Skadar Lake National Park

Skadar Lake National Park is the heart and soul of Montenegro's wild beauty. As the largest lake in Southern Europe, this vast freshwater expanse is a breathtaking world of its own, straddling the border with Albania. It’s a designated National Park and a crucial wetland of international importance, boasting an incredible diversity of flora and fauna. The park is most famous as one of Europe's most important bird reserves, home to over 280 species, including the rare Dalmatian pelican, which has become a symbol of the park. The landscape is a stunning mosaic of shimmering waters, vast floating meadows of water lilies, and dramatic karst mountains rising directly from the lake. Dotted throughout are ancient island monasteries, stone fishing villages like Virpazar and Rijeka Crnojevića, and hidden beaches. The best way to experience its magic is by boat, gliding through narrow channels, watching the birdlife, and perhaps taking a swim in the clear waters. For an unforgettable view from above, the Pavlova Strana viewpoint reveals the lake's most iconic scene—a spectacular horseshoe bend in the river. Whether you're kayaking, hiking, wine tasting, or simply soaking in the tranquility, Skadar Lake is an unmissable Montenegrin gem.