Away from the busy coast of Montenegro, the picturesque Durmitor National Park is like a playground for nature seekers.
It’s one of the most scenic places in the Balkans and the largest protected area in the whole country. The time I spent here was both calming and rejuvenating. It’s a much-needed change of pace from the hectic towns of Budva and Kotor.
That’s not to say it can’t also be an invigorating experience. From top-notch hiking to zipping across canyons, there is just so much to do in the national park. It’s a place that needs to be on every Balkan itinerary.
I’ll cover some of the basics of Durmitor National Park in this article, including where to stay in Žabljak, must-see spots, and how to make the best of a 2 or 3-day trip.
These are all the reasons you should visit Durmitor National Park in Montenegro.
IT’S CRAZY BEAUTIFUL
On my first trip to Montenegro, I didn’t think that the mountains would be able to compete with the beauty of the coast.
I was most definitely wrong!
Durmitor National Park is full of amazing nature. From reflective lakes to deep, colorful valleys, you’ll never get sick of exploring this part of the country. Expansive grassy fields nestle between snow-capped mountains. Hypnotic blue rivers appear in the middle of impossibly tall canyon walls. Birds sing amongst the trees and small cabins seem to pop up from meadows full of blooming flowers.
There’s a reason I found this region to be so special, and it starts with the stunning views.
And this narrative is true for all types of travelers. You don’t have to go on some epic hike (although you should!) to see beautiful sights. You can simply walk around the town of Žabljak, and you’re in the midst of a gorgeous valley.
THE HIKING IS SPECTACULAR
The hiking in the national park is top-notch.
There are dozens of interconnecting trails, and they lead you through some spectacular terrain. There are some similarities to the Accursed Mountains in Albania, and that probably has to do with the fact that these are part of the same mountain range.
The most obvious trek is the one that leads you to the top of Bobotov Kuk (the highest mountain in the park). But there are some other awesome trails which highlight the area’s breathtaking lakes and gorgeous mountaintops. There’s even a secluded ice cave along one of them!
Most of these range from intermediate to hard in difficulty. However, some easy hikes still capture the charm of Durmitor National Park. My favorites were the short walk around Black Lake and the journey up to Ćurevec.
My time was limited, but I’d love to go back to take on some of the harder trails in the national park.
But if you are into hiking, there’s bound to be a path that fits your style.
THERE ARE TONS OF LAKES TO EXPLORE
It’s difficult to go hiking in Durmitor National Park without seeing one of its 18 glacial lakes. In fact, most of the trailheads start at the magical Crno Jezero (Black Lake).
This is a place I’ve gone on about quite a bit before, and it’s a must-see on any trip to Žabljak.
Black Lake is the crown jewel of the national park and truly magnificent. It’s actually two separate lakes that combine for the majority of the year to create one larger body of water. It’s just a short walk from Žabljak, where most people will end up staying on their visit.
I recommend heading to the lake as soon as you arrive!
Don’t feel like you need to finish there, though; there are still 17 other lakes throughout the park. Most of the longer hikes will take you by these.
Honestly, this reminded me a lot of my time in Whistler, Canada, where lakes seem to pop up if you walk for more than an hour.
What stands out the most about the still lakes is their immense clarity. They are also extremely chilly, as melting snow pours into them during spring and early summer.
However, on those sweltering days, there’s no better feeling than dipping your feet in the icy pools. During the peak summer months, you’ll also have the opportunity to kayak or canoe on some of the bigger ones.
TOURS OF DURMITOR’S LAKES
There are a handful of tours that head into Durmitor National Park. Most of these include a trip to one of the many lakes. You can see most on your own, but if you feel more comfortable with a guide or want to do them as part of a larger trip, then a tour is a solid option.
Here are some worth looking into before your trip to Montenegro:
Tour 1 | North Montenegro, Durmitor, Tara & Ostrog Tour
Tour 2 | Durmitor, Tara & Ostrog Monastery Day Trip
Tour 3 | Durmitor National Park Hiking Tour – Easy to Moderate
HANGING OUT AT TARA RIVER CANYON IS A TREAT
I don’t think any trip to Durmitor is complete without seeing the Tara River Canyon. Also known as the Tara Gorge, the behemoth is the largest and deepest canyon in all of Europe.
It’s a truly special place to see.
While there are plenty of spots in the park to capture views of the canyon, one stands out amongst the crowd. That would be the Đurđevića Tara Bridge.
Have a coffee and marvel at the bridge’s concrete arches. Feel the wind against your face as you cross it, or try to avoid vertigo while staring down at the vibrant Tara River. It’s also the place where all the action happens (but more on that in a moment).
I spent hours here, staring in awe at the UNESCO-protected canyon. Almost every country in the world has a place that they call their version of the Grand Canyon, but the comparisons here are actually legitimate.
You can spend hours in this area finding all the best spots for views. I suggest walking to each side of the bridge and wandering around to see all the different viewing decks.
Getting There | When I was last here, there was a local bus that went between the Žabljak Bus Station and Tara Canyon before heading further along towards the Serbian border. You can head to the tourist information to gather more information on the timetables.
IT’S PERFECT FOR ADRENALINE JUNKIES
Every now and then it’s nice to get out of your comfort zone. There are plenty of opportunities for that in Durmitor National Park.
Traverse the Tara River on a white water rafting tour like this ‘Tara River Rafting Tour with Park Entry‘ one. Get adventurous with a canyoning trip through frigid waters.
Feel like you’re flying on a zipline over the tremendously deep Tara Gorge, or do all of the above. Pretty much any mountain-type activity you can think of is available in the national park.
Remember when I said all the action happens at the Đurđevića Tara Bridge?
Well, these activities are what I meant. The majority of them leave from the shops that line the Tara River Canyon next to Đurđevića Tara Bridge.
If you are an adrenaline junkie, look no further than Durmitor.
DURMITOR IS GREAT FOR BOTH SUMMER AND WINTER LOVERS
Durmitor National Park is primarily a two-season destination. In the summer, you get great hiking weather, water-based activities, and all other outdoor interests. A buzz of excitement hangs in the air, and a journey through nature seems inevitable.
During the winter, the ski resorts open up, and the whole region shows a different side of itself. Hiking boots are traded in for snowshoes. The adventurous turn towards skiing and snowboarding. Lakes freeze over, and the scenery starts looking like a picture from a winter fairytale.
If you are in pursuit of a heart-pumping quest or just a relaxing walk in the fresh mountain air, Durmitor National Park has got it all.
I enjoyed my visit to the protected area immensely, and I hope the next time you’re in Montenegro, this inspires you to do the same!
WHERE TO STAY IN ŽABLJAK
Žabljak will be the main tourist hub for most travelers. It has loads of accommodations to choose from, makes for a nice base for hiking, and offers several year-round restaurant options.
You can expect a mix of cozy lodges, traditional Montenegrin hotels, and family-run guesthouses around town. There’s something for every budget, too.
Here are a few places I recommend:
Hostel Highlander | I’m not a hundred percent about it, but I think it’s the only hostel in town. Either way, it’s a cozy and social place with dorm rooms at budget-friendly rates.
Guest House Durmitor Paradise | A beautiful guesthouse with rooms ranging from doubles to studios to family-friendly apartments. It’s quite central and is a great spot during both summer and winter.
View of Durmitor | Cozy lodge a bit outside of Žabljak. They have nice apartments and studios with modern amenities.
Casa di Pino EcoLodge Hotel | Gorgeous modern lodge with an on-site sauna and an attentive staff.
North Story | A luxury chalet on the outskirts of Žabljak with an on-site restaurant and wonderful staff.
For more options around Žabljak, check here.
