Durmitor Mountains and Black Lake: Tours into the Heart of Montenegro’s Nature

Durmitor Mountains and Black Lake: Tours into the Heart of Montenegro’s Nature

If you’re looking for the wild side of Montenegro – far from tourist crowds, noisy beaches, and hotel bustle – head to Durmitor National Park. This is a land of rugged mountains, deep canyons, glacial lakes, and crystal-clear air. It’s home to Black Lake, one of the most stunning natural landmarks in the country, often called “the eye of the mountains.”

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the park is perfect for day trips, active tours, and true outdoor adventures.

What is Durmitor and why is it worth visiting?

Durmitor is a national park and mountain range in northern Montenegro, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It offers dramatic landscapes with sharp peaks, deep canyons, glacial lakes, and dense pine forests. In summer, visitors come for hiking, biking, rafting on the Tara River, and swimming in Black Lake. In winter, the area becomes a hub for skiing and snowboarding. It’s the perfect destination for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and anyone wanting to explore a wilder, less touristy side of Montenegro.

Black Lake – the jewel of Durmitor

Black Lake (Crno jezero) is the most famous and scenic lake in Durmitor National Park, located just 3 km from the town of Žabljak. The lake is made up of two connected parts joined by a narrow strait, surrounded by pine forest and mountain peaks. You can walk the circular trail around the lake (about 3.5 km), enjoy a picnic, rent a boat, or simply relax in the silence and fresh mountain air. In summer, the water is warm enough for swimming. It’s a perfect spot for family outings, photography lovers, and anyone seeking a peaceful escape into nature.

How to get there and when to go

• From the coast (Budva, Kotor, Tivat): 3.5 to 4.5 hours by car
• Best time to visit: May to October (keep in mind that there may still be snow at higher altitudes in May)
• Winter season: Popular as a ski resort (Žabljak)

If you don’t want to worry about planning the route yourself, the easiest and most cost-effective option is to book a tour – especially for a one-day trip. Below is a curated selection of the best Durmitor and Black Lake tours from trusted providers:

What else to do in Durmitor?

• Tackle the Nevidio Canyon – perfect for adrenaline seekers
• Ride a zip-line over the Tara Canyon or go whitewater rafting
• Try traditional Montenegrin food in a mountain village
• Plan a photo tour – Durmitor is stunning in any light and season
  

Here’s a curated selection of tours offering these experiences:

Tips for Visiting Durmitor:

• Dress for the weather – even in summer, it can be cool and windy in the mountains
• Bring water, sunglasses, and comfortable shoes – essentials for a day outdoors
• Ask your guide about trail difficulty if you’re planning a hike
• Choose a tour with transfer to avoid the hassle of renting a car or navigating on your own

Durmitor is the heart of wild Montenegro. There are no beaches here – only silence, fresh air, evergreen forests, and dramatic mountain landscapes. A tour to Black Lake and the Durmitor mountains offers true relaxation for the body and a reset for the mind.

To make your trip as smooth as possible, book in advance via GetYourGuide or Viator – you’ll get transport, a guide, insurance, and a full day immersed in Montenegro’s breathtaking nature.