Montenegro · Montenegrin Coast

Lake Šas

Directions

Šasko jezero · Liqeni i Shasit

Lake Šas lies in the Ulcinj field north-east of Ulcinj, near the village of Šas, among low hills and fields. Its flora and fauna resemble those of Lake Skadar, so it is also called Little Lake Skadar, and it is one of the most important bird habitats in Europe. Its size changes with the seasons: in summer the water falls so far that the lake is hardly visible from a distance, and in winter it often floods the surrounding field.

How it formed

Like Lake Skadar, Šas is a cryptodepression. The Međuriječka river and several springs feed it, and when the Bojana is high it spills into the lake too. Swamp surrounds it, and in summer the shallow water becomes very warm.

History

The lake takes its name from the ruins of the old city of Sas, or Svač, on the hill above it. Legend links the place to King Vladimir, imprisoned by the Bulgarian ruler, and to Kosara, the ruler’s daughter, who promised to build a church for every day of the year; the remains of several churches still stand.

Nature

The lake is rich in fish, and in the warmer months many bird species gather here, among them the Dalmatian pelican, the pygmy cormorant and the spoonbill, which makes it well known among birdwatchers. Winter is also good for birds.

Gallery

2 photos

Photo: Albinfo · CC BY-SA 4.0

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Visit

Getting there

Nearest settlement: Šas

Swimming

No reliable information

Tips

Šas lies a short drive from Ulcinj and Bar, which makes it a practical day trip. Spring mornings are recommended for birds. The ruins of Svač stand on a hill above the lake, about 20 km from Ulcinj near the village of Vladimir. Access to the lake is generally free, and the lakeside restaurants serve fresh fish and local specialities.

In summer people swim and take boats on the lake, and in winter it is a place for a picnic and a walk.