Skadar Lake National Park

This national park covers the Montenegrin part of the largest lake on the entire Balkan Peninsula, and its specificity is that it territorially extends through as many as three Montenegrin municipalities: Bar, Podgorica and Cetinje. Due to its enormous ecological and natural importance, this common area of the three municipalities received the status of a national park in 1983, while in 1995 it was included in the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance. The surface of the lake is extremely dynamic and constantly varies depending on the water level – from 370 to 540 square kilometers. This has created a beautiful and delicate aquatic ecosystem in which clean, open blue water, endless fields of white and yellow water lilies, dense reeds and floodplain forests of willow and black alder alternate. In the world's ecological circles, Lake Skadar is best known as a true bird paradise and one of the largest ornithological reserves in Europe. It is a home, wintering or main migration stop for as many as 281 species of birds. Among them, the absolute star and recognizable symbol of this park is the curly pelican, a rare and majestic bird that successfully nests here. In addition to birds, the lake also hides an interesting natural phenomenon known as "eyes" – these are deep underground springs at the very bottom of the lake through which cold and clean water from the surrounding mountains flows under pressure. Thanks to the warm water and the abundance of food, more than 40 species of fish live in the lake, many of which are endemic. For the local population and their tradition in the area of all three mentioned municipalities, the most important for centuries are the Skadar carp and small tusk, whose hunting and traditional drying is the basis of the local way of life and gastronomy. In addition to its untouched nature, this border area also hides an incredibly rich history. On the coasts and islands, traces of ancient civilizations and turbulent past are intertwined. There are picturesque old fishing villages with stone architecture, such as Virpazar in the Crmnica area and the Crnojević River, as well as historical fortifications such as Žabljak Crnojevića, Lesendro and the famous island prison Grmožur. Of special spiritual and cultural value is the chain of medieval monasteries from the time of Balšić and Crnojević, located on lonely lake islands (hills) such as Starčevo, Beška and Moračnik. This mystical series of shrines is popularly known as the "Zeta Holy Mountain" and perfectly depicts the centuries-old blend of wild nature and human spirituality in this tripartite municipal area.