Skadar Lake, Montenegro (see on Montenegro map) is the largest lake in the entire Balkan Peninsula. Two-thirds of the lake belongs to Montenegro, and the rest belongs to Albania.
The lake is filled with both groundwater and rivers - Moraca and Crnojevic. Many peoples of the ancient world crossed Skadar Lake - Illyrians, Turks, Greeks, Romans. In the Middle Ages, hermit monks wrote and copied books on its islands. Many of the nearly 50 islets have a monastery or hermitage. No wonder the Skadar Islands are also called the new Athos.
About 60 settlements are scattered along the shores of Lake Skadar, among which the largest are Rijeka Crnojevica and Virpazar. Rijeka Crnojevic was the first capital of Montenegro, which was founded by the leader of Montenegro, Ivan Crnojevic. Little reminds of this important part of history, with the exception of only the ruins of a pearl factory (where pearls were made from fish scales) and the old restaurant Konak Peryanik, located in the city center. Once upon a time, the most exquisite dishes from the freshest seafood were prepared there and served at the royal table. The restaurant is still functioning, and its owner is a descendant of the Crnojevic dynasty.
Not far from Virpazar is the ancient Turkish fortress Grmozhur, which was once a border outpost, and is now home to several hundred birds. In ancient times, the fortress was a prison where especially dangerous criminals were kept. There was such a rule in the prison: if any criminal escapes from the fortress, then a jailer who missed him is put in his place. However, there were no such precedents, because the fortress was located on a secluded island, from which it was only possible to escape by swimming, and the prisoners basically did not know how to swim.
Skadar Lake is a favorite place for migratory birds. About 270 species of birds live here temporarily or permanently. Of particular interest are cormorants and exotic pelicans. The best time for bird watching starts in August and lasts until March. Hunting for most bird species is prohibited, but fishing is allowed. Recently, another interesting attraction has appeared in Lake Skadar - a hippopotamus who liked the waters of the lake and blooming lilies 🙂
In summer, the water warms up to 28 degrees, and in winter it sometimes even becomes covered with ice. The depth of the lake ranges from 4 to 8 meters, and between the islands of Beshka and Starchevo, the depth reaches 40 meters. Most of the lake is covered with swampy vegetation, through which boats with tourists who come to admire the beauty of Lake Skadar make their way with difficulty in the summer.
There are several monasteries on the lake, located on the shore or on separate islands. One of the most secluded monasteries is the Kom monastery, where the lonely monk Philip lives. This monastery was built at the beginning of the 15th century. The main monastery church, dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin, is of particular interest - the family of Ivan Crnoevich lived and took refuge here, who founded the capital of Montenegro, first in Rijeka Crnoevich, and then in Cetinje. The mother of the Montenegrin leader was buried here - her body is buried right under the church.
The monastery is located on a hill and is completely surrounded by swamps, through which in dry times you can walk along the path, and in the rest of the year it turns into an independent island.
We advise you to rent a boat in Rijeka Crnojevića (there are many boaters; a trip will cost 30-40 euros) and go on a trip to Skadar Lake.
You might also be interested in reading about our journey:
Journey on Lake Skadar (part 1 - Riek Crnojevic)
Journey along Skadar Lake (part 2 - exploring the lake itself and visiting the monastery)
We hope that the map of Lake Skadar will make it easier to navigate the settlements and sights of Lake Skadar.
