenegro

• Bay of Kotor – a holiday travel guide

• Montenegro travel guide – a perfect road trip itinerary

• Perast – A Guide to the Costal Town in Montenegro

• Things to do in Herceg Novi | ​​Montenegro 

Find the best Accommodation at Lake Skadar:

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