Fishing settlement on Lake Skadar
Karuč is a small fishing settlement in Lake Skadar National Park, set in a sheltered bay on the northwestern shore. It began as a temporary fishing settlement, and today it consists of stone houses around a small bay. Its main natural attraction is Karučko oko, an underwater spring several tens of metres deep with cold, clear water. Above the bay are the remains of the winter residence of Petar I Petrović Njegoš from 1808, and about 1 km from the shore lies the wreck of the steamboat Skenderbeg. Visitors come for swimming, kayaking, birdwatching, and an authentic fishing atmosphere.
Location
Northwestern shore of Lake Skadar
Distance from Podgorica
22 km
Distance from Cetinje
23 km
Cycling trail
9.5 km
Winter Residence of Petar I
1808
Skenderbeg Wreck
11 m deep
Highlights
Karučko oko is an underwater spring in the bay of Karuč, several tens of metres deep. The water is cold and clear even in summer, and the spring is a natural fish spawning ground. There are several underwater springs nearby, and the largest is Volač, which emerges from a cave. Thanks to its clear water and coolness, this is one of the most attractive places for swimming on the lake.
Above the bay are the remains of the winter residence of Petar I Petrović Njegoš, built in 1808 with the help of the Ceklin clan. The bishop stayed here in winter because of the mild climate. The tower was declared a cultural monument in 1957, and today it is in a roofless, ruinous state. In the late 19th century it housed the first primary school of Donji Ceklin.
The wreck of the steamboat Skenderbeg lies on the lake bottom about 1 km from Karučko oko, at a depth of about 11 m. The steamboat, 21.1 m long, was sunk on 12 February 1942. The site is attractive for divers, but only with an authorised operator and a permit from the National Park.
The bay of Karuč is a sheltered bay with stone houses that testify to the fishing tradition of Donji Ceklin. The settlement grew from a temporary fishing camp and developed thanks to the rich catch of bleak. Today it is a peaceful place for swimming, walking, and enjoying the view of water lilies and the lake.
In summer, the shallow bays around Karuč are covered with white and yellow water lilies, and reeds and underwater springs attract fish and birds. From a boat or kayak you can see pygmy cormorants, herons, and other waterfowl, and with a little luck the Dalmatian pelican, the symbol of Lake Skadar. It is best to set out early in the morning or in the evening, when the lake is calmest.
What to do
Swimming in the cold, clear water of Karučko oko and the bay during summer.
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Kayaking or boating among the white and yellow water lilies around Karuč.
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Diving to the wreck of the steamboat Skenderbeg at a depth of about 11 m, with an authorised operator.
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Watching pygmy cormorants, herons, and other waterfowl from the shore or from a boat; with luck, the Dalmatian pelican.
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Cycling along the 9.5 km national park trail Rijeka Crnojevića–Karuč.
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Plan Your Visit
Website
nparkovi.me
The settlement is open throughout the year; hospitality venues and boat excursions operate seasonally, from May to October.
Karuč is in Lake Skadar National Park — entrance tickets and national park permits are required for staying in the park, fishing and diving; check current prices at nparkovi.me or at the information centres in Vranjina and Virpazar.
A small parking area at the bottom of the cove; due to limited space, it is better to park further up and walk down for about 5 minutes.
The steep, winding approach makes access difficult for people with reduced mobility; there are no special accessibility facilities.
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