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5.2 Boat Tour on Skadar Lake

The young tour guide, who joined us on the boat trip, gave us some general information regarding the lake itself and its flora and fauna. The surface area of the Skadar Lake covers between 370 and 550 km2 depending on the time of the year. Two thirds of the lake are Montenegrian territority, while one third belongs to Albania. The lake is home to various kinds of animal and plant habitats under the protection of the Lake Skadar National Park. The lake is famous as the biggest reserve of wetland birds in Europe. Among the 280 species of birds, there can also be found endangered species such as the curly pelican, whose huge floating nests can be found with the help of a guide.
Forty-five species of fish live in the lake, among them are capital carp and eels. The otter, which is the only, mammal in the lake, is part of the lake's diverse fauna. in the vast wetland and flood areas there is a large number of amphibians and reptiles that have made them their home: many species of frogs, snakes and lizards. Various animal species, from salamanders to boars, foxes and wolves, have made their home in the mountainous coastal areas. Everyday, traditional fishermen's boats can be seen on the immense expanse of water.
Along the lakeside areas, in the hill region, numerous scarcely populated villages are situated. The region of Skadar Lake was for many centuries a melting pot of different nations and cultures. Archaeological findings testify the many migrations to this area since ancient times. The attention of visitors is attracted by medieval monasteries and churches, numerous towers, fortresses etc.
Authentic villages with fishermen's houses on the coast of the lake, old bridges, mills, wells show the former way of life of the local population. Centuries old settlements, which are invisible from the coastline's rocky ground, are an interesting experience for visitors. Customs, traditions, old crafts and folklore are all witnesses of the rich cultural heritage of the region of Lake Skadar.

Lake Skadar and its surroundings afford numerous possibilities for bird-watchers. For those, who enjoy fishing, the lake presents a great challenge for catching carp, eels and other kinds of fish.
The mountain coastline area affords many opportunities for discovering, exploring and experiencing this area throughout the year. For lovers of nature and hiking, there are numerous marked trails with information boards. Also mountainbikers and horse-riders find their paradise around Lake Skadar.

The Day of Lake Skadar was specially mentioned as one of the different events and festivals around the lake. It is organised in the third week of June. As it coincides with the beginning of the tourist season, during this event the tourist programme includes tours by boat to platforms and bird-watching places, visits to cultural and historical monuments, walking tours, angling, lessons in windsurfing and mountain-bike riding. During this event the hosts present their locally produced goods: honey, goat cheese, olives and wines.