National park
The village sits inside a protected landscape: a national park, a Ramsar wetland and, since 2026, a UNESCO biosphere reserve. Here is what that means for your visit.
Plan your visit
Getting there
The village is a short drive from Cetinje and Podgorica, but there is no direct bus. Here is how to get here and where to leave the car.
Verified 10/2026
More than a hundred years ago, you could arrive here by steamer. In 1899 the boats Mala Morača and Karatuna ran from the village to Virpazar, Skadar and Plavnica. Regular lake shipping ended in 1981, when the shipping company Galeb closed. A year later, the main road to Cetinje stopped running through the village. Today you will most likely come by car or taxi.
Distances and travel times
| From | Distance | By car | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cetinje | 16–17 km | about 25 min | Taxi about €20–25 |
| Podgorica | about 30 km | about 40 min | Turn off about 16 km along the Podgorica–Cetinje road |
| Virpazar | about 25 km | about 35 min | Single-lane road along the lake |
| Kotor | about 55 km | about 1 h | Via Cetinje |
| Budva | not known yet | not known yet | We have no reliable figure yet |
The nearest airport is Podgorica (TGD). All figures are approximate.
By bus and taxi
There is no direct bus to Rijeka Crnojevića. Take a bus to Cetinje or Podgorica, then a taxi for the last part of the trip. From Cetinje a taxi costs about €20–25. This is a rough fare, not a fixed price, so agree on it with the driver before you set off.
By car
From Podgorica, take the road towards Cetinje. The turn-off for the village is about 16 km along it. From Cetinje the drive takes about 25 minutes. From Kotor, drive via Cetinje and allow about an hour.
From Virpazar, a single-lane road follows the lake. It is about 25 km long and takes around 35 minutes. Drive slowly and be ready to pull over for oncoming cars.
Parking
Parking is free at the village entrance. In July and August, arrive before 11:00 to find a space. From there, explore the village on foot.
Planning to stop at the Pavlova Strana viewpoint? It is about 3 km by road above the village. There is free, informal parking there for only 5–6 cars, and on summer weekends it is often full by about 9:00.
Road works
Road works are planned on the road from Rijeka Crnojevića to Donji Ulići, which is about 8 km long. The €9.4 million project went to tender in July 2025. On 15 September 2026 the mayor said work would start “soon”. Once it begins, expect delays on this road. We follow the story in our news post about the road.
July and August are the busiest months, so see when to visit before you choose your dates. The map shows the main sights.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a direct bus to Rijeka Crnojevića?
No. Take a bus to Cetinje or Podgorica, then a taxi. We could not confirm the current bus timetable, so check it before you travel.
How much is a taxi from Cetinje?
About €20–25 for the 16–17 km trip. It is an approximate fare, so agree on the price with the driver before you set off.
Where can I park?
There is free parking at the village entrance. In July and August, arrive before 11:00 to find a space.
What is the nearest airport?
Podgorica (TGD). The city of Podgorica is about 30 km from the village, around 40 minutes by car.
Is the road from Virpazar difficult?
It is about 25 km and takes around 35 minutes. It is a single-lane road along the lake, so drive slowly and be ready to pull over.
Are there road works on the way?
Work on the road from Rijeka Crnojevića to Donji Ulići went to tender in July 2025. On 15 September 2026 the mayor said it would start soon, so expect delays once it begins.
Sources
The facts on this page were checked against these sources.
- RTCG – Rijeka Crnojevića–Donji Ulići road
- Montenegro Spirit – Pavlova Strana viewpoint
- Rastko – Geography of Montenegro, 1899
- National parks of Montenegro – Skadar Lake culture
- Wikipedia – Rijeka Crnojevića
Last verified: 3 October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us
More for planning
When to visit
We suggest spring and autumn. Summer is busy and hot, and in winter the water can rise fast.
Practical info
Rijeka Crnojevića is a small village with few services. Bring cash, save the emergency numbers and plan a little ahead.
M
Map
The main sights of the village and the valley on one map.