Vitoja Spring

Vitoja Spring is a large karst spring system located in Montenegro, on the northeastern shore of Lake Skadar, near the settlement of Hasanoj and close to the Božaj border crossing with Albania.^[1]

The spring is part of the hydrological system feeding Lake Skadar, which is geologically young, having formed approximately 1,200 years ago. The lake receives significant inflow from over 200 temporary and permanent karst springs, many of which are sublacustrine (under the lake surface).^[1]

The Vitoja system consists of one main spring that feeds into two conjoined small spring lakes, along with several sublacustrine spring zones. An additional five side springs are located within 150 meters west of the main spring. During periods of high water, the entire spring system becomes submerged under the lake level. The springs emerge at the geological boundary between massive limestone and the alluvial deposits of Lake Skadar.^[1]

Vitoja Spring is notable for its diverse freshwater mollusc fauna, including several species that are endemic to the Lake Skadar basin. Researches have documented the following species of gastropods from the area :^[1]

• Theodoxus fluviatilis
• Vinodolia scutarica
• Vinodolia matjasici
• Bosnidilhia vreloana
• Islamia montenegrina
• Bracenica vitojaensis
• Plagigeyeria zetaprotogona
• Lanzaia pesici
• Pyrgula annulata
• Armiger crista
• Gyraulus parvus

Notably the species Islamia montenegrina, Bracenica vitojaensis, and Lanzaia pesici were described as new to science based largely on specimens from this spring.^[1]

Located roughly 5 km from the city of Tuzi, Vitoja is promoted as a local recreational destination. It is known for its pure, cold, and clear water. The area features facilities for picnics and barbecues, a summer stage used for traditional festivals and cultural events, and opportunities for hiking and relaxation in a natural setting.^[2]