Travel to Montenegro
Circular Tour Around Besac Fortress (NPSJ04)
Cycling route · Lake Skadar

Circular Tour Around Besac Fortress (NPSJ04)

Easy circular cycling route in Skadarsko Jezero National Park, with a viewpoint and springs; fortresses are also nearby.

Length
20.0 km
ascent
373 m
time
1½–2 h
Difficulty
Easy
Overview

The circular cycling route Biking Trail NPSJ04, 20.0 km long, runs on asphalt/concrete through Skadarsko Jezero National Park. The ascent is 373 m, descent 369 m, and the ride without stops takes about 1 h 35 min; difficulty: easy.

Biking Trail NPSJ04 is a circular cycling route 20.0 km long in Skadarsko Jezero National Park. It runs on asphalt/concrete (100%), with a total ascent of 373 m and descent of 369 m. The estimated ride without stops takes 1 h 35 min, and the route is of easy difficulty.

During the ride, several points of interest are passed: at 2.1 km is Camp Virpazar, at 2.5 km Camp Lad, at 3.1 km a viewpoint at 60 m a.s.l., and at 3.9 km the Besac summit at 101 m a.s.l. Springs are also recorded at 6.2 km, 13.9 km and 16.9 km.

Near the route, within a distance of up to 10 km, are Besac Fortress, Grmožur Fortress, Lesendro Fortress and Haj-Nehaj Fortress. The lowest point of the route is 9 m a.s.l., and the highest is 374 m a.s.l. The route is suitable for recreational cyclists and families.

Easy

What this difficulty means

Mostly flat or gentle riding on good surfaces. Fine for occasional riders and families.

Route map

Map and elevation profile

Move along the profile to follow the route on the map; switch on 3D for the terrain.

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Elevation profile

↑ 373 m · ↓ 369 m · highest point 374 m

Along the way

  1. 2.1 kmCamp VirpazarCampsite · 19 m
  2. 2.5 kmKamp LadCampsite · 11 m
  3. 3.9 kmBesacPeak · 101 m
On the trail

What you will see

Viewpoint

Located at 3.1 km from the start of the route, at 60 m a.s.l.

Besac Summit

Point of interest at 3.9 km from the start, at 101 m a.s.l.

Camp Lad

Campsite along the route at 2.5 km, at 11 m a.s.l.

Camp Virpazar

Campsite along the route at 2.1 km, at 19 m a.s.l.

Springs

Springs are recorded at 6.2 km (121 m a.s.l.), 13.9 km (248 m a.s.l.) and 16.9 km (132 m a.s.l.).

Before you go

Plan the day

The road is paved, so the route is suitable for various types of bicycles; check your tyre pressure before riding.

Bring enough water and food, especially during the warmer part of the day.

A helmet is recommended for the entire length of the route.

Set off earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the strongest heat.

Carry a basic bicycle repair kit and a spare inner tube with you.

Safety

Check the weather conditions before riding. In the warmer part of the year, bring enough water and sun protection. For emergencies, call 112.

Emergency number in Montenegro: 112.

Good to know

  • Best season

    The route is most pleasant in spring and autumn, when temperatures are moderate. In summer, an early morning or late afternoon departure is recommended.

  • Getting there

    The route is located in Skadarsko Jezero National Park. The nearest landmark to the start of the route is Besac Fortress, approximately 2.7 km away.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

The route is 20.0 km long and is circular in shape — it starts and ends at the same point.

The estimated ride duration without stops is 1 h 35 min.

The trail is easy difficulty. The total ascent is 373 m, descent 369 m, and the surface is 100% asphalt/concrete.

In Skadar Lake National Park. The closest place to the start of the trail is Besac Fortress, approximately 2.7 km away.

Nearby

More trails nearby

All trails

Map and data sources

Times and grades are estimates. Conditions change: check the weather and local information before you set out.

  • Route data © OpenStreetMap contributors, available under the Open Database License (ODbL). View on OpenStreetMap · Download all routes (GeoJSON, ODbL)
  • Elevation produced using Copernicus WorldDEM-30 © DLR e.V. 2010-2014 and © Airbus Defence and Space GmbH 2014-2018 provided under COPERNICUS by the European Union and ESA; all rights reserved.
  • Map: OpenFreeMap © OpenMapTiles, data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Terrain: Copernicus DEM GLO-30/GLO-90 — produced using Copernicus WorldDEM-30 and WorldDEM-90 © DLR e.V. 2010-2014 and © Airbus Defence and Space GmbH 2014-2018 provided under COPERNICUS by the European Union and ESA; all rights reserved.

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