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Skadar Lake National Park · Cetinje, Montenegro

Horseshoe Bend

Everything you need to know before you go: Getting there, parking, prices, best time.

Last checked: September 2026

Common questions, answered

Does it cost anything?No, €0Openly accessible, no ticket.
How do I get there?By carSide road from the Cetinje–Podgorica road to Rijeka Crnojevića.Where do I park?Roadside, ~5 carsNo hike needed.When is it best?Morning in springMeadows are still green then.

No freely licensed photo yet.See photos on Google Maps ↗

A roadside viewpoint over a sweeping meander of the Rijeka Crnojevića river near Skadar Lake, popular for its horseshoe-shaped bend. Free access.

Straight talk

What to know before you go.

  • Mind the road You stand right at the edge of a narrow lane with few places to pull in – watch for traffic, especially with children.

Getting there

How to get there.

By car

From Cetinje
~20 min
From Podgorica
~30 min
  1. 01Take the M-10 between Cetinje and Podgorica and turn off towards Rijeka Crnojevića near Meterizi (coming from Podgorica: left, after about 16 km).
  2. 02The narrow side road winds down towards the river. The viewpoint is about 3 km after the turnoff, some 4 km before the village of Rijeka Crnojevića.
  3. 03A short stop at the roadside is enough, no hike is needed.

The side road is narrow and winding, single-lane in places. Drive slowly.

Route to the car park

Other

  • Bus to the turnoff

    Cetinje – Podgorica buses use the main road. Ask the driver in advance to let you off at the Rijeka Crnojevića turnoff near Meterizi, then walk about 3 km along a narrow road without a pavement.

  • Taxi from Cetinje or Podgorica

    The simplest option. Agree the price and the return trip beforehand.

  • Day tour

    Tours from Podgorica, Budva and Kotor often combine the viewpoint with Rijeka Crnojevića and a boat trip.

Parking & arriving

A few roadside spaces
~5 spaces
At the roadside, right at the viewpoint. When they're all taken, wait instead of blocking the lane.

On site

Locally the spot is called Pavlova Strana. From the road edge you look down on the Rijeka Crnojevića looping around a green tongue of land, with Skadar Lake behind it.

Time there
~10–20 min
Walk from car park
a few steps from the roadside spaces
Toilets
none
Food & drink
none at the viewpoint; cafés and restaurants in Rijeka Crnojevića, ~4 km on

When is it worth it?

The best time through the year.

Morning light, when the valley below is still green.

Apr – Jun

Meadows are green, best views.

Jul – Aug

Meadows dry out and turn brown.

Sep – Oct

Drier, less green than in spring.

Nov – Mar

Cooler, the landscape looks different.

Forecast

    Facts

    Type
    Source: NTOCG · 09/2026
    Viewpoint
    Local name
    Source: NTOCG · 09/2026
    Pavlova Strana
    Entry
    Source: Guides · 09/2026
    Free
    Opening hours
    Source: Guides · 09/2026
    None, openly accessible
    Location
    Source: OSM · 09/2026
    Meterizi, Cetinje municipality, in Skadar Lake National Park
    Start route to the car park