Guide view
Guide view
Places mentioned in the guide
Durmitor National Park, nestled in the heart of Montenegro, is a breathtaking sanctuary for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the park is a playground of rugged mountains, deep canyons, and glacial lakes.
The Tara Canyon is the deepest canyon in Europe and the second deepest in the world, after the Grand Canyon, plunging to depths of up to 1,300m. The finest views are seen from the water, and rafting down the river ranks among the nation's top attractions. The river’s rapids range from tame to terrifying, making it suitable for both novices and experienced rafters. For one of the best views over the canyon, head to Ćurevac (1,626m), a 2h hike away from Žabljak.
Spanning the Tara River at one of its most breathtaking points is the Tara Bridge, an architectural marvel that connects the villages of Budečevica and Trešnjica. Completed in 1940, the bridge is 172m high and stretches 365m across the canyon. Visitors can walk across the bridge to take in panoramic views of the canyon below or opt for a thrilling zipline ride that runs parallel to the bridge, offering an adrenaline-pumping perspective of the canyon.
The park is home to 18 glacial lakes known as “mountain eyes,” with Black Lake (Crno Jezero) being the most accessible and picturesque. This lake (actually made of 2 connected bodies of water which are separated by a narrow strait) is surrounded by dense pine forests and towering peaks, creating a picture-perfect setting. You can rent a boat on the lake for €10 / hour. One hour walk away, Zminje Lake is a tranquil spot nestled in a dense forest, perfect for a peaceful picnic. Škrčko Lake, surrounded by the highest peaks of the Durmitor, will require a 3h-hike but the views make up for the effort. Finally, the Sušičko Lake, accessible by car, will provide breathtaking views of the Sušica Canyon and the surrounding old pine forests.
Durmitor is a hiker's paradise, with trails catering to all levels of expertise. Among the most popular hikes is the ascent to Bobotov Kuk, the park’s highest peak at 2,523m. This challenging trek (6-7h return) rewards hikers with panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. For those seeking a less strenuous yet equally rewarding hike, the trail to Ice Cave (Ledena Pećina) is a favorite. This hike takes you through lush meadows and rugged terrain to a cave filled with year-round ice formations. Another popular and easy route is the 3.5km circuit around Black Lake, offering a more leisurely pace and stunning reflections of the surrounding forests and mountains in the clear waters.
From late April through early October, the Tara River attracts rafting enthusiasts from around the world to its stunning, fast-moving waters. For those seeking speed, April and May are ideal due to the increased flow from melting snow.
The entire 82km raftable section starts at Splavište, south of the Tara Bridge, and ends at Šćepan Polje near the Bosnian border. Half-day excursions typically cover a 15km stretch from Splavište, near the village of Šljivansko, to Lever Tara, just past the Tara Bridge while full-day trips include an additional 25km section up to Radovan Luka (also an overnight stop for those keen on completing the last section until Šćepan Polje the next day).
The park transforms into a winter wonderland during the ski season, with Žabljak serving as the main ski resort. The slopes around Savin Kuk, Štuoc and Javorovača offer a range of slopes suitable for beginners to advanced skiers. Savin Kuk, the longest of the three (3.5km) and a favourite amongst experienced skiers, features 2 chairlifts and 3 drag lifts while Štuoc (2.6km) and Javorovača (800m) are ideal for beginners.
Located just south of the national park near Šavnik, the 2.7km-long Nevidio Canyon offers one of the best canyoning experience in the country. This narrow, water-filled gorge requires participants to swim, climb, and rappel through its challenging terrain. The experience is both physically demanding and incredibly rewarding, with stunning waterfalls and hidden pools along the way. The safest time to explore Nevidio Canyon is during July and August, and it is highly recommended to do so with professional guides.
