What is this place

Ledena Pećina is an ice cave on Durmitor beneath the summit of Obla Glava, at ~2160 m. From the entrance a steep ~40 m snow–ice ramp drops to the cave floor, where year-round ice stalagmites and columns stand.

Key features

  • High-alpine setting (~2160 m) – perpetual shade preserves ice all year.
  • Entrance slope ~40 m – often firm snow; safest to descend by step-cutting or with a rope.
  • Main chamber about 40×20 m – a stable cold microclimate.
  • Ice formations – from tiny “candles” to multi-metre pillars; dripwater keeps sculpting new figures.
  • Pure meltwater dripping from the roof – useful to top up bottles (carefully, without damaging the ice).

What to see

  • Ice stalagmites, columns and translucent “curtains”.
  • The steep snow/ice entry ramp.
  • Broad Durmitor views near Obla Glava outside the cave.

History

Formed in Dinaric karst, the cave’s shaded entrance acts as a cold-air trap, keeping ice intact even in midsummer.

With the growth of Durmitor trails, Ledena Pećina became a classic natural stop on hikes around Sedlo Pass and the Dobri Do basin.

Practical information

Location: Durmitor National Park, near Obla Glava; nearest road access at Sedlo Pass (P14, Durmitor Ring).
Getting there: drive from Žabljak to Sedlo; continue on waymarked alpine paths toward Obla Glava, then a short approach to the entrance. Final section is a steep snow/ice slope.
Access: wild cave with no lighting or barriers; go only in good weather and with basic gear (helmet, gloves, headlamp; rope recommended).
Visiting hours: June–September when trails are largely snow-free; inside expect ~0…+2 °C.
Visit duration: 2–4 h including drive, approach and return; 15–30 min inside the cave.
Best time: around midday for more ambient light at the entrance; dry, stable conditions.
Notes: sturdy boots and warm windproof layers; do not touch or break ice formations – this is a protected natural feature.