Lake Skadar
Skadarsko jezero
The largest lake in the Balkans. A protected wetland ecosystem with water meadows, water lilies and rare birdlife.
The lake straddles Montenegro and Albania and is defined by shifting wetland landscapes. In spring and after heavy rains the water rises and floods the low meadows. In summer the level drops and extensive shallows with water lily fields appear.
Reed belts and winding channels line the shores and small islets hold monasteries and fortress ruins. The lake is noted for rich birdlife including cormorants, herons and the Dalmatian pelican.
How to Get There
On foot from Virpazar center ~9-14 min.
From TGD airport (Podgorica) by taxi/transfer ~27 min.
From TIV airport (Tivat) by taxi/transfer ~52 min.
Description
What is it
Lake Skadar is the largest lake in Montenegro and on the Balkan Peninsula, area ~369.7 km² (Montenegro 221.8, Albania 147.9 km²). It stretches from Vranjina to Shkodër and drains to the Adriatic via the Bojana River.
Key features
- About 40 km long, up to 14 km wide – a major transboundary lake with marked seasonal fluctuations.
- Typical depths 4–6 m, locally deeper toward the western shore – vast shallows and reedbeds.
- The only breeding colony of Dalmatian pelican in southern Europe – a flagship bird reserve.
- Heritage islets/peninsulas: Žabljak Crnojevića (Zeta capital, 15th c.), Lesendro, Grmožur – layered lake fortresses.
- On the shore: Rijeka Crnojevića; nearby Obod printing house where the 1494 “Oktoih” was printed.
What to see
- Lagoons, reed marshes and rich waterbird colonies, including pelicans.
- Island forts Lesendro and Grmožur; ruins of Žabljak Crnojevića.
- Rijeka Crnojevića bends with vistas over the lake’s northern reach.
History
In the 11th century (“Dioclean Lake”) the water surface was smaller. Through the late Middle Ages, islet strongholds controlled trade routes and passages; under the Petrović-Njegoš dynasty, outposts such as Lesendro were reinforced to protect fisheries and traffic. On the eve of WWII, partial drainage was debated, but the lake’s ecosystem and fisheries led to protection.
Practical information
Location: on the Montenegro–Albania border; main gateways are Virpazar, Vranjina and Rijeka Crnojevića.
Getting there: from Podgorica/Bar via the main road to Virpazar and Vranjina; boat tours, kayaking and viewpoints along the shores.
Access: within Lake Skadar National Park – park fees/checks may apply; boats and guides available at the piers.
When to visit: year-round; peak birding during spring and autumn migrations.
Visit duration: 2–4 hours for a boat trip; a full day if adding Žabljak Crnojevića/Lesendro.
Best time: April–June and September–October for mild weather and active birdlife.
Special notes: do not disturb pelican colonies; bring sun protection, water and insect repellent; follow park rules.
