The Natural Beauty of Montenegro

Lake Skadar National Park

Lake Skadar is a wonderful natural area just waiting to be explored. It is a large freshwater lake which is located on the borders of Albania and Montenegro. It is encompassed by dramatic karst mountains, rocky shores and wetlands that are home to lots of wildlife among which are over 260 species of birds. One can also visit traditional fishing villages, islet monasteries and pristine beaches.

Lake Skadar became a protected national park in 1983 and was added to the World’s List of Wetlands of International Importance in 1996. Nominated in 2011 for UNESCO heritage status. A great many Montenegrins look at this area as being their country’s heart and soul. This is the place where the former Montenegrin royal family spent their summers, where Turkish invaders looked to conquer and where you can find some of the very best wines and organic food.

This is truly a paradise for birds with lush swamp vegetation or rocky islets which are covered by shrubs and pomegranates. Among the bird species which you’ll find here are the rare southern dalmatian pelican and pygmy cormorant. There are also storks, herons, egrets and ibises usually among the reeds. On the rocky shores, you’ll see falcons and eagles looking for food. In the mountains, you’ll discover wild tortoises, colorful lizards and amphibians and snakes. In the wintertime, you can catch a glimpse of a wolf or wild boar.

All of the paths and pastures have medicinal herbs and wild orchids growing in the summer. On the surface of the lake, you’ll see water lilies. In the wintertime when the lake swells there are pike, perch, trout, and carp along with about 50,000 birds making their winter home here.

In the valleys, you’ll find wild sage, rosemary and mint. In almost every garden here there are mandarins, cherries, figs, plums, walnuts, pomegranates and peppers which can also be found on almost every hiking trail. You can discover great flavor in taking a taste of the locally produced goat cheese, domestic honey, home-distilled rakija and various different flavored home-cured prsut or smoked ham. Since the lake is home to more than 30 different species of fresh-water fish like trout, meaty saran and carp you can catch, cook and eat them the very same day.

Here you will also find the renowned wines of the Zeta plains and Crmnica Valley. International award winners include the red vranac and white krstac grapes. Close by is Plantaze vineyard which is among the largest in the world.

When you have had your fill of food and wine then there are lots of activities to partake in such as kayaking, biking, walking and hiking or just lazing the day away.

Durmitor National Park

This is an incredible national park which was once formed by glaciers, has lots of rivers and underground streams. Durmitor became a World Heritage site in 1980. The Tara river canyon has the deepest gorges in Europe. There are dense pine forests and clear lakes. The national park includes Mount Durmitor plateau and is influenced by both Mediterranean and alpine microclimates.

The Tara River is one of the last wild rivers found in Europe and it has pure, clear waters, a gorge that is 1,300m deep and a great variety of flora and fauna. The Durmitor is home to 16 glacial lakes and the canyons of the Tara, Susica and Draga rivers.

The largest lake is Black Lake. Among the vegetation zones are deciduous forest, coniferous forest and subalpine zones. Among the dominant species are Scots pine, Norway pine, silver fir, beech, birch, mugo pine and juniper.

Durmitor National Park also includes one of the last virgin black pine forests in Europe. Among the wildlife making their home here are brown bear, wolf, wild boar, wild cat, and chamois. There are also different kinds of eagles, capercaillie, black grouse and rock partridge.

In the summertime, lots of the park’s high pastures have grazing sheep and cattle which are owned by the 1,500 people who live in the park and by others from the nearby village of Zabljak. There are many trails that lead to the high plateau and if you need rest at night you can find a hut, a refuge, and a bivouac.

The village of Zabljak high in the mountains is located on the border of this national park and is Montenegro’s largest ski resort. Summertime activities include hiking, cycling, fishing, swimming, and boating. Those who are looking for chills and thrills can join rafters and kayakers on the 42-mile long run through the Tara canyon’s steep and deep gorge. The major event which brings out the crowds is the annual Mountain Flower Day festival in mid-July.