- Area: 370 square meters. km
- Height above sea level: 6 m
- Length: 48 km
- Width: 14 km
In Montenegro there is a unique national park called Skadarskoe Lake (Skadarsko jezero). It is one of the largest reservoirs of fresh water in the south of the Balkan Peninsula.
Description of the pond
Its length is 43 km, width - 25 km, average depth - 7 m, and the surface area is 370 sq. Km. km. Depending on the season, the dimensions may vary. One third of the reservoir is in the territory of Albania and is called Lake Shkoder.
Its basin is fed by underground springs and six rivers, the largest of which is Moraca, and through Buna it is connected to the Adriatic Sea. The water here is flowing and for the year it is completely renewed twice, in the summer it is heated to a temperature of 27 ° C. The coastline of the reservoir is indented, in Montenegro its length is 110 km, while for development of tourism only 5 km are allocated.
There is a large number of wetlands that are covered with vegetation. The pond itself is surrounded by picturesque mountains, and the water overflows into the sun. Especially popular among tourists is the glade of lilies. If you want to get stunning photos from Skadar Lake in Montenegro, then come here before 4 pm until the flowers are closed.
Inhabitants of the reserve
About 45 species of fish live in the National Park. Most often here you can find carp-shaped, and sometimes come across sea bass and eels.
Even the vicinity of the reservoir is considered the largest bird reserve in Europe. There are about 270 species of birds, some of them quite rare and found only in these parts, for example, black ibis, curly and Dalmatian pelicans, gray herons, brown owls, etc.
What else is the park famous for?
In the middle of the pond there are about 50 small islands, where there are:
- ruins of ancient settlements;
- Church of St. George , built in the XV century;
- secluded ancient monasteries, where you can get acquainted with the history of religion and local artifacts;
- the Turkish fortress of Grmajor ;
- The village of Rijeka Crnojevic, which in the old days was the summer residence of King Nikola;
- pearl plant - these minerals were not mined here, but made from fish scales;
- restaurant "Konak Peryanik" - it was prepared for the royal court, now the institution is run by the descendants of the monarch;
- local museum - there are stored models of animals and birds, models of old fishermen's huts.
Also in the Skadar Lake National Park is worth visiting the beach of Murici - this is an excellent place for swimming. Here crystal clear and transparent water, the beach is gently sloping and strewn with small pebbles. Nearby there is a guest center, in which there are 3 exhibitions devoted to the cultivation of olives, economic activities and folk crafts. Near the pier, right in the rock, there is a wine shop. Here you can buy excellent champagne, as well as local wine.
If you want to go fishing for Lake Skadar, you will need a special permit. It can be obtained in the management of the reserve or simply paid to the employee. The license price is 5 euros per day.
Lake Skadar - how to get there?
Visit Skadar Lake in Montenegro you can yourself. The most convenient way to do this is from the town of Virpazar , renting a boat at the pier. The ship costs about 20 euros per hour, a small bargain will be appropriate.
Local entrepreneurs organize tours to the reservoir practically from any city in the country. The price includes a transfer, visiting the islands, swimming and lunch (fried fish, goat cheese, vegetables, honey, raki and bread). The cost of the tour is 35-60 euros per person.
You can reach the reserve by boat from the nearest settlements. There is also a bus service from Ulcinj to Shkoder, the distance is about 40 km.