Lake Skadar is the largest lake in the Balkans and even in Europe. It is divided between two countries: a small part of the water is an Albanian territory (here the lake is called Shkoder) and the larger one is a Montenegrin part, it has become a nature reserve.
The size of the lake is impressive. As far as water levels vary during different seasons, it ranges from 390 to 530 square kilometres. Even a whole holiday would hardly be enough for fully exploring the park, named after the lake. There are more than 40 hectares in it.
Researchers reckon the lake was formed about 65 million years ago. It is saturated by several rivers, two of which, the most powerful, are the Moraca and Crnojevica. The active rivers allow the lake to be refreshed at least twice a year. The water is always fresh. From there, it flows towards the Adriatic, first into the Albanian Boyana, which brings water directly to the sea.
A dam has been built to the north-west of the lake and there are a road and a railway bridges over it now. The trains, which connect the Montenegrin capital with Bar in Serbia, pass through there. There are two roads running along the Hotis gulf, connecting Montenegro with Albania.
The national park is known as one of the largest reserves for birds that prefer to settle in the marshes. At least 2.500 bird species can be found on the lake. For instance, cormorants come here in winter and it is interesting to watch herons, ducks, gulls, black ibis and Dalmatian pelicans in summer.
The waters of the lake are also home to an incredible diversity of fish of about 45 species.
From late May to mid-July the lake becomes a fest of water lilies with white water lilies, yellow mussels and water chestnut (chilim) in full bloom. It's a breathtakingly beautiful sight, which is definitely worth visiting the place.