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.
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.
Sun came out on my second visit, which allowed a clear view of Medjed peak and Savin Kuk, the peak on the left.
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.
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.
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Table of Contents
Things to Do in Black Lake, Montenegro
Black Lake Hike
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
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
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
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
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: you’ll find any type of property you can think of in their massive listing, with one of the most comprehensive filters. We’ve found great deals on boutique hotels, apartments, and private rooms in hostels.
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
Love the photos!
Looks like a wonderful place to visit.
Thank you! Montenegro is indeed a wonderful place.