Nature
A short river, a big lake and about 280 kinds of birds. Here is what lives around the village, and when to come and see it.
Things to do · Nature
Birdwatching
About 280 bird species have been recorded at Skadar Lake. To start, all you need is patience and a pair of binoculars.
Verified 10/2026
Imagine trying to count pelicans on a lake this size. Somebody did. In 2025 the answer was about 250. In 2026 it was about 306, a record nesting season. Every one of those birds is a small success story for the lake.
Birds of Skadar Lake
About 280 bird species have been recorded at Skadar Lake, and there are five bird-watching stations. We have not yet confirmed where each station is, so ask the national park before you go.
The lake’s value for wildlife is recognised far beyond Montenegro. The national park has been a Ramsar wetland since 1995, and on 5 June 2026 it became part of the new Skadar Lake Watershed biosphere reserve, Montenegro’s first.
The river by the village is part of the same world. Reeds, cattail and beds of white and yellow water lilies line its banks. Read more on the nature page.
The Dalmatian pelican
One bird gets special attention here: the Dalmatian pelican. About 250 were counted in 2025 and about 306 in 2026. Floating nest platforms have been in use since 2014.
If you see pelicans, give them plenty of space. Keep your voice down and stay well back from nesting birds.
A guide from the national park
The national park lists a guide at €40 for 4 hours. If you are new to birdwatching, a guide can help you know where to look. Park entry is €5 a day for visitors aged 15 and over. These fees have not changed since 2023, but check before you go on the national park page.
Getting closer
You can watch from the riverbank, from a boat trip or from a kayak. Boat operators are listed neutrally in our boat operators directory. If you go by boat, ask whether the engine can be switched off for a while.
Flying a drone in the national park needs official approval. Please don’t use one to get closer to birds.
When to go and what to bring
April to June and September to October are the most pleasant months to visit. July and August are hot and busy, so go early in the day.
- Binoculars.
- Clothes in quiet colours.
- A hat, sunscreen and water in summer.
- Cash. We could not confirm an ATM in the village.
- Patience.
Sources
The facts on this page were checked against these sources.
- UNESCO – 14 new biosphere reserves designated on World Environment Day (5 June 2026)
- BARinfo – Dalmatian pelican count, July 2026
- National parks of Montenegro – fees
- Montenegro Travel
- CdM – NP Skadarsko jezero proglašen UNESCO rezervatom biosfere
Last verified: 4 October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us
Related
Boat trips
Over a hundred years ago, steamers left the village for Virpazar and Skadar. Today smaller boats carry visitors down the same river.
Kayak and SUP
No engine and no timetable. Just you, a paddle and a slow green river.
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.