Black Lake Montenegro
One beautiful glacial lake awaits thousands of adventure-hungry visitors who come to visit Black Lake each year. This beautiful glacial lake is surrounded by dense forest and has the stunning Durmitor mountain massif as its backdrop. In short – the landscape is a picture-perfect motif.
The Crno Jezero (Montenegrin for Black Lake) sits inside the Durmitor National Park at an altitude of more than 1,400 meters. The lake consists of two smaller lakes: the big lake and the little lake which are connected through a narrow stream.
The entire lake is only measuring 1,150 meters in length, making it an easy walk once around. Starting at the lake, you will have access to a couple of mountain biking and hiking trails, most of which you can master on a day trip. Black Lake Montenegro is within walking distance from Zabljak, the next larger settlement with restaurants and shops.
Info: The lake is deeper than you think – measuring almost 50 meters at its deepest point.
Entrance Fee: 3,00€
Hiking Trails
Counting 18 glacial lakes in total and many gorgeous mountain peaks, it is no wonder that hiking is one of the most popular activities in the National Park. While the easiest tour takes you once around the lake, there are longer and more demanding ones. Hiking shoes are recommended.
The 6-kilometer-long “Three Glacial Lakes Tail” takes you as the name suggests from the Black Lake to the Barno Lake (1489 m) and the Snake Lake at 1520 meters of altitude. You need about three hours for this easy trail – not factoring in breaks.
source: Wikipedia
A more challenging trail is the one from Ivan Do to Lake Jablan. The six kilometers of trail are filled with mountain sceneries. It will take the average person between 4 and 4,5 hours to complete. Lake Jablan awaits you atop. It is the perfect spot for a quaint picnic or a longer break to enjoy nature.
You should consider combining the hike to Lake Jablan with the trail to Crvena Greda, a mountain peak above the lake from where you will have breathtaking views and can also admire the emerald-colored beauty of the lake which is harder to spot if you look from ground level.
Venturing a little higher and the whole mountainscape will lie out in front of you including the peaks of Ljubisnje, Bioc, and Maglic. You will also see a beautiful panorama of Black Lake and Snake Lake from above. Crvena Greda is probably the single best spot to observe the natural beauty of the region.
Rent a Kayak
If the weather is nice and you visit during the summer season, you should rent a kayak to explore the charming lake on your own. Renting is cheap at just 4€ per hour for a single and 6€ per hour for a two-seater. You can easily spend two or three hours on the water without getting bored.
Info: You will find more information regarding the rentals at the Info Point of the National Park. You can also rent a small rowing boat for about 7€ per hour.
Rent a Bike
The terrain around the lake is perfect for venturing out on a mountain bike. You can get a daily pass for just 8€ – also at the park’s visitor center next to the lakeside restaurant.
source: National Parks
You can take the circular route around Crno Jezero and then proceed on the well-marked trail to Snake Lake which is just 3 kilometers from there. You can then cycle to the beautiful hamlet of Bosaca. Follow the trail further to Barno Lake and finally back to the Black Lake.
Tara River Canyon
Most people visit Durmitor National Park to see Crno Jezero, the beautiful peaks of Durmitor, and also the Tara River Canyon which is just 20 kilometers away. The Tara Canyon is the deepest in Eastern Europe and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
source: Montenegro Travel
Whitewater rafting is the most thought-after adventure for adrenaline-hungry visitors, especially shortly after the spring snow melts in April, May, and June. Should you visit in July and August, then the water levels of the Tara River will be significantly lower and the ride will be far less challenging – ideal for smaller children and beginners.
source: Montenegro Travel
Via Ferrata Durmitor
A Via Ferrata is a mountain trail secured by steel railings, cables, rungs, ladders, and bridges, providing access to remote places which are usually reserved for rock climbers only. The trails are also suitable for novices who have a baseline physical fitness level.
The Via Ferrata of the Durmitor finds itself on Uvita Greda which is just a 20-minute drive from Zabljak and the Black Lake. You start the ascend close to Sedlo, Montenegro’s highest road pass. The scenery here is breathtaking and gets better with every step you inch higher.
From an altitude of more than 2,000 meters, you can see the sheep, goats, and horses graze down below on the picturesque and undisturbed meadows and paddocks. You will be surrounded by Durmitor’s peaks such as Mount Vojnik and Skocidjevojka. In short: it’s a great experience you should not miss.
The Durmitor Ring Road
If you belong to those who like to explore the landscape on two or four wheels, the Durmitor Ring Road won’t leave you disappointed. Cruising around Mount Durmitor along the panoramic road is one of the best activities for motorists and adventurers alike.
The road is paved but narrow in some sections. Yet, there is always sufficient space for two vehicles to pass comfortably. Countless switchback bends and curves will take you on a journey of 85 kilometers across authentic Montenegrin villages and Montenegro’s most beautiful landscapes.