Bar, Montenegro - Skadar Lake

Skadar Lake

The biggest lake in the Balkans. It is located in the south-east of Montenegro in a basin divided from the sea by Mount Rumija. The lake is 50 km (31 mi) long and 14 km (9 mi) wide, but its size varies. In the spring and autumn, when the water level rises, it is approximately 500 km2, while in the summer, with a low water level, the size decreases to approximately 350 km2. On the lake is the border with Albania. Some 63.2% of the lake falls inside Montenegrin territory. The shore is jagged, with numerous coves and colourful fishing settlements. The lake has a number of islands popularly called “mounts”. Not far from Virpazar, towards Krajina, there are a number of coves with sandy beaches, of which the best known is Murići Beach, 560 m long. The lake represents a unique ecosystem with a high percentage of swamp zones. In the summer, the lake looks like a huge green meadow with numerous blossoming water lilies and other types of sedge vegetation. The lake is inhabited by over 40 subspecies of fish (carp, bleak, eel...) and it is well known for the variety of birds that live in the surroundings (270 subspecies). Some of them are rare (pelican, eagle, heron, grebe and woodcock). The lake is a well-known hunting resort. Above the lake, there is an observation point that gives a wonderful view of the lake panorama, along with sandy beaches, chestnut forests and dispersed islands. There are boat tours and cruises organised on Skadar Lake. Rich flora and fauna, cultural and historical monuments, picturesque settlements as well as the opportunity to taste local specialties such as carp, bleak, grappa (“loza”), Crmnica’s famous wine, altogether represent a special experience. A particularity is also “kasoronja”, a plant with edible seeds, characteristic only of this lake.