Durmitor
Durmitor – The Mountain Gem of Montenegro
Durmitor is a mountain massif located in the north-west of Montenegro and is part of the Dinaric Alps mountain system. It is one of the most beautiful natural areas in the Balkans, known for its impressive mountain peaks, glacial lakes and deep canyons. The highest peak of Durmitor is Bobotov Kuk, reaching an altitude of 2,523 metres above sea level. The massif has as many as 48 peaks higher than 2,000 metres, making it one of the most attractive mountain areas for hikers and nature lovers.
Durmitor National Park
Durmitor National Park was established in 1952 and encompasses the Durmitor mountain massif as well as the canyons of the Tara, Sušica and Draga rivers, together with part of the Komarnica canyon plateau. The park covers an area of approximately 390 km² and is the largest protected area in Montenegro.
Due to its exceptional natural value, Durmitor was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1980.
Tara River Canyon
Within the national park lies the Tara river canyon, which at approximately 1,300 metres deep and 80 kilometres long is the deepest canyon in Europe and one of the deepest in the world. This canyon is a popular destination for rafting and adventure tourism.
The Origin of the Name Durmitor
There are several theories about the origin of the name Durmitor. One theory suggests the name comes from the Romanian language and means “sleeping place”, related to the word dormitory. It is believed to have been given by Romanian shepherds who inhabited this area during the Middle Ages. Another theory claims the name originates from Celtic, where it could mean “mountain water” or “mountain with ridges”.
Mountain Peaks of Durmitor
Durmitor has a large number of high mountain peaks, among the most famous are:
- Bobotov Kuk – 2.523 m
- Bezimeni vrh – 2.487 m
- Šljeme – 2.455 m
- East Peak of Šljeme – 2.445 m
- Soa (Đevojka) – 2.440 m
- Milošev Tok – 2.426 m
- Bandijerna – 2.409 m
- Rbatina – 2.401 m
- Lučin Vrh – 2.396 m
- Prutaš – 2.393 m
- Minin Bogaz – 2.387 m
- Planinica – 2.330 m
- Kobilja Glava – 2.321 m
- Savin Kuk – 2.313 m
- Šupljika – 2.310 m
Glacial Lakes – "Mountain Eyes"
Durmitor is known for its 18 glacial lakes scattered across the mountain massif and the Jezerska površ plateau. Due to their beauty and crystal-clear water, these lakes are often called “Mountain Eyes”. The most well-known among them are:
- Black Lake
- Great Škrčko Lake
- Small Škrčko Lake
- Zeleni Vir
- Jablan Lake
- Valovito Lake
- Vir u Lokvicama
- Srablje Lake
- Blue Lake (Modro jezero)
- Suva lokva
- Zminje Lake
- Barno Lake
- Pošćensko Lake
- Zabojsko Lake
- Vražje Lake
- Riblje Lake
- Zminičko Lake
- Sušičko Lake
The most famous and most visited is Black Lake (Crno jezero), located near the town of Žabljak and one of Montenegro’s most renowned tourist attractions.
Tourism and Activities on Durmitor
Durmitor is the centre of mountain tourism in Montenegro, with most tourist facilities located around the town of Žabljak.
Throughout the year, visitors can enjoy a wide range of activities:
