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    How to Visit Black Lake in Montenegro

    By Mayra Carvajal

    Surrounded by more pines than bees around a honeycomb, Black Lake (Crno Jezero) in northern Montenegro, is a sight to behold. It’s the largest and most visited of the 18 glacier lakes in Durmitor National Park.

    Why?

    First, it’s a stone throw away from Žabljak, the main town inside the national park. Which means it’s a busy site, especially if you go on a weekend, aim for a weekday if you can.

    Second, beyond its convenient location, as it’s also quite scenic. You’ll see the imposing Medjed peak in the distance, and nothing but a conifer forest that extends from the lower section of the mountain to the edge of the green lake.

    A lakeshore with a pine forest along the edge and two peaks on a sunny day
    Beautiful Black Lake in Durmitor National Park, Montenegro

    Yes, green. Aquamarine. Even blue sometimes depending on the sunlight, but definitely not black unless you look down on it from above. It’s called Black Lake because of the black pines, which have green needles and dark trunks (but not really black either). 

    When I first came here it was overcast, with dark clouds covering the top of the mountain and painting the site with a mysterious vibe. At times there was no wind and the lake would turn into a perfect mirror reflecting the pine forest.

    A lake surrounded by a pine forest with a peak in the background hidden by clouds and grasses in the foregroud
    A cloudy day at Black Lake in Montenegro

    Sun came out on my second visit, which allowed a clear view of Medjed peak and Savin Kuk, the peak on the left.

    Two high peaks overlooking a calm lake with pine trees
    Savin Kuk is on the left and Medjed peak on the right

    The Black Lake is formed by two lakes aptly named Big and Small. When you enter the site from the road in Žabljak you’ll first see the Big Lake (Veliko Jezero).

    When you walk along the edge you’ll eventually find the Small Lake (Malo Jezero), although they are connected when the water level is high, forming one body.

    A lake with grasses on the shore and pine-covered mountains in the background
    Step on the trail or paddle to the Small Lake

    The water feeding the lakes comes from rain, creeks, and underground springs, flowing between the two in one direction or the other depending on the season, ending up in the Tara River and the Piva River.

    Disclosure: This post contains some affiliate links. If you make a purchase through those links I will earn a commission at no additional cost to you (zero, nada). To check the full disclaimer, click here.


    Table of Contents

    • Things to Do in Black Lake, Montenegro
      • Black Lake Hike
      • Rent a Canoe or a Kayak
      • Swim in Black Lake
      • Camping near Black Lake
      • Try Local Goodies
      • Test Your Endurance at the Black Lake Triathlon
    • Tours to Black Lake 
    • Black Lake Entrance Fee
    • How to Get to Black Lake in Montenegro
    • Where to Stay Near Black Lake

    Things to Do in Black Lake, Montenegro

    Black Lake Hike

    A trail in a dense forest with giant pine trees
    Hike the Black Lake loop

    The hike around Black Lake is one of the most popular in Durmitor National Park not only thanks to its convenient location, but also because it’s an easy hike (with some moderate difficulty sections).

    It’s easy as in you don’t need hiking sticks and the elevation gain is only slightly above 100 metres (328 feet) , but you still need proper footwear. It can also be muddy and slippery when wet and some sections inside the forest have rocks and roots that don’t make it suitable for strollers. 

    From Black Lake you can access other hiking trails with different levels of difficulty.

    Rent a Canoe or a Kayak

    A canoe with two people paddling on a lake surrounded by a pine forest
    You can rent a canoe or a kayak at Black Lake

    With a length of a bit over one kilometre (0.6 miles) and a width of about 800 metres (0.5 miles), you can easily spend an hour or two paddling around Black Lake. Canoes and kayaks are available for rent for €8/hour.

    Swim in Black Lake

    A lake with clear waters on the shore and aquamarine shades in the distance, with a conifer forest in the background crowned by a peak with clouds
    Swim in the clear waters along the shores of Black Lake

    If you want to swim in Durmitor National Park, Black Lake is the perfect spot to do so, if you can withstand the cold water.

    Camping near Black Lake

    Two road signs reading "Crno Jazero" and "Kamp Ivan Do"
    You can camp at Black Lake

    Ivan Do is a campsite located about 10 minutes by foot from Black Lake where you can set up your tent or park your campervan.

    It’s open from mid-April to mid-October and it has basic facilities such as bathrooms with hot showers, Wi-Fi, and electricity.

    Try Local Goodies

    On your way to the entrance from Žabljak you’ll find kiosks selling berries, jams, honey, homemade wine and rakija (a strong liqueur that’s like a brandy), as well as handicrafts.

    Enjoy a picnic at Black Lake and try some of the local delicacies.

    Test Your Endurance at the Black Lake Triathlon

    If you’re as fit as a Peloton instructor and you’re ready for an extreme adventure, sign up for the Blacklake Xtreme Triathlon, a long and beyond demanding course around Durmitor that starts and ends at Black Lake. The event takes place around mid September or early October. 
    For more info go to https://blackxtri.com/


    Tours to Black Lake 

    A lake reflecting the surrounding pine forest on a sunny day
    Short on time? Take a tour that stops at Black Lake

    If you have limited time and you want to see the Black Lake and other gorgeous sites in Durmitor National Park, this tour is a good option as you get to spend more time on each site and less time sitting on a bus:

    Black Lake and Tara River Canyon tour: spend time in this scenic lake while also stopping at the Tara River Canyon and other pretty sites. Different pick up points available.
    Book this tour, with more than 35 (95%) 5-star reviews 


    Black Lake Entrance Fee

    The entrance fee to Black Lake is €5, which you pay at the booth (bring cash) and it’s valid all day for all sites within Durmitor National Park. 

    Parking (which is along the street) is an additional €3 per hour. Depending on where you’re staying in Žabljak you can walk here as it’s only about two kilometres (1.2 miles) away from the town’s edge.

    Note: there are washrooms on site, but they’re poorly maintained.


    How to Get to Black Lake in Montenegro

    Once you get to the town of Žabljak it’s easy to reach the Black Lake.

    If you’re coming by bus (check the bus routes and schedules from different cities in Montenegro on www.busticket4.me), you can either do a 5-minute taxi ride to the site or go for a 3-kilometre flat walk.

    Visiting Black Lake as a day trip is possible, although it will be a long, long day.

    If you’re planning to enjoy the many beautiful sites around Durmitor National Park (highly recommended), your best bet is to rent a car as other attractions aren’t accessible by public transit.

    Check car rental rates in Montenegro here


    Where to Stay Near Black Lake

    Hotel Soa is one of the best accommodations in Žabljak and the closest to Black Lake (other than the campsite), less than 20 minutes away by foot. 

    Hotel Soa is a modern 4-star hotel with suites in different sizes, a spa and an on-site restaurant.
    Check rates and availability, with a 9.1/10 rating.

    If you don’t mind staying a little bit further away from the lake, you can also find apartments for rent in town. Check out the map of Žabljak below to see your options:

     

    Are you ready to discover why the Black Lake in Montenegro is so famous? The beautiful forest and the high peaks will certainly not leave you indifferent.


    BOOKING FLIGHTS AND ACCOMMODATIONS

    Book your flight without losing your shirt

    We check Momondo to find great deals to book our flights. Also, check Great Escape: it combines the listings from Expedia, Kiwi, Kayak, (and Skyscanner on the premium service) to find the best airfares.

    To find a place to stay for less

    Booking.com: this site combines everything under the sun. You’ll find hotels, apartments, B&B, hostels, rooms, etc., with all sort of filters to make your search a breeze.

    Hotwire: the first site I check when we plan to stay at a hotel for a few nights. You can save anything from 20% to 60%.  Use the search filter to find what you want and you’ll end up with three listings that match your criteria. You’ll know which one you’ll get after you book. If you can handle a little bit of uncertainty you can score big savings.

    House Sitting: you take care of people’s pets and house for free while staying for free. It’s the closest thing to experiencing a place “like a local”. But it comes with responsibilities… Are you an animal lover? It may become your new way to travel.

    To get travel insurance

    SafetyWing: travel medical insurance that gives us peace of mind knowing that we’re covered in case of emergency. It’s convenient, affordable, and suitable for digital nomads who spend a long time outside their home country.

    Check the full list of travel resources on my Resource Page for more options and savings

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    About Mayra Carvajal

    Hi, I’m Mayra. A full-time nomad with an appetite for travelling. Art and design are my salt and pepper, with a side order of nature and outdoors. When I’m not gazing at architecture or any other form of art, you’ll see me on a hiking trail, at the top of an ancient ruin, or under a beach umbrella. Here you’ll find practical tips for independent trips, travel stories, and images that may inspire you to explore a new place or high-five your creative muse. Read my About page if you want to learn more about how this site can help you travel more.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Christine

      August 5, 2024 at 9:26 AM

      Love the photos!
      Looks like a wonderful place to visit.

      • Mayra Carvajal

        August 5, 2024 at 2:38 PM

        Thank you! Montenegro is indeed a wonderful place.

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