Old fishing village on Lake Skadar
Dodoši is an old fishing village of compact type on the northern shore of Lake Skadar, in Skadar Lake National Park and the Old Royal Capital Cetinje. The village lies on a protruding cape at the foot of Bobija, along the Karatuna River. It was founded as early as the 15th century, and acquired its present compact structure in the 19th century, when residents of surrounding villages displaced by the rising lake level settled here. Stone houses lean one against another, and a single main street leads from Studenac to the church. In summer Dodoši is surrounded by meadows and water lilies, and in winter water surrounds it on almost all sides. In season the village comes alive with swimmers and visitors who come for nature and lake fish.
Location
Northern shore of Lake Skadar
Origin
15th century
Population
53 (2003 census)
Distance from Podgorica
about 24 km
Cycling route
about 10 km
Highlights
Dodoši was founded as early as the 15th century, and acquired its present compact type in the 19th century, when residents of surrounding villages displaced by the lake level settled here. Andrija Jovićević, in his book “Riječka nahija u Crnoj Gori” (1911), describes the village as “completely compact in type,” with houses leaning one against another, which are “almost finer than anywhere in Riječka nahija.” The village has four parts — Prisoje, Bokula, Dejanova Glavica and Cukalj — and a single main street from Studenac to the church.
You enter the village over a bridge on the Karatuna River. In summer the bridge is a favourite spot for jumping into the water, and along the river you swim with locals on small beaches. Nearby there is also a floating raft restaurant with a terrace on the water. In summer the river is overgrown with water lilies, making this one of the most beautiful scenes in the village.
Dodoši looks completely different in summer and winter. When the water recedes, the village is surrounded by green meadows and fields of water lilies; in autumn it becomes a peninsula, and in winter water surrounds it on almost all sides and reaches the stone rampart of the settlement. This changing landscape makes Dodoši one of the most photogenic places on the northern shore of the lake.
From the narrow road that descends towards Dodoši, at the foot of Bobija, a view opens over the compact stone village and the lake plain around the Karatuna. Dodoši is cited in tourist guides as one of the most beautiful places for photography on Lake Skadar, especially in the morning and at dusk.
The Žabljak Crnojevića fortress is located about 2 km as the crow flies southeast of Dodoši. It is a medieval town that in the 15th century was the capital of the Crnojevići. A summer macadam road leads from Dodoši to Žabljak, which is also a cycling route of the NP, about 10 km long, almost without climbs.
What to do
Swimming with locals on small beaches and in the river, and jumps into the water from the bridge on the Karatuna.
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From Dodoši you can go by water towards the open lake, towards the mouth of the Rijeka Crnojevića, or north along the Karatuna, through fields of water lilies.
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NP Skadarsko jezero is a habitat for about 280 bird species; the symbol of the park is the Dalmatian pelican.
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NP route Dodoši – Žabljak Crnojevića, about 10 km, almost flat (about 10 m of ascent).
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Compact stone houses, the river and water lilies — Dodoši is among the most beautiful subjects on Lake Skadar.
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Plan Your Visit
Website
nparkovi.me
The village is open throughout the year; restaurants and boat excursions operate seasonally, mainly from May to October.
Dodoši is in Skadar Lake National Park — park entry tickets and permits apply for staying in the park and fishing; check current prices at nparkovi.me.
Parking space in the village is limited; in season, arrive early.
A narrow, steep and winding approach and stone streets make access difficult for people with reduced mobility.
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