Grmožur — the ‘Alcatraz of Montenegro’ on Skadar Lake
The island, the ruined fortress-prison, the legend, and what a visit actually looks like.
Grmožur is a small rocky island near Virpazar with a ruined 19th-century Ottoman-Montenegrin fortress on top of it. King Nikola later used it as a prison. Local guides call it the ‘Alcatraz of Montenegro’, which is a stretch but the sales line works.
History in short
Built by the Ottomans in the 1840s to control the lake, taken by Montenegrin forces in 1878, converted into a prison by King Nikola. Guards famously had to be recruited from strong swimmers because escape attempts involved the lake, not walls.
Visiting today
The fortress is a ruin. You can land on the island, walk up to the walls, and go inside the courtyard. It takes twenty minutes. Combined with a boat tour it makes a good half-hour stop.
How to include it in a tour
Most half-day tours from Virpazar cruise past Grmožur but don’t land. Ask specifically if you want to stop — private tours will always accommodate it.
Frequently asked
Can you stay on Grmožur?+
No — it’s a ruin with no facilities.
How high is the fortress?+
The island rises about 20 metres out of the water; walls another 6–8 metres.
Is it dangerous?+
The ruins are safe if you walk carefully. Wear closed shoes.