If you’re hesitant about whether you should include Lake Skadar in your Montenegro itinerary, the answer is a resounding YES! I’ll cut to the chase and share my list of top things to do in Lake Skadar so you would understand why you should not skip this stunning national park during your visit to Montenegro.
What Are The Best Things To Do In Lake Skadar?
There are plenty of things to do in Lake Skadar that cater for the needs of travellers with different interests.
1. Birdwatching
I’m an avid birdwatcher so obviously this was the activity I enjoyed the most during my visit to Lake Skadar. But even if you’re not so much into birds, I still highly encourage you to book a birdwatching tour. You’ll rise early in the morning to witness the charming lake at its absolute best! The first couple of hours of the day are the best in terms of bird activity, and you’ll get to see the breathtaking view of the lake bathed in golden light.
A birdwatching tour will cost you around 35 EUR per hour but it’s worth every penny! The top target for most birders visiting Lake Skadar is the endangered Dalmatian Pelican. However, the lake is also part of the breeding range of the Pygmy Cormorant and home to many other species. Those include egrets, herons, grebes, kingfishers, ducks and also hawks and eagles.
Our tour guide was an excellent birder and knew the best spots to find the birds on my list. I highly recommend you book a tour that includes the Morača river. This was the best section of the tour. We got to see countless kingfishers, and the density of birds was amazing overall. Also, if you visit between April and June, you will very likely come across the European Bee-eater on the river.
2. Lake Skadar boat trip
Hiring a boat is one of the most common things to do in Lake Skadar. You can either go for one of the standard group cruises in the larger boats, or book a private boat tour. The standard boat tour costs around 15 EUR per person and usually stops for 15 – 20 minutes for a swimming break, before returning back to the dock.
Alternatively, you can book a private boat trip in one of the smaller boats. In my opinion, although this costs 30 EUR per hour (for the whole boat, not per person), it’s definitely a better option. The smaller boat can take you further to places where the water is too shallow for the large boats.
The private boat tours range in duration as well as destinations. A tour can be as short as 1 hour or can last up to 8 hours. You will cruise through narrow canals and large areas of the lake covered by lily pads and other floating plants. Depending on the tour you choose, you’ll get to visit small islands and make short stops at historic monasteries and fortresses.
3. Lake Skadar Hiking
Lake Skadar offers a variety of trails to suit all levels of experience, from leisurely strolls to challenging climbs. You can choose from 9+ marked and well-maintained trails. Many trails will take you through varied landscapes to swimming holes and waterfalls. And hiking through the nearby villages and mountains will offer you amazing views over the lake!
You can go hiking on your own or alternatively hire a local guide. Consult the visitor center in Virpazar for trail maps and more information. Obviously, booking a guide will simplify the planning and offer you the experience and knowledge of a local. On the other hand, a self-guided hike will give you more flexibility, and is of course free.
P.S: Make sure you’re well prepared with all the essentials and things to pack for a safe and enjoyable hiking experience with our Hiking Success Kit.
4. Enjoy the EPIC views
If there’s one thing guaranteed in Montenegro, and Lake Skadar National Park specifically, that would be the jaw-dropping views! One of, if not THE best view in all of Montenegro is the one from Pavlova Strana (click here for directions). It does not technically give you eyes on the lake itself, but rather gives you a stunning panoramic view of the Rijeka Crnojevica winding its way through the mountains before meeting Lake Skadar.
Besides this famous viewpoint, you’ll be rewarded with more gorgeous views by simply being there and going on with your day. Whether you are driving the narrow (and bumpy) roads from one town or village to another, or hiking, or doing activities on the water, you’ll always be soaking in some incredible scenery.
5. Kayaking Lake Skadar
If you’re looking for the most intimate way to experience Lake Skadar, nothing will beat kayaking. You can rent a kayak for 5-10 EUR per hour and glide through the water amongst the lush vegetation and abundant birdlife. Also, be on the lookout for other wildlife encounters, including otters and turtles.
Similar to hiking in Lake Skadar, you can decide to kayak on your own or go on a guided tour. The latter is a great option if you’re new to kayaking or if you want to learn more about the lake and its surroundings.
6. Enjoy the culture and history
Lake Skadar has a lot more than stunning nature to offer. It’s the perfect place for all the culture and history buffs.
Visit historic towns and villages
The perimeter of Lake Skadar is dotted with quaint villages that offer a glimpse into the culture and history of Montenegro. A visit to one or a few of them is definitely worth your time.
- Rijeka Crnojevića: this historic town lies on the banks of the Crnojević river and is a short drive from Virpazar. It was once the capital of Montenegro, and there are a number of well-preserved Venetian buildings you can check out. One of the highlights is the Rijeka Crnojevica Bridge, which offers a beautiful view of the river. Also worth mentioning, we’ve had a delicious lunch during our visit to the town at Restoran Savina Luka. The fried carp was amazing!
- Karuč: a small village on the lake that is known for its 17th-century stone bridge, the only remaining bridge from the Ottoman period in Montenegro.
- Godinje: is a small village nestled on a hill overlooking Lake Skadar in Montenegro. Its history stretches back to the 13th century and bears traces of the Balšić dynasty that ruled the region in the 15th century. The village is a maze of narrow, cobbled streets lined with traditional stone houses, adding to its charm.
Visit fortresses
A couple of fortresses that played significant roles in the battle-filled history of Lake Skadar are Besac and Lesendro.
- Besac Fortress: this 15th-century Ottoman fortress sits atop a hill overlooking Virpazar. It was built in 1487 by the Ottomans and was later used as a prison during WWII. It was destroyed, but was then restored and open to visitors for a small fee.
- Lesendro Fortress: the fortress was built by Petar II to protect against Ottoman attacks. This fortress is now mostly ruins that sit on a small island near Virpazar and is actually accessible by the railway bridge. However, since the bridge is not safe for walking, and you cannot park anywhere near the island, the best way to visit is either by boat or kayak.
Visit monasteries
Lake Skadar is often referred to as the “Holy Mountain of Zeta” due to the abundance of monasteries scattered around the lake and on its many islands. Many of the monasteries of the region have fallen into ruins, but others have been beautifully restored.
- Kom Monastery: a Serbian Orthodox monastery that sits on the small island of Odrinska gora. It was built in 1427 and offers fascinating history and beautiful frescoes.
- Beška Monastery: another monastery that sits on an island close to the village of Murići. This monastery is a peaceful spot run by nuns who cultivate vegetables, fruits, and medicinal herbs. There are actually two churches on this small island, and although the older frescoes are mostly gone, the setting and surrounding scenery make it a worthwhile visit.
7. Cycling around Lake Skadar
The villages and towns around Lake Skadar offer plenty of scenic trails for those who enjoy biking. You can rent a bike in Virpazar and explore the cycling trails you prefer. If you’d rather not worry about finding your way around, you can choose to go on a guided cycling tour with one of the operators in town.
8. Relax on a beach
The lake also offers the opportunity to swim in its freshwater, and laze around its many beaches. The majority of the shoreline is rocky and access to the lake isn’t easily available in many places. However, there are some excellent spots where you can relax and soak up the sun. The most popular sandy beach is Murici. It is a short drive away from Virpazar. Here you can rent sun loungers and parasols, and enjoy a meal in the nearby restaurant.
If you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy the setting of a secluded beach, you have a few options to choose from:
- Donji Murici Beach: a small pebbles beach located near Murici Beach.
- Pjesacac Beach: one of the most beautiful beaches you can find on the lake. This is only accessible by boat, offering crystal clear water with a backdrop of lush vegetation.
- Velika Plaža: another small pebbles beach located near the village of Karuč.
9. Wine Tasting
If you’re a wine enthusiast, you’re in for a treat. There are several family-run wineries in the nearby towns and villages. Many of them offer vineyards with stunning views over the lake. Take a tour at one of the wineries, learn the history of the winery, the traditional winemaking process, and sample the different varieties of wine. Also note that many wineries offer local snacks or even full meals to pair with the wines. Expect regional specialties like cheese, cured meats, olives, and fresh bread.
10. Learn about local crafts
If you’d like to get a glimpse into the Montenegrin culture and tradition, then learning about local crafts should definitely be on your list of things to do in Lake Skadar. Two villages that are well known for their traditional handicrafts, including embroidery, weaving, and wood carving are Donji Gruda and Popa. You can visit workshops to see how these crafts are made and purchase souvenirs. Additionally, you can visit the Folk Art Museum in Rijeka Crnojevića which is a small museum that houses a collection of artifacts that showcase the craftsmanship of the region.
11. Take a cooking class
I have to admit I’ve always thought taking a cooking class is a silly way to waste a couple of hours when you are traveling. However, on a recent trip to Sri Lanka, my wife booked us a class (which, at first, I wasn’t too thrilled about). To my surprise, this turned out to be a VERY enjoyable experience! Now, whenever I plan a trip to a new country with an interesting cuisine, I make it a point to include a cooking class as part of the trip!
Montenegro is one of those places where it makes a lot of sense to take a cooking class. You’ll get a chance to learn how to prepare traditional Montenegrin dishes from a local expert.
12. Fishing at Lake Skadar
One of the very popular things to do at Lake Skadar is fishing. There are plenty of fish species to catch including carp, eel, perch, and bleak. Most people hire a boat to go fishing on the lake, but fishing from the shore is also possible in some areas.
Note that a valid fishing permit is required. The permit can be obtained from authorized vendors in nearby towns or online. Also important to know that fishing is prohibited during the spawning season, typically from March to June. Make sure you check current regulations before your trip and consult with guides and operators when booking a tour or renting equipment.
About Lake Skadar
Lake Skadar is a designated National Park and a UNESCO World Nature Heritage Site due to its rich biodiversity. It is located on the border between Montenegro and Albania with the larger part being on the Montenegrin side. Lake Skadar is the largest lake in Montenegro and the Balkan Peninsula with a surface area that ranges from around 350 sqm in the summer to 530 sqm in the winter due to increased rainfall.
The lake is a vital freshwater ecosystem, home to over 280 bird species, including cormorants, herons, grebes, and the endangered Dalmatian pelican. The surrounding wetlands and mountains boast a diverse range of mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and fish species. Over 30% of the fish in Lake Skadar are endemic, meaning they are not found anywhere else in the world.
The area around Lake Skadar has been inhabited for centuries, with evidence of settlements dating back to the Illyrians. Several historical sites and charming villages are scattered on the shores of the lake, showcasing the cultural heritage of the region.
How to Get To Lake Skadar
Lake Skadar is easily accessible from the capital, as well as both tourist hubs in Montenegro: Budva and Kotor. Although I recommend hiring a rental car in Montenegro, getting to Lake Skadar is also possible by public transport. If you do decide to rent a car, the route from any of the cities to Virpazar should be straightforward and you can rely on Google Maps to get you there. However, I’ll include some information to help you get there by public transportation.
From Podgorica
The most convenient option is the frequent bus route connecting Podgorica and Virpazar. Buses depart every 3 hours or so, and the journey takes around 30 to 40 minutes.
From Budva
There are no direct buses from Budva to Virpazar. However, you can take a bus from Budva to Podgorica, which runs frequently throughout the day. The journey takes approximately 1 hour 15 minutes. Then you can take the bus from Podgorica to Virpazar.
From Kotor
Similar to Budva, there are no direct buses connecting Kotor and Virpazar. You’ll need to take a bus to Podgorica first, which takes roughly 1 hour 45 minutes, and then change to a bus for Virpazar.
Where To Stay At Lake Skadar?
Here’s a list of Lake Skadar accommodations for an enjoyable and laid-back vacation.
Apartment Kraljica Jelena
A two-bedroom apartment with an excellent location and a mountain view as a bonus. It is only a 5 min walk from the train station and 10 min to the lake. The apartment is spacious and very well equipped with everything you need for an enjoyable stay.
Ethno Lodge AB
Offers air-conditioned units that are fully equipped for a comfortable stay. The units come with a balcony and views over a charming garden. It’s nicely located in a quiet area that is only a 10 minutes walk to the center of Virpazar. Continental breakfast is available for an extra small cost.
Honey Farm House
A contemporary upstairs apartment in a pleasant location only a short walk away from town. What makes it special is its garden with bee hives and home grown fruits! The apartment can accommodate up to 4 people very comfortably and comes with a fully equipped kitchen. Don’t miss out on the fabulous honey lemonade offered by the host!
