Learn more about hiking and activities in the park
Durmitor National Park
I was lucky to live in Montenegro for about 2 years. During this time, I tried to explore as much as possible all the nearest Balkan hiking trails that encircle Montenegro, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina. What is worth saying thanks to these countries is for the very rich and beautiful nature. There are a lot of magnificent trails of any complexity and seriousness - from an easy walk for a couple of hours to a full-fledged hike for several days. Here I will tell you first of all about the most famous national park - Durmitor and how to get there and what to do.
Durmitor is a stunning limestone massif located in Northern Montenegro and belonging to the Dinaric Alps. It is also the name of Montenegro's largest protected area, the Durmitor National Park, which constitutes the heart of a landscape shaped by glaciers, numerous rivers and underground streams of which are embedded in the much larger Tara River Basin Biosphere Reserve.
The top 5 peaks are all over 8,000 feet (2439 m) and include:
How to get there
The nearest town to the park is Zabljak, famous for its ski resort in winter and for its hiking trails in summer. There are several ways to get to the national park on your own.
Durmitor is a stunning limestone massif located in Northern Montenegro and belonging to the Dinaric Alps. It is also the name of Montenegro's largest protected area, the Durmitor National Park, which constitutes the heart of a landscape shaped by glaciers, numerous rivers and underground streams of which are embedded in the much larger Tara River Basin Biosphere Reserve.
The top 5 peaks are all over 8,000 feet (2439 m) and include:
- Bobotov kuk - 8,274 feet (2,522 m)
- Bezimeni vrh - 8,159 feet (2,487 m)
- Sljeme - 8,054 feet (2,455 m)
- Istocni vrh Sljemena - 8,022 feet (2,445 m)
- Soa / Devojka - 8,005 feet (2,445 m)
How to get there
The nearest town to the park is Zabljak, famous for its ski resort in winter and for its hiking trails in summer. There are several ways to get to the national park on your own.
- By car. If you are traveling from the capital - Podgorica, then there are two roads. One is through the city of Nikšić and takes just over 2 hours. The second one is a little more scenic through the city of Kolašin (it is also famous for its ski resort and slopes). Here was opened a first part of the high-speed autobahn, which will take you to Kolašin in 40 minutes. After that, the road will come out in the direction of the canyon of the Tara River, which is striking in its picturesqueness.
- By bus. The bus system in Montenegro is quite well developed, there are many different companies and routes, so you can always find a bus and time that is convenient and comfortable for you. The best way to buy a ticket is to use the online service BusTicket4.me.
If your path will run through Kolašin and the canyon of the Tara River, then I highly recommend stopping near the famous Đurđevića Tara Bridge. At the time of its completion (1940), it was the biggest vehicular concrete arch bridge in Europe.
Near this epic structure, you can ride a zipline with the most breathtaking view of the river and the canyon itself. What could be better than to see the structure and the valley from above! You will have 3 ziplines to choose from. I recommend taking the longest one (the one with a big yellow banner), it's not only the longest one, but also the most exciting. Cost around 20 euros per person.
Where to stay
If you are looking for luxury hotels and all inclusive service, then in this part of the country you shouldn't count on it. Here be prepared that tourism in the mountainous part of the country is just beginning to experience its rise and attract tourists from all over the world. Therefore, the conditions are for the most part simple. But despite this, all the hotels are very comfortable, the owners are kind and friendly, and most importantly - the views around. This is why people come here. The views around - this is the cherry on the top. Massive mountains, green valleys, fresh air and homemade food.
Personally, I have been to Zabljak many times and for my part I can recommend several very cozy hotels with an affordable price.
What to do
I highly recommend downloading the Gaia GPS app, it works offline, and it's very convenient to track your location, build routes and hikes.
If you are looking for luxury hotels and all inclusive service, then in this part of the country you shouldn't count on it. Here be prepared that tourism in the mountainous part of the country is just beginning to experience its rise and attract tourists from all over the world. Therefore, the conditions are for the most part simple. But despite this, all the hotels are very comfortable, the owners are kind and friendly, and most importantly - the views around. This is why people come here. The views around - this is the cherry on the top. Massive mountains, green valleys, fresh air and homemade food.
Personally, I have been to Zabljak many times and for my part I can recommend several very cozy hotels with an affordable price.
What to do
I highly recommend downloading the Gaia GPS app, it works offline, and it's very convenient to track your location, build routes and hikes.
- Black Lake (Crno Jezero). One of the main attractions within walking distance of the city is the lake. Entrance costs 2 euros if without parking. A pedestrian paved path through the forest leads to the lake; around there are a lot of marked walking trails for every taste and color. On the territory there is a restaurant where you can have a lunch or a drink, various small markets where you can buy honey, berries, loose tea and herbs, and you can also rent a boat and view the lake from the water side.
- Snake Lake (Zmijinje Jezero). 3km each way from Black Lake. A little further away there is another lake, less popular and narrow, the number of tourists there is many times less. The road to it goes through a pine forest, a very easy and comfortable trail. Along the lake there are benches and tables for a cozy rest. The map is here!
- Jablan Jezero (Jablan Jezero). Another very picturesque lake, where there are also no crowds of tourists. Ideal if you like being in close proximity to nature. For those who are not averse to climbing higher into the mountains and taking a walk, there is a good track to the top of the mountain at the foot of this lake. From there, stunning views of the Black Lake, Snake Lake and Jablan Jezero open. Check the map here!
- Bobotov Kuk. Bobotov Kuk is the highest peak in Montenegro and once you reached it - feels like you are at the top of the world! There is several options how to get there, but I would recommend to take a route that starts and ends in Sedlo which lies 14 km to the south of Žabljak. Here is the map from Gaia GPS app. This trail is 5km each way and takes you through lush grasslands with the final solid and steep uphill. As the hike marked as difficult - be sure to evaluate your strengths and hiking skills before taking this route to the summit.
One of my favorite weekend hikes in Durmitor is Crvena greda. The entire route is located within Durmitor National Park. The ascent itself is not difficult and is completed relatively quickly. You need to start from Momčilovog grada via Jablan bara and Mala greda at 1922m above sea level, after go to Crvena greda which is at 2164m. There you will find a perfect spot for a lunch with the view. After that go down to Jablan Lake (Jablan jezero) and finish at Snake (Zmijsko) and Black (Crno) Lakes. It's an easy and very scenic route. Here is a map from Gaia app. Enjoy!
Where to eat
I am a food fan. I can't hide it! Therefore, it's very important for me to have a tasty meal anywhere and in any hike. Fortunately there are no problems with this in Durmitor. Below I will share my favorite places to check.
I am a food fan. I can't hide it! Therefore, it's very important for me to have a tasty meal anywhere and in any hike. Fortunately there are no problems with this in Durmitor. Below I will share my favorite places to check.
- Restaurant Or'O. Located in the very center of Zabljak with tasty food and cozy atmosphere where you can try the famous veal soup (Teleća čorba) or meat dishes and be sure to take pancakes with honey and nuts for dessert. This is pure love!
- Pekara Maja. Located in the building next to the Restaurant Or'O. This is the perfect place to grab a snack for a hike. Get ready, this bakery sells hot cakes on the fly. My recommendation is fresh hot burek with cheese and spinach with fresh yogurt.
Start planning your trip!
- Accommodation. From cosy guesthouses in the mountains to lavish beachside hotels, there’s plenty of accommodation options in Montenegro to suit every style of traveller and budget. Check accommodation rates in Montenegro here!
- Car rentals. Exploring Montenegro by car is a great way to cover a lot of places quickly. You can compare car rental prices here or check this budget company.
Feel free to contact me
