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.
Plan your visit
Skadar Lake 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.
Verified 10/2026
Picture an early morning on the river. A small boat slides between the reeds and the lily beds, leaving a white wake. All of this, the water, the plants, the birds and the village itself, lies inside Skadar Lake National Park.
The park was created in 1983. In 1995 it was listed as a Ramsar wetland. On 5 June 2026 UNESCO declared the Skadar Lake Watershed a biosphere reserve. It is much larger than the park, which lies inside it, and UNESCO says it is Montenegro’s first. Read more in our news post on the UNESCO listing.
The village is in Zone III
The park is divided into zones. Rijeka Crnojevića is in Zone III, the zone for settlements, where people live and work. A proposed Management Plan for 2026–2030 has been published. It includes no visitor facilities for the village (more on the plan).
Not everyone is happy with the park. A local initiative wants the villages of the Riječka nahija taken out of the park and the UNESCO programme. The ministry says the boundaries will stay as they are. We cover both sides in our news post on the dispute.
What the park protects
Skadar is the largest lake in the Balkans. About 280 bird species have been recorded here, among them the Dalmatian pelican. More than 40 species of fish live in its waters. White and yellow water lilies, reeds and cattail grow along the river. See our nature page.
Fees
These are the official park fees. According to the park, they have not changed since 2023. Prices can change, so re-check them every season.
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Entry, age 15 and over | €5 per day |
| Annual pass for all national parks | €13.50 |
| Kayak, single | €3 per hour |
| Kayak, double | €5 per hour |
| Kayak, full day | €20 |
| Guide | €40 for 4 hours |
| Fishing permit, 1 day | €5 |
| Fishing permit, 7 days | €20 |
| Fishing permit, 1 year | €100 |
Source: National parks of Montenegro. We could not confirm where tickets are sold or checked around the village, so ask the park.
Fishing
To fish, you need a park permit (see the fees above). Fishing is closed from 15 March to 15 May for every species except eel. More on our fishing page.
Kayak and SUP
You can explore the river by kayak or on a stand-up paddleboard (SUP). The park’s kayak fees are in the table above. Read more in kayak and SUP.
Drones
You need approval to fly a drone in the park. It must come from three bodies:
- the Civil Aviation Agency
- the Environmental Protection Agency
- the national park
Apply 20 days ahead by email to npcg@nparkovi.me. Fines run from €500 to €2,000.
Frequently asked questions
Is Rijeka Crnojevića inside the national park?
Yes. The village is in Zone III of Skadar Lake National Park, the zone for settlements.
How much is the park entry fee?
€5 per day for visitors aged 15 and over, according to the park. The fees have not changed since 2023, but check before you go.
Can I fly a drone?
Only with approval from the Civil Aviation Agency, the Environmental Protection Agency and the park. Apply 20 days ahead by email to npcg@nparkovi.me. Fines run from €500 to €2,000.
Do I need a permit to fish?
Yes. A park fishing permit costs €5 per day, €20 for 7 days or €100 per year; check before you go. Fishing is closed from 15 March to 15 May for every species except eel.
Is there one ticket for all national parks?
Yes. An annual pass for all national parks costs €13.50. Check the current price before you go.
Is the park a UNESCO site?
Yes. On 5 June 2026 UNESCO declared the Skadar Lake Watershed, which includes the national park and the village, a biosphere reserve. UNESCO says it is Montenegro's first.
Sources
The facts on this page were checked against these sources.
- UNESCO – 14 new biosphere reserves designated on World Environment Day (5 June 2026)
- National parks of Montenegro – Fees
- CdM – Skadar Lake National Park declared a UNESCO biosphere reserve
- BARinfo – Skadar Lake National Park, a new UNESCO biosphere reserve
- Montenegro Travel
- National parks of Montenegro – Proposed Management Plan 2026–2030 (PDF)
Last verified: 4 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.