Things to see and do Northwest

This pyramid-shaped peak is the highest in the massif and officially in Montenegro.

There are four different paths to reach it. The one going through the north-east is a bit longer and more difficult than the others but offers incredible and more spectacular landscapes. The best solution is to go up to the top by one path and come down by another in order to fully appreciate the beauty of the site.

Northeast route from Žabljak. Crno Jezero - Indjini Dolovi - Lokvice or Ledena Pećina - Biljegov Do - Valoviti Do - Bobotov Kuk (count 5.5 hours walking time, one way).

The other three trails run south: the first starts from Sedlo, the second from Dobri Do (1,742 m) and the third from Škrčka. All three meet at the Zeleni Vir lake (an ideal stopover) and from there they become one.

If you opt to start from Sedlo, along the trail there are several springs where you can fill up your drinking water supplies, although hikers are always advised to bring their water supplies before the hike. On the trail, the small mountain lake Zeleni vir lends itself to a good break before moving on to the last and most difficult part of the summit climb.

Once you reach the Velika Privija pass (2,351 m), this path joins the one passing through the north-east of the summit. It takes 2 hours and a half to walk from Dobri Do and 3 hours to walk from Sedlo (one way).

A summit not to be missed. A panorama of breathtaking beauty! Prutaš (2 393 m) is one of the most beautiful, popular and biggest peaks in Durmitor. The best alpine panorama in Durmitor resembles the Alps and Switzerland. Slightly sloping, green and decorated with prutovi (oblique sticks), Prutaš comes from the word prut andmeans twig. So it is a mountain made of twigs!

Route: Dobri Do - Šarban (1 700 m) - Škrčko Ždrijelo (2 114 m) - Prutaš (2 393 m). Duration: count between 3 and 4 hours of walking (one way).

A day trip by jeep or a more eco-friendly mountain bike with photo breaks from Žabljak is a must. The total length of the tour is 84 km: Štuoc, Sušica and Piva canyons, and the landscapes of Prutaš, Sedlena greda, Boljske grede, Valovito, Modro jezero, Dobri do valley, Todorev, Sedlo and Virak. A visit to Durmitorski prsten, a unique mountaineering experience well signposted (brown signs to follow), can be organised by a local agency.

Situated in the Bjelopavlici valley, this Orthodox monastery is the most revered of the country. Every year, thousands of worshippers and Serbs come to pray and burn candles there. The appearance of the white monastery hung in the middle of a rocky cliff, on the vertical wall, is spectacular.

Built in the 1656 th century (1671) by Gospić Jovanović - metropolitan of Western Herzegovina, future Sveti Gospić Ostroški (Saint Basile d'Ostrog), who lived there until his death in 1920, the monastery was ravaged by a fire and restored in the s.

It consists of two cave chapels, that of Sv. Krst (St. Croix) and Celle. The relics of the bones of the saint can be seen in one of these chapels supervised by a monk in black robes. A blessing of its share is made automatically upon entry into the room. Linked by a network of stairs and narrow passages, these chapels are decorated with murals that were realized at the end of the th century by Radul, a famous Serbian painter of that era. The residence of the monks, a large building next to the monastery, was added in the 1980 s. Miracles and powers of healer are assigned to Saint Basile, as well as to the cracks in coins or pieces of paper used to help.

Black Lake is rightly considered the most beautiful lake in the Montenegrin National Park. Bordered by pine forests and dominated by the peaks of Durmitor, it is actually two lakes connected by a narrow passage. It is called Black Lake because the dense black pine forests of Durmitor that surround it are reflected in the clear waters and give it a black sheen.

It is located only 3 km from the centre of the town of Žabljak and can be reached on foot. A pleasant walk will take you to the entrance of the Durmitor National Park and, continuing through the forest, the lake will appear right in front of you.

There is a 4 km trail around it: a 1.5 hour walk around the two lakes, or a 4 hour walk to Ledena Pečina or to the Katun Lotkvice night cottage.

There are also three marked hiking trails leading to Barno, Zminje and Lake Vražje.

Be aware that in summer it is also possible to rent wooden boats.

There are many activities around the lake. In winter, you can go cross-country skiing, snowshoeing or snowboarding. In summer, trekking and several cyclo-cross tracks.

To combine fun with sport, there is a nice restaurant on the lakefront, with a tree park that will please the youngest.

Goran Grbović, a former mountain guide, will be happy to accompany you on cross-country skiing in winter and hiking in summer ([email protected] - +382 67 224 148).

Wild and remote mountain landscapes. The second largest lake in the country is a man-made creation. It was created by the construction of the Mratinje Dam, which flooded the river canyon and formed a freshwater reservoir. After 10 km and beautiful views, we reach the border post of Šćepan Polje. This is where the Piva and Tara rivers meet in the Drina. This is the starting point for rafting trips organized by agencies.

Zminje (1,520 m), or "Snake Lake", is a glacial lake known as the "Eye of Durmitor Mountain". It is a quiet place, ideal for a picnic; surrounded by forest, it is somewhat isolated. A marked path leads you through the forest to the lake with nice benches by the water and a fresh drinking water source. Nearby are the Black and Barno lakes, connected by a marked trail. The lake is easily accessible, count 2 hours of walking.

The office is located on the ground floor of a large white house on the road to Black Lake (between the bridge and the National Park parking lot). They sell various maps and many books with lots of pictures about Durmitor National Park. A young and fluent English speaking staff will be able to inform you and guide you on the different routes to take offering the most beautiful views of Durmitor National Park.

50 km from Nikšić, before the town of Plužine, this monastery was once located near the source of the river. Isolated, it was dismantled stone by stone before being relocated a few kilometers up (construction of a hydroelectric plant). This "move" took more than ten years (end in 1982). The ensemble consists of a church, a house for the monks, a bread oven and a surrounding wall.

The church dedicated to the Dormition is the most important Orthodox building built in the country under the Ottomans. Most of the frescoes that adorn its walls were done in the early 17th century by unknown Greek artists. Among them is a faceless icon from the 18th century, destroyed by the Turks and preserved as a testimony to iconoclasm (a pre-Turkish doctrine that prohibited the representation of images of Christ and the saints).

The paintings of the iconostasis, made by Kyr Kozma in 1638, is considered the best painter of the seventeenth century. The frescoes in the narthex are the work of Strahinja, a priest from Budimlje (Berane) and a prolific painter who worked for four decades in the country.

The two icons on either side of the choir are the oldest, dating from 1573-1574, and were made at the very beginning of the church's construction. These two icons on the sides of the choir were made by Longin, a monk from Peć, Kosovo.

The office is located on the ground floor of a large white house on the road to Black Lake (between the bridge and the National Park parking lot). There is also an information point at the entrance to Black Lake. The office sells a very detailed map of the park which will be very useful if you want to hike there. The staff speaks several languages and will be able to direct you, but also to inform you on the possible activities around the lake.

Discover Montenegro's neighboring Bosnia with the meeting of three rivers, Piva, Drina and Tara. A breathtaking natural beauty, where crystal clear waters mingle and offer a fascinating spectacle. The turquoise waters of the river Tara and the breathtaking cliffs of Piva make it a unique landscape. An attraction to do? Cross the border (Hum) on a wooden bridge. Adventurers can opt for rafting, while nature lovers can explore the lush forests and surrounding mountains.

Nestled in a peaceful valley near the Piva River, Zagradje Monastery is a hidden gem in Montenegro. This four century old Orthodox monastery is built of stone and boasts remarkable architecture. The colorful frescoes inside are an exceptional example of the religious art of the region. You can relax in this peaceful place and admire the surrounding landscape, with the breathtaking view of the mountains.

The Vidikovac Zarisnik viewpoint near Plužine is a peaceful and relaxing place for nature lovers. Surrounded by rivers and greenery, this site offers a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains. It is an ideal place for an outdoor getaway, to relax and rejuvenate. Enjoy the peace and quiet of nature while contemplating the beautiful scenery around you. Drive in the direction of Household Malović. Park 300 m to the left. Continue walking on the path to the ridge.

The small town of Bistrica is very interesting. Along the canyon Tara, there is a moment when a small river takes its independence. The road follows it in a chicane, in the mountains. On one side of the chicane, it is nice and warm. You can walk around in a simple shirt. On the other side, it's a different story. Without a thick coat or a winter coat, it's best not to get out of the car. You are in the clouds and visibility is zero. It is this contrast in only three minutes of driving that is interesting.

It is rare to have a large lake in Montenegro that does not share a border. This one is an artificial salt lake of a large size. Before it was a stopover for nature lovers, it was a reservoir for the hydroelectric power plant. It is the sodium that makes the water salty. You can notice some houses on the lake. So it is like a mini-Venice in Montenegro, one more, to visit on a small fisherman's boat by asking the resident lovers of the lake.

Along the road that borders the Tara Canyon there is a small Serbian Orthodox monastery made of old stones with an effigy of Saint George. On the side of the hill, the monk will be able to meditate in a silence only broken by the sound of the water. The traveler will be able to admire the setting and stay for several hours at this place. Like Mount Athos, the monastery has been Byzantine since 1530. Walk around the monastery in an anti-clockwise direction.

Bezimeni Vrh (2 487 m) is the second highest peak of Durmitor. Together with Bobotov Kuk and Djevojka, they form the highest peak of the Durmitor massif called Soa Nebeska, the most impressive, seen from the west, from the Prutash summit. It rises proudly above the glacial valley of the Škrčke lakes. The climb to the summit is an incredible experience because of the extraordinary natural beauty, which extends in all directions.

This peak is one of the most frequented and easiest to reach.

Savin Kuk (2 313 m) is considered to be one of the most beautiful peaks of the mountain range in the heart of Durmitor. Its ascent on a sunny day in summer and the view from its summit are simply exceptional. A clear mountain panorama of the surrounding mountain range makes you aware of the vastness of the natural park that surrounds you and the almost complete absence of human life.

Savin Kuk is an integral part of the famous and incredible panoramic view above Crno Jezero (Black Lake, 1,416 m), which also contains the Medjed Peak (2,287 m). It is a beautiful triangle-shaped peak on the left side of Medjed Peak, which dominates over the incredible beauty of Crno Jezero, surrounded by a magnificent black pine forest.

Savin Kuk Peak takes its name from the Serbian prince Rastko Nemanjić who left secular life, became a monk, and was later canonized. During his spiritual life, St. Sava often went to the top of Savin Kuk. It is said that this was his favorite place for silence and prayers. Legend has it that he and a thirsty disciple drew a cross on the ground with his walking stick and a spring appeared, Savina Voda, at an altitude of 2,212 meters, which still attracts many people today.

Route: Crno Jezero - Izvor (spring) - Točak (1,450 m) - Mioč Poljana (1,569 m) - Savina Voda (2,212 m) - Savin Kuk. Level: easy. Duration: 3 hours of walking (one way).

The Šljeme peak (2,455 m) is the third highest peak in the Durmitor massif, behind Bobotov Kuk (2,523 m) and Bezimeni Vrh (2,487 m). Unlike the others, this peak is a 2 km long rocky plateau with an average altitude of 2 400 m. On the plateau there are other peaks, the best known being Istočni Vrh (2,445 m) and Vrh Šljemena (2,455 m).

Route: Žabljak - Motički Gaj - Poljana - Korita - Panalj (1 813 m) - Šupljika (1 930 m) - Čista Strana - Vrh Šljeme (2 455 m). Elevation gain: 1 001 m. Level: difficult. Duration: 4h30 walk (one way).

In Durmitor, the impressive alpine panorama from the town of Žabljak (1,456 m) will inspire you. In the foreground, you can see a part of the massif from the vast plateaus of this beautiful mountain town, with a peculiar shaped peak that will hold your attention. Together with Savin Kuk (2 313 m) and Medjed (2 287 m), this peak creates the first line of Durmitor peaks seen from the town of Žabljak. This beautiful peak is called Crvena Greda. Looking towards Žabljak, you will see the amazing red color of this impressive wall which is called Crvena Greda, or literally translated as the Red Shelf. It is not so difficult to reach this red peak, which is a one-day hiking trip. On the trail, you will come across a high rock face called Cuklin Veliki Pas, which is also a great attraction for climbers and is a solid test of climbing skills and abilities.

You will take the path leading to Alisnica Valley, from the beautiful meadow called Poljanak, which literally translates as "field", with a beautiful view of the town of Žabljak.

Spending time on the top of Crvena Greda is an extraordinary feeling, it is like being on the "top of the world", in other words, it is a climber's paradise.

Path: Žabljak - Ivan do - Bosača - Jablan Jezero (1 880 m) - Crvena grada. Level: intermediate. Duration: 3 hours of walking (one way).