Skadar Lake
Rijeka Crnojevića: The Meander, the Village and the Viewpoint
The most photographed bend of water in Montenegro, a nineteenth-century bridge, and eleven residents.
Updated 2026-07-28 · 6 min read · By Marko Vujović
The viewpoint everyone comes for
Pavlova Strana sits on the Cetinje road about six kilometres above the village, and the view — the river folding back on itself between green hills before opening into the lake — is the image that sells Montenegro's interior. There is a small parking area and a café. Morning light is better; by late afternoon you are shooting into the sun.
The village itself
Rijeka Crnojevića has a permanent population in the low dozens and was once the trading port of the Crnojević state. What survives is a beautiful arched stone bridge from 1854, a row of waterside houses, two or three restaurants and complete quiet. Half an hour covers it; an hour with lunch is better spent.
Boats from here
Small boats run down the meander towards the open lake, typically one to two hours. They are lovely and they are limited: you cannot reach the islands, Grmožur or the southern beaches from here in a short trip. For open-water routes, Virpazar is the departure point — compare the two in our Virpazar vs Rijeka Crnojevića guide.
Combining it with the rest of the day
The natural pairing is Cetinje (20 minutes) plus Rijeka Crnojevića in the morning, then Virpazar (35 minutes) for an afternoon or evening boat. That gives you the viewpoint in good light and the open lake when it matters.
Frequently asked questions
Is Rijeka Crnojevica worth visiting?
Yes, particularly for the Pavlova Strana viewpoint above the village and the 1854 stone bridge. Allow an hour, or two with lunch.
Can you take a boat tour from Rijeka Crnojevica?
Yes, short trips down the river meander. They cannot reach the islands or the southern beaches — those need a departure from Virpazar.
How do I get to the Pavlova Strana viewpoint?
It is on the road towards Cetinje, roughly six kilometres above the village, with a small parking area and a café.
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