Active travel in Lake Skadar

What there is to see

The lake is dotted with small islands carrying churches and castle ruins, among them Beška, Moračnik, Starčevo and Grmožur. Beška, overlooked by the village of Murići, holds two 14th-century Orthodox churches, with the monastery itself dated to the 15th century. Grmožur is a former island prison known locally as the "Montenegrin Alcatraz". Above Virpazar stands Besac Fortress, built in 1487, used throughout Ottoman rule and later as a WWII prison; it is now restored and open 10:00–18:00 daily for €1 per person. For a wide view of the lake's meanders, Pavlova Strana viewpoint is reachable by car and on foot. Note that only about 10% of the lake is open to boats, the rest kept for nature protection. Two areas, Manastirska Tapija and Pančeva oka, are recognised as International Bird Areas. The northern marshy coastline covers roughly 20,000 hectares of prime wildlife habitat.

Walking and riding here

The shore roads and karst hills around Skadar suit both cycling and hiking, with vineyards on the slopes and long water views. A scenic ride paired with wine tasting is set out in Pedal and Pour: Exploring the Beauty of Lake Skadar. For higher ground, Mount Rumija rises between Bar and the lake and gives a route that climbs from the coast toward the water; see Hiking Mount Rumija: The Trail Above Bar and Lake Skadar. Pavlova Strana viewpoint can be reached on foot, and Besac Fortress sits a short walk above Virpazar. Distances around the lake are longer than the map suggests, since only about 10% is open to boats and much of the shoreline is protected marsh.

Getting there and moving around

Virpazar is the primary gateway, linked by road and rail. It sits about 35 km from Podgorica; by road the drive takes roughly 25 minutes. Podgorica Airport (TGD) is about 18 minutes away by car. Railways of Montenegro (ŽPCG) run trains from the airport to Vranjina hourly, taking about 17 minutes with tickets around €1–3; direct trains from Podgorica to Vranjina depart roughly every three hours and take about 25 minutes. From Virpazar it is about 49 minutes' drive to Budva (about 38 km) and 1h 12m to Kotor (about 60 km). There is no direct bus between Virpazar and Kotor; services run via Sutomore and take around 2h 40m with transfers. Rijeka Crnojevića is a second entry point, used when approaching the lake by river.

Fees, seasons and when to come

A day's access to the national park costs €5 per person (as of August 2025), and a fishing permit is required to fish. An annual pass costs €13.50 (end of 2025). Tickets are sold at Rijeka Crnojevića when entering by river, at the Visitors' Centre in Vranjina, and at the harbour in Virpazar. Park opening hours run 08:00–18:00 daily in the summer season and 08:00–16:00 Monday to Friday out of season. Besac Fortress opens 10:00–18:00 daily at €1 per person. Spring and early summer bring the fullest birdlife and higher water levels, while the seasonal drop can leave the surface closer to 370 km² later in the year. Confirm current fees and hours before travelling, as figures here are drawn from 2025 sources.

Miomir Magdevski · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Wildlife

The lake basin holds more than 20 endemic animal and plant species. About 281 bird species live, nest, winter and roost here; the most important breeding birds are the Dalmatian pelican (Pelecanus crispus) and the pygmy cormorant (Microcarbo pygmaeus). The waters hold 48 fish species, the most common being bleak, carp, crucian carp, European chub, eels, twait shad and mullet. There are 50 mammal species, with the Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) the only aquatic representative, alongside amphibians, reptiles and insects. The northern marshy coastline of roughly 20,000 hectares is the core habitat, and two areas, Manastirska Tapija and Pančeva oka, are recognised as International Bird Areas. Because only about 10% of the lake is open to boats, much of the wetland is left undisturbed for breeding and wintering birds.