Plan your trip
Virpazar, Montenegro: the Gateway Village to Lake Skadar
Virpazar is the small village at the south-western corner of Lake Skadar where most visitors first meet the lake: the railway stops here, the road from Podgorica to Bar passes close by, and the waterfront is lined with boats and tour desks.
- Location
- South-west Lake Skadar
- Getting there
- Road and rail from Podgorica/Bar
- Known for
- Boat tours, Lesendro fortress, wine
- Train from Podgorica
- ~30 min, ~€2
- Our departure
- Rijeka Crnojevića
- Best months
- April to October
What Virpazar is
A village of a few hundred people built around bridges over the Orahovštica river where it enters the lake. It has the best transport links of anywhere on the lake, a cluster of restaurants and a busy summer waterfront. The Crmnica wine region begins just behind it, which is why so many wine tastings are sold here.
Getting there
Trains on the Bar–Belgrade line stop at Virpazar: about 30 minutes from Podgorica for around €2, or a similar run up from Bar. Buses from Podgorica take 30 to 40 minutes for €4 to €5. By car it is roughly 35 minutes from Podgorica and 50 from Budva or Kotor.
What to see
Besac fortress sits on the hill above the village, a short walk for a wide view over the wetlands. Out on the water, Lesendro fortress stands beside the causeway, and Grmožur — the lake's former island prison — lies to the east. The village market and the wine cellars of Crmnica fill an easy afternoon.
Virpazar or Rijeka Crnojevića for a boat tour
Boats from Virpazar go straight onto open water. Boats from Rijeka Crnojevića travel around 15 kilometres of river canyon first — stone bridges, reed channels, lily fields — which is where the birdlife and the most photographed scenery are. All of our private tours depart from Restaurant Savina Luka in Rijeka Crnojevića, with free private parking.
Plan your day on the water
Private boat tours from Restaurant Savina Luka in Rijeka Crnojevića — your group only, free private parking, swim stop included in season.
Frequently asked questions
Do boat tours leave from Virpazar?
Yes, several operators work from the Virpazar waterfront, on open water. Our tours leave from Rijeka Crnojevića through the river canyon.
What is Lesendro fortress?
A 19th-century fortress on a former island beside the Virpazar causeway, visible from the road and from the water.
Is Virpazar worth a stop?
Yes, especially without a car: trains and buses stop here, and Besac fortress and the Crmnica wine cellars are close by.