Oko Skakavice
Wedged between the towering peaks of the Accursed Mountains on the Albanian-Montenegrin border lies the incredibly picturesque Ropojana Valley, heaven for nature enthusiasts. Oko Skakavice is a natural karst lake, fed by a mix of underground freshwater springs that flow over to create the Skakavica River. It later feeds into the Grlja River, creating the Grlja Waterfall further downstream.
The 30-meter-long Oko Skakavice is certainly a hidden gem, a pool of picture-perfect, stunning blue surrounded by lush, bright green foliage that overhangs the water. It is also called ‘The Eye’ due to its convex shape and 8-meter-deep dark hole in the middle which resembles the pupil of an eye.
All agree it is one of the most beautiful places in Montenegro because it carries some of the clearest water in the world, allowing you to see all the way to the bottom. Oko Skakavice, which sits at an altitude of 1,000 meters, just south of Gusinje and Vusanje, is the perfect place to explore and unwind.
The spring’s color can range from hues of turquoise to azure blue depending on the time of the day. It is also one of the most powerful wellsprings in the country, always carrying water and feeding the Skakavica River; it never dries up. During summer, groundwater only timidly bubbles up through the water surface but significantly speeds up in autumn and spring during the snowmelt.
Those wishing to swim in it will have to come prepared. Regardless of season, the water is always extremely chilly, averaging just 4-5 degrees Celsius – just like in the Arctic Ocean. Oko Skakavice is accessible via an unpaved backcountry road and sits right at the Peaks of the Balkans Trail, a 192-kilometer-long circuit through Montenegro, Albania, and Kosovo.
Surrounding Areas
The spring is just a 12-minute drive – or a leisurely 70-minute hike – from Gusinje. It sits within the Ropojana Valley which is worth exploring in its own right. Walking across the green pastures until the bottom of the valley to Lake Ropojana is a must-do when you are already in this beautiful alpine area.
The most popular outdoor activities near Oko Skakavice are mountain biking and hiking. The ascents to Rosni Peak (2,524 meters) and Zla Kolata (2,534 meters) start in Vusanje. Zla Kolata is Montenegro’s highest peak. From Ropojana Valley, you can easily access the Great Valley of Lakes (Buni Jezerces), Maja Jezerce (2,694 m), and Theth in Albania.
A visit to neighboring Grebaje Valley is well worth it. It is where you can bask in the beauty of nature and observe animals in their natural environment: short-toed snake eagles, peregrine falcons, and of course golden eagles. Grebaje Valley is a place of wonder, overlooked by some of Montenegro’s highest and most dramatic peaks, including Sjeverni Vrh (2,460 m) and Veliki Vrh (2,490 m).
The popular Volusnica trail also starts here and is especially popular with mountain photographers and everyone else who wants to get a panoramic glimpse of the stunning Karanfili. If you are planning to stay more than one day and are a serious climber, you will be able to take the more challenging ascents to the Kissing Cats (Suplja Vrata) and Ocnjak.
Nearby Plav is a small mountain town which is primarily visited for its picturesque lake. Lake Plav is the largest glacial lake in Montenegro, sitting at an altitude of over 900 meters and offering beautiful scenery. It feeds into the Lim River and is a popular fly fishing destination. Renting a kayak or paddle boat and exploring the wilderness by water is one of the most favored activities at the lake.
Restaurants
The riverside Restaurant Hartini is closest to Oko Skakavice and is located in the immediate vicinity of the Grlja Canyon, serving simple dishes alongside homemade sandwiches. The stunning views of the waterfall are an added bonus. Unfortunately, it’s the only restaurant in the village of Vusanje.
For an atmospheric restaurant located right at the Ali Pasha Springs with plenty of local character, head to Restaurant Krojet. Their specialties include baked lake trout in cheese, local meat classics, and homemade sheep’s cheese. In nearby Gusinje, you will find a larger choice of eateries, including pizza parlors and unpretentious restaurants serving cevapcici.
Accommodation
The Prokletije’s natural geography lends itself perfectly to alpine-style cabins and bungalows. There is no shortage of options, with bed and breakfasts like the Moonlight House offering a central location to explore the karst springs, picturesque valleys, and surrounding mountain peaks.
Eko Katun Rosi – Old Tower is a charming mix of cabins and accommodations in a traditional stone house that offers guests the convenience of being close to town combined with the serenity of a rural surrounding. If you prefer standard hotel accommodation, Gusinje is home to several simple 3-star hotels.