Skadar Lake is the largest natural reservoir of the Balkan Peninsula

Skadar Lake (also called Shkoder), one of the largest lakes in the Balkan Peninsula, is located on the territory of two European states. Two thirds of the lake belongs to Montenegro, the rest - Albania.

The length of the lake is 43 km in length and 26 km in width. The length of the coastline is about 170 km. With an average depth of 5-7 m, Skadar Lake is famous for its nearly thirty karst funnels (also called "eyes" or submarine keys), the depth of which can exceed 60 meters.

According to scientists, the reservoir was formed as a result of dissolution in the tectonic basin of limestone rocks and was once a gulf of the Adriatic Sea, from which it is now separated by an isthmus. Its age is about 65 million years.

Skadar Lake is filled with river waters (the largest of which are Moraca and Crnojevica) and waters coming from the depths of the earth's interior.

On the banks of the reservoir there are about sixty settlements. The biggest are Rijeka Crnojevic and Virpazar. Founded by the Tsar of Montenegro Ivan Crnojevichem (after which it received its name), Rijeka Crnojevic became the first capital of this Balkan state. About those times today remind only the ruins of a pearl plant, on which pearls made from fish scales, and the ancient restaurant "Konak Peryanik", famous for the fact that it once cooked the most delicious dishes served to the royal table. By the way, the restaurant is still flourishing, and its owner belongs to the royal dynasty Crnojevic.

Virpazar is famous for the fact that the Turkish fortress of Gremohur was once a border fortress near it. Today, the former fortress has become home to numerous bird populations.

Flora and fauna

Differing in rich diversity, the local plant world also includes 25 rare endangered species. On the shores of the lake grow reeds, reeds, chilim, kasaroniya. A special charm for the pond is attached to water lilies, egg-caps, as well as lilies, which here are of two colors - yellow and white. In the flooded delta, a very rare Skadar oak grows, and on the southern shores you can find relict chestnuts.

There are about fifty species of fish in the waters, some of which can be found only here. Lovers of fishing can purchase a special license for fishing.

Skadar Lake is a habitat for local, as well as a parking lot of a large number of migratory birds. In different periods of the year, you can count more than two hundred different species of birds, but the most famous are cormorants and curly pelicans. The latter, by the way, are a symbol of the local National Park.

Sights of Lake Skadar

Skadar Lake has a great cultural heritage. Local land is a witness of the existence of several civilizations (Illyrian, Greek, Roman). At different times, representatives of several dynasties ruled here (Vojeslavovichi, Nyemanichi, Balsichi, Petrovichi etc.), which is reminiscent of the many vows and mausoleums, some of which have survived to this day.

On many of the fifty large and small islands monasteries or monasteries were built. Very interesting and informative can be for tourists who came to the Skadar Lake, an excursion to the islands Starchevo, Moracnik and Beshka, on which are built here in the XIV-XV centuries. Churches with tombs. The oldest of them is located on the island Starchevo. On the island of Beshka is the famous tomb of Tsar Yury Balshich and his wife. In the northern part of the lake, on the island of Vranjina, there is an entire architectural complex, and on the slopes of Mount Audriska is the monastery Kom operating from the XV century.

Skadar Lake: how to get there?

For those who want to visit these places, you can use the services of comfortable sightseeing buses. The fare (together with the guide's services) depends on the starting point of the route and is usually from 35 to 60 €. Buses leave practically from all large cities of Montenegro. You can reach the lake and by car. Near the main road Podgorica-Petrovac. The cost of a car, taken for hire, for example, in Montenegro, will cost in the amount of 30 €. At the same time, it is necessary to take into account that the local roads are in the mountains and represent a continuous serpentine, which is difficult to cope with even the experienced driver. Therefore it is better to take a taxi, although it will cost a little more.