Rijeka Crnojevica

Rijeka Crnojevića stands where a river arm winds down to Lake Skadar in a series of tight meanders, and the view of those loops from the old road above, the Pavlova Strana viewpoint, is one of the most photographed images in the country. The village itself has an arched stone bridge of 1854 built by Prince Danilo, old stone houses along the water and a few restaurants, and boats leave from here into the lake.

History

Ivan Crnojević moved his seat to Obod, which he had fortified in 1475, and the town, soon renamed Rijeka Crnojevića, became the capital of Montenegro. The Crnojević printing house here printed the first books in south-eastern Europe, and at the turn of the 20th century the town was a major river port (Wikipedia, Rijeka Crnojevića).

What's there

• The Pavlova Strana viewpoint - the loops of the river seen from the road above.
• The Danilo bridge - the 1854 arched stone crossing in the village.
• The waterfront - the old stone houses along the river.
• The boat trips - departures into Lake Skadar from the village.

When to go

April to June and September to October are the most comfortable. Mornings and late afternoons give the best light at the viewpoint. Water levels vary greatly through the year.

What to expect

The viewpoint parking is a narrow strip on a bend and is crowded in season. The village is small and quickly seen. Boat trips are negotiated and prices vary.

Nearby

Lake Skadar is south, and Cetinje is west.

Key facts