Durmitor National Park
Durmitor Nacionalni Park
A national park and limestone massif in northern Montenegro. A UNESCO World Heritage site.
Established in 1952, the park comprises summits rising to 2523 meters at Bobotov Kuk, deep canyons and high karst plateaus. It contains around eighteen glacial lakes, the best known being Black Lake near Žabljak.
How to Get There
From Žabljak by taxi or transfer ~12 min.
From TGD airport (Podgorica) by taxi/transfer ~131 min.
From TIV airport (Tivat) by taxi/transfer ~126 min.
Description
What is it
Durmitor National Park is a high-mountain massif in northern Montenegro with glacial cirques, 18 alpine lakes and the Tara River Canyon. The highest peak is Bobotov Kuk at 2523 m. Established in 1952, it forms a UNESCO World Heritage site together with the Tara Canyon.
Key features
- Area about 390 km² – classic Dinaric karst and glacial relief.
- 18 “mountain eyes” – glacial lakes, with Black Lake the best known near Žabljak.
- Tara Canyon ~60 km long and up to ~1300 m deep – top European whitewater.
- 48+ summits over 2000 m – Zupci, Prutaš, Planinica ridges with far-reaching views.
- Rich alpine fauna and Balkan endemics across fir–spruce and beech forests.
What to see
- Black Lake and the ~3.5 km lakeside loop under Međed.
- Đurđevića Tara Bridge with canyon viewpoints.
- The scenic Durmitor Ring (P14) over Sedlo Pass and Sedlena Greda peak.
History
Created in 1952 to protect glacial–karst landforms, primeval forests and lakes, the area became a UNESCO Man and the Biosphere reserve in 1977.
In 1980 “Durmitor National Park with the Tara Canyon” was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for outstanding natural beauty and geomorphology. From the late 20th century, hiking, mountaineering, rafting and nature tourism have flourished.
Practical information
Location: northern Montenegro; main gateway town is Žabljak; key access points include Đurđevića Tara Bridge and Sedlo Pass.
Getting there: drive from Podgorica via Nikšić or via Mojkovac/Plužine to Žabljak; follow P14 (Durmitor Ring) to Sedlo.
Access: trails and lakes are open in season; some areas require park registration at visitor points.
When to visit: year-round; main hiking June–October; Tara rafting typically May–September.
Visit duration: 1 day for highlights; 2–3 days or more for ridge and lake treks.
Best time: June–September for hikes and lakes; May–June for higher-water rafting; crisp autumn for vistas.
Special notes: mountain weather changes fast – bring layers, water and sturdy boots; expect scree and karst potholes on high ridges; winter ascents require skills and kit.
