An area about 30 km long and half as wide is home to over 120 peaks of the most diverse shapes. More than fifty percent of them have an elevation higher than 2000 m.
Below this mountain range lies a large plateau, with beautiful natural lakes and coniferous forest, and further down are the unreal canyons of the rivers Tara, Sušica, Komarnica and Piva.
Mount Durmitor holds a multitude of natural attractions including forests, flora and fauna, lakes, canyons, caves, glaciers and mountain peaks, whose beauty, uniqueness and cultural significance draws the attention and interest of a growing number of tourists.
Each natural attraction is unique and provides an opportunity for unforgettable experiences. Our suggestion is to visit:
Durmitor Massif
Around this massif, in an area less than six kilometers in diameter, there are as many as 48 peaks above 2000 m, of which 40 are over 2100 m, 27 over 2200 m, 18 over 2300 m, 7 over 2400 m, and only one over 2500 m (Bobotov Kuk). It is characterized by sharp peaks, some resembling alpine needles (Minin Bogaz, Zupci), while others have massive domes or twig-like speckled slopes (Prutaš, Šareni Pasovi).
There are also peaks that are vertically cut (Savin Kuk, Šljeme), with a unique appearance and hue (Međed), brightly colored (Crvena Greda) or saddled (Sedlena Greda), twisted (Uvita Greda), round (Obla Glava), solitary (Stožina), and all of them are a mountaineer's paradise.
The River Ljutica
The River Ljutica – a left-bank tributary of the River Tara – is the shortest river in Europe, being only 130 m long.
Tara Canyon
The 60-km-long Tara Canyon is Europe's deepest canyon and the second deepest in the world, right after the Grand Canyon. The average depth is 1073 m, though it reaches 1333 m at its deepest point.
It is a reserve for many endemic plant and animal species, which is why it was included in UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere programme in 1977 as an exceptional geomorphological and ecological whole. A few years later, in 1980, together with the Durmitor National Park, it was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
A special tourist attraction is rafting on the River Tara. The Tara Canyon is remarkably dynamic, green, and lush, rich in coniferous and deciduous flora. The water in the canyon and along the river’s entire course is of the highest class and perfectly fit for drinking, hence the river’s nickname: the Tear of Europe.
There are about eighty known caves in the canyon. Although still insufficiently explored, traces of prehistoric life have been found in some of them.
Black Floor
Black pine (Pinus nigra) nature reserve covering an area of 40 ha in the Tara Canyon; 150 medicinal plant species, 40 edible mushroom species. Some pine trees are as tall as 50 m and as old as 400 years.
Glacial Lakes
There are 18 glacial lakes at altitudes higher than 1500 m. The most attractive of them are: Crno, Barno, Jablan, Zminje, Škrčko, Sušičko, Riblje, and Vražje.
The Durmitor National Park is thus a place of wonder, its lakes the embodiment of true beauty. So pack your bags, put on your hiking shoes, and head for this enchanted place where you will discover all the magic it hides.
Djurdjevica Tara Bridge
One of the 20 most beautiful bridges in the world as picked by the Bright Side website.
The bridge is 365 m long, which is why it’s called the Year Bridge. The span of the first of the five arches is an incredible 116 m.
Black Lake
A favorite outdoor spot for families. Located only 3 km from the town center, it is equally popular among tourists and locals. The lake freezes over in winter, while in summer, the water warms to a swimmer-friendly 20 degrees.
One of the phenomena of this lake is Čeline, a seasonal waterfall at the foot of the Međed peak that rises above Black Lake.
Jablan Lake
Situated at 1791 m above sea level at the foot of Crvena Greda. The lake can be reached by different roads, but it is recommended to drive up to the restaurant “Momčilov Grad” and continue on foot to the lake.The trail is easy, passes through the forest, and is ideal for families with children.
Below this lake, just by the Mlinski Potok spring, is Zminje Lake that is interesting as the habitat of a relict newt species, which gives it special importance in the scientific world.
Near Zminje Lake, to the west of the village Bosača, lies Barno Lake. The lake is small in area, only 1 m deep, overgrown with dense marsh vegetation. According to popular belief, the water of this lake possesses healing properties, especially for skin diseases.
Blue Lake
Located at the foot of the Sedlena Greda mountain peak at 1609 m above sea level. It owes its name (which translates to “Deep Blue Lake”) to the intense color of its water.
Valovito Lake and Srablje Lake are located in the immediate vicinity. With about 3 hours needed to see them all, the trail is suitable for children and doesn’t require a lot of stamina.
Fish Lake and Devil's Lake
These lakes are located 12 km south of Žabljak on the old road to Nikšić and are easily accessible by car.
Within a few hundred meters from the lake are two cultural and historical sites: medieval tombstone (stećak) graveyards inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2016.
Škrka Valley
Škrka Valley can certainly claim the title of the most beautiful valley on Mount Durmitor.
About 2.5 km long and 1 km wide, it is home to two magnificent lakes – Veliko Škrčko and Malo Škrčko. The Škrka Valley can be reached from four directions, all of them mountain trails, so the only way to see the lakes is on foot.
Pits and Caves
Pits and caves, most of them still unexplored, are estimated to total around 200 on Mount Durmitor.
The pit in the Vjetrena Hills has its entrance at 2196 m above sea level, and is 1800 m long and 897 m deep.
Before any visit to the pits and caves, it is important to note that most of them are accessible only to experienced speleologists or under the supervision of local guides.
Ice cave
Locally known as “Ledena Pećina” and located at the foot of the Obla Glava peak, it is a place where you can observe natural ice formations (stalactites and stalagmites) all year round. It is one of the unique attractions in the Žabljak area.
Savina Voda
Legend has it that the Savina Voda spring (2212 m) was formed thanks to a miracle by Saint Sava, who made the sign of the cross on the ground with a stick and the water emerged.
Every year on St. Elijah’s Day (2 August), people flock to the spring in the hope that the water will bring them prosperity, health, and peace. The water is collected in a bottle and stored until next year to serve as a form of protection against bad luck.
Bonus video:
