Durmitor National Park includes the Durmitor mountain massif, the canyons of the Tara, Draga, Sušice rivers and the highest part of the Komarnica canyon valley, with 48 mountain peaks which are over 2,000 meters above sea level.

The highest peak is Bobot's kuk, 2,523 meters above sea level. The area of the Park is 34,500 ha, and the territory belongs to the following municipalities: Zabljak, Savnik, Pluzine, Pljevlja and Mojkovac.

How did Durmitor get its name

It is believed that the mountain most likely got its name from the Celtic word dru-mi-tor, which translates as "water from the mountain". Durmitor is truly rich in waters, rivers (in the first place, Tara, the "tear of Europe") and lakes - about twenty glacial lakes, scattered throughout the area, which is still geographer Jovan Cvijić called "mountain eyes". The regions of Durmitor, economically based on tourism and agriculture, have been preserved from the harmful effects of modern civilization, and due to their beauty and unspoiled nature, they are rarely an authentic work of nature.

How to reach National Park Durmitor

From Podgorica, you can take a taxi, rent-a-car or private tour to Durmitor. Also, you can go by bus. The trip takes approximately 2 hr and 20 min. The entrace to this National Park is 5,00 €.

Zabljak

If you are looking to stay for a few days, and explore Durmitor, Zabljak is the best place. Žabljak is the most popular winter tourism destination in Montenegro. It is located at an altitude of 1456 m, and has about 1700 inhabitants. The city itself is located in the center of the Durmitor National Park. Žabljak offers fresh air, rafting, excellent accommodation for tourists, so you can enjoy the benefits that Žabljak offers.

What to do and see in National Park Durmitor

One of the highlights of Durmitor National Park is its beautiful landscape, characterized by mountains, deep canyons, lush forests, and clear lakes. Prepare your hiking boots and start with one of the many trails that wind through the park, offering panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.

Be sure to visit the iconic Black Lake, the largest and most amazing lake in the park. Its calm waters reflect the towering peaks that surround it, creating a scene of unparalleled beauty. Take a easy walk along the shore, or rent a kayak and paddle out onto the lake surface for a truly immpresive experience.

For the more adventurous souls, Durmitor offers world-class opportunities for rock climbing, mountaineering, and canyoning, hiking, fly fishing, treeking, jeep tour. Challenge yourself to conquer the peaks of Durmitor, such as Bobotov Kuk or explore the depths of the Tara Canyon, one of the deepest gorges in Europe.

Wildlife enthusiasts will delight in the flora and fauna that call Durmitor home. Keep your eyes for species such as the Eurasian lynx, brown bear, and chamois as you walk through the forested slopes and meadows.

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Caeli Travel guests in Black Lake and Savin kuk

Plants of Durmitor

Thanks to the physical and geographical factors, a diverse vegetation cover has been formed on Durmitor, considering the height difference from the bottom of the canyon to the highest mountain peaks, which is about 2000m above sea level.

About 1,600 plant species grow on Durmitor, among which there are a large number of rare, protected and rare plant species.

Amazing lakes in Durmitor, Montenegro — Amazing lakes in Durmitor

Black Lake

Black Lake, or Crno Jezero as it is known in Montenegrin, is the largest and most beautiful lake in Durmitor National Park. Its origins date back to the last Ice Age, when glaciers carved out the landscape, leaving behind a series of pristine lakes and valleys.

As you approach Black Lake, the first thing that you will see are enormous mountain peaks around it. Surrounded by the peaks and dense forests, the lake's deep blue waters create a stunning contrast against the verdant greenery of the landscape.

Other lakes in Durmitor

Durmitor has about twenty glacial lakes to be proud of. Lakes, at heights above 1500 m, give Durmitor a special charm. They are called, by one name, mountain eyes. The largest and most attractive is Black Lake.

In the vicinity of Black Lake, there are the equally impressive Zmijinje Lake, immersed in a spruce-fir forest, and Barno Lake, surrounded on all sides by coniferous forest.

Among the lakes of Durmitor, Skrčka Lake, bound by ice and snow until mid-July, Zeleni vir and Modro jezero and Vražje and Riblje jezero, cradled in the middle of vast meadows, stand out due to their beauty and wild surroundings. nd don't forget Almost all the lakess have abundance of fish such as brown trout and rainbow trout thrive.

Activities on the Water

For those seeking a more impressive experience, renting a kayak is a fantastic way to explore the lake up close. Glide across the surface and feel the cool mountain breeze.

Fishing enthusiasts will also find Black Lake a paradise, with its big population of trout and other freshwater species.

Animals of Durmitor

On the entire massif of Durmitor, the large height range and different habitats make it an ideal home for many animals. Vast forests, open pastures, cliffs, Durmitor peaks, abundance of lakes are important for the existence and wealth of animal life.

Durmitor is home to bird species like snow finches and mountain warblers. You might spot majestic predators like bald eagles and griffon vultures. Rocks and cliffs host nesting sites for golden eagles and kestrels, while coniferous forests teem with grouse and woodpeckers.

In mixed forests, you might encounter large mammals such as roe deer and bears, alongside smaller creatures like foxes and squirrels.

Hiking in Durmitor: Top 3 tours

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Bobotov Kuk

The highest, most challenging and most fascinating peak. The peak that has long been considered the highest peak in Montenegro, and the pride of all Durmitor highlanders, is the legendary Bobotov Kuk.

With a height of 2523 meters and a demanding climb from whichever side you approach it, it is the biggest challenge for any mountaineer visiting Durmitor National Park. Access from the Sedlo pass, which starts at 1908 m above sea level, through the Surutka valley and Zeleni Vir is considered the most recommended route to Bobotov Kuk.

The final part of ascent via the right side of Bobotov Kuk rock, the last 20 minutes, is demanding, but with the use of cables and hands you will certainly have no problem winning your biggest reward – self-esteem boost because you managed to climb Bobotov Kuk. We should not waste too many words trying to describe beautiful views that you will have the opportunity to enjoy at the very top. Try this hike and you will see for yourself what it is all about.

The ascent to Bobotov Kuk from Sedlo is considered challenging, and is recommended for people with a solid mountaineering experience.The total length of the trail in one direction is about 5.6 km, which will take you between 3 and 4 hours, depending on how well prepared you are and how fast you move. The descent itself is easy except for the first 20 minutes of descent where you have to use the ropes.

The direction of the return, which instead of going to the Saddle pass, goes towards the Black Lake, prolongs the return for an additional two hours, but passes by the beautiful Ice Cave and ends at the Black Lake itself. This option is recommended for hikers who are in top shape.

Prutaš

Probably the best ratio of effort versus feeling of beauty once we conquered it, when we talk about hiking on Durmitor, makes the climb to the top of Prutaš peak at an altitude of 2393m.

This natural formation of rocks in the form of branches – rods, after which the peak itself is named, combined with its grassy slopes, incredibly inspiring views of other valleys and peaks of Durmitor and beautiful Škrčka lakes, will be one of those moments when one realizes the immense beauty of life.

Access to the top is possible from two sides, from Todorov Do (heavier) and Šarban (easier). The most beautiful, easiest, and a less risky ascent to the top that we prefer starts from the Šarban (Dobri Do) and through the Škrčko ždrijelo, it reaches the very top of Prutaš peak.

This trail is about 4km long with a vertical ascent of 686m, and as such is considered moderately difficult. If you are in good shape, the option of starting from the location Todorov Do, over the top of Prutaš, to Škrčka Lakes and back to Šarban is the best of hiking trails this region has to offer.

Ćurevac hiking and Tara river

Curevac hike is an easy one, and it is ideal for everyone wanting to take an easy hike.

In the northern part of the Durmitor National Park, there is the canyon of the river Tara, the so-called “Tear of Europe”.It is the most beautiful canyon of Montenegro, and the second deepest in the world after the canyon of the Colorado River in the USA.

The best way to explore this canyon is of course by rafting on the Tara River. But, if you do not have the opportunity to go rafting and would like to experience the grandeur of this beautiful canyon, we suggest a Jeep Safari activity that includes a visit to the lookout Ćurevac, or a drive to this location.

The starting point of this trail is a 30 minute drive from Žabljak. Once you get to the starting point and leave your car, the total duration of the circular tour to the Ćurevac viewpoint is about 1.30 to 2 hours.

The road mostly goes through rocky terrain, with a couple of smaller ascents, but hiking on Ćurevac is considered an easy activity.

We definitely suggest that you do this hiking in the morning, because then the sun is behind you and in that way it gives you great views and good photos.

Amazing peaks of Durmitor, ideal for hiking

Legend of Durmitor: Todor's do

There re numerous legends known in Durmitor, and here is one. The mountain fairies, who lived in the forests of the high peaks of Durmitor, descended to the foot of the mountain at sunset to dance in the meadows full of flowers. They would hold hands and dance their game making a circle. The fairies were of exceptional beauty and seduced even the best men. Only the chosen ones were allowed to play in their round.

Once they invited him to the mountain in their circle, on the condition that he does not carry any weapons with him. But Todor forgot to leave the knife, which he always carried as a shepherd. He came to the fairies and enjoyed their games for a long time. Then the fairies saw his knife. Getting angry because of the knife, and perhaps out of envy for Todor's love for Ružica, they lifted him into the clouds and threw him down the cliffs.

According to legend, Todor fell on his chest and broke off a part of the mountain. That's how the peak in the immediate vicinity of Prutaš got the name Gruda. Todor found his eternal peace in the valley, under the mountain, and the valley was named after him - Todor's do.

Due to her loss and great sadness, Ružica headed for the mountains on the opposite side, from which she never returned.

Durmitor is filled with surreal beauty, as well as that it has a lot to offer tourists who come to visit it. Mountaineering on its peaks, as well as its numerous legend, plants and animals and Black Lake, cannot leave anyone indifferent. This is precisely the charm of Durmitor mountain.

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Durmitor National Park 101: All you need to know