What are your most favourite places that you’ve been to?, I get asked a lot. One place always makes the list: Durmitor National Park in northwest Montenegro. It’s impossible to leave out this UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its stunning landscape composed of rugged peaks, pine forests, and lakes.
I spent seven days in Durmitor and I can’t wait to go back. Love the outdoors? Make a visit to this mountain wonderland a priority.
This guide will help you learn about things to do in Durmitor National Park, with practical tips to plan your trip whether you only have one day or one week.
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Table of Contents
What to Do in Durmitor National Park
Go to the Black Lake (Crno Jezero)
Locals call the glacier lakes of Durmitor “Mountain Eyes”. Of all the 18 “eyes” across the park, the Black Lake is the biggest and the most seen. Not only because the lake and its surroundings are beautiful, but also because it’s quite easy to get there.
Other than seeing it, you can also hike around it, swim on it, paddle on it, and picnic and camp near it. Enough to keep you busy for about half a day.
To learn more about all you can do there, check out my blog post about how to visit the Black Lake.
Walk Along the Historic Tara Bridge to See the Tara River Canyon
The Đurđevića Tara Bridge spans 350 metres (1,148 ft.) across the Tara River canyon, the deepest gorge in Europe.
This engineering feat is composed of a 116-metre long (380 ft.) arch that sits right above the river at 172 metres high (564 ft.) and four smaller arches on one side.
The concrete bridge was completed in 1940 after two years of construction, only to be partially blown up two years later with the help of one of the engineers who designed it.
Why? To stop an invasion from the Italian fascist army during World War II.
The damaged section was rebuilt shortly after the end of the war and today you can walk along the bridge to enjoy a panoramic view of the Tara River canyon, a Biosphere Reserve.
Even though the view of the canyon is fantastic I wouldn’t make this a mandatory stop unless you have enough time to see the rest of Durmitor or schedule other activities around this spot, like the ones I mention next.
Note: be aware that there isn’t a dedicated lane for pedestrians on the bridge and finding a parking spot ain’t easy.
Zip Line and Do Rafting or White Water Rafting on the Tara River
You can combine sightseeing with adventure and see up close the turquoise shades of the Tara River by joining a white water rafting tour.
The scenery includes a great variety of plants (about 1,300 species) covering the walls of the canyon, serving as habitat to more than 100 species of birds.
You can also try zip lining over Montenegro’s longest river. The zip line is close to the Tara bridge and runs parallel to it so you can have great views of the structure and the canyon from a 150-metre (492 ft.) high viewpoint.
There are highly rated tours available for both activities with pickup from several points in Montenegro:
To add more excitement to your trip go on a white water rafting tour with pick up points from Kotor, Budva, Tivat, and Herceg Novi.
Have fun on the river with this tour, with more than 200 (96%) 5-star reviews.
If you’re after a more relaxed experience take a private tour that stops at the Tara Bridge (ziplining optional), the Black Lake, and Biograd Lake. Tour departs from several pick up points around Montenegro.
See Durmitor with this tour, with more than 35 (95%) 5-star reviews.
Visit the St. Michael The Archangel Orthodox Monastery
If you’re already around the Tara River valley check out the remains of the nearby Archangel Michael Monastery.
You’ll find a small church (emphasis on small) from the 14th century, featuring an original lower wall separated from the reconstructed section by a thick dark gray line. You’ll see a dome ceiling and a beautiful floor mosaic in front of a modestly decorated iconostasis.
Walk past the church and follow a downhill winding path that will take you to the Tara River. We spent some quiet time here, looking at the forest covering the sheer walls of the canyon.
Directions: get off on the first side road you find on your left when driving north on road P4, past the Tara bridge. The unpaved, narrow road ends at the entrance arch.
Hike in Durmitor
If you love hiking, in Durmitor National Park you’ll feel happier than a pig at a vegan festival.
There are about 100 kilometres (62 miles) of trails crossing mountains, forests, lakes, and caves.
49 peaks that reach an altitude of more than 2,000 metres (6,560 ft.) above sea level paint a dramatic skyline in Durmitor, creating a backdrop for unforgettable hikes.
Whether you want to tackle an easy or a difficult trail, you’ll have plenty of options and they all have wonderful views. To learn more, check out my blog post about hiking in Durmitor.
It’s one of the most stunning hiking destinations I’ve visited.
Drive or Bike on the Durmitor Ring
If you need to take a break from hiking or if you want to enjoy the landscape without breaking a sweat, drive along the Durmitor Ring (Durmitorski Prsten), the most impressive of Montenegro’s Panoramic Roads.
Stop at the many viewpoints which include lakes, ravines, and small villages. Obviously, you need a car for this, unless you’re up for an adventure and you can tackle a moderate bike route.
Check rental car availability and rates in Montenegro
Take a Scenic Cable Car Ride at the Savin Kuk Ski Resort
The Savin Kuk Ski Center is also open during summer so you don’t have to be a skier to do this.
You’ll hop on the ski lift to enjoy wonderful views effortlessly and get close to Savin Kuk (peak). During the 20-minute ride you’ll soar over tall trees and rock formations partially covered with grasses.
We took two lifts to reach the top, the second one was way steeper, and the chair looks flimsier. Let’s say that is a little bit scary.
After reaching the upper station you can hike to enjoy the gorgeous landscape and reach the peak or just ride back.
On the way down you’ll see the big valley with mountains in the distance.
You can see that this isn’t a gondola-type cable car, it’s a chairlift.
You have an unobstructed view, but if you’re slightly afraid of heights you may not enjoy it that much.
For the second leg (on the scary-looking-flimsy-looking chair), I bent my legs as I did on the first one, not realizing that the seat was higher and I needed to do a mini jump. The edge of the seat hit my lower back and pushed me a few feet until I fell to the ground, with the bar nearly missing my head on its way up, according to bystanders. Are you OK? It nearly missed your head!
I managed to get on the chair on my second attempt and up I went. Bruised, but happy to have survived my first trip on a chairlift.
All this to say: pay attention when you get on the second lift.
If you visit Durmitor National Park during winter you’ll find ski trails for different levels, as well as separate snowboard trails.
It may not be Europe’s most modern ski resort, but snow is pretty much guaranteed.
Tips to Plan Your Trip to Durmitor National Park
Žabljak: the Main Town in Durmitor
Žabljak (pronounced ZSA-bleeahk, as in Zsa Zsa Gabor) is the commercial and tourist hub in Durmitor, where you’ll find two well-stocked supermarkets, stores, restaurants, cafes, hotels and apartments.
Here, you’ll also find the only gas station inside the park, a bus station with routes that connect to main destinations in Montenegro, and a visitor centre where you can find maps and general information.
How Long Do You Need in Durmitor National Park?
I would plan for at least three days in Durmitor. Even though you can stay longer than that and still fill your days with outdoor activities (I stayed one week and I want to return to do more!) three days is enough to do some hiking, try the suggestions I listed above, and do some sightseeing.
If you only have one day but you still want to see this beauty (totally worth it!), it’s better to take a day tour like this one, so you focus on the landscape rather than the long drive on a steep and winding road.
Where to Stay in Durmitor National Park
Chalet-style apartments with kitchenettes are a great option to stay in Durmitor, which also gives you the opportunity to interact with the locals, which I found to be very friendly.
Domaćinstvo Krstajić -Rural Holiday: we loved our stay in this country house, a 5-minute drive from Žabljak. We booked the Deluxe Double Studio on the Ground floor, with an equipped kitchenette, private bathroom, and a seating and dining area . Not a luxury accommodation, but it’s comfortable, clean, quiet, with good wifi, and the hospitality is one of the best we’ve experienced.
Check rates and availability at Domaćinstvo Krstajić, with a 9.5/10 rating based on more than 265 reviews
Hotel Soa: this 4-star hotel is right on Žabljak. We stopped at this 4-star hotel for dinner on our way back from Black Lake, a short walk away. We liked the modern facilities, the views of the pine forest, and the good food. Some units have a kitchenette and breakfast is included.
Check rates and availability at Hotel Soa, with a 9.0/10 rating based on more than 1,180 reviews.
Best Time to Visit Durmitor National Park
If you’re planning to do activities like hiking and rafting the best time to visit Durmitor is between June and October.
Take into consideration that temperatures in Durmitor are lower than in Podgorica and the coastal towns along the Adriatic Sea. We stayed in the park in August and at times we had to wear long sleeves and a sweater, especially at night.
How to Get to Durmitor National Park
By Bus
You can travel direct by bus to Žabljak, in Durmitor, from the following cities:
-Podgorica (around 2.5 hours)
-Kotor (around 3.5 hours)
-Budva (4.75 hours)
-Tivat (4.25 hours
-Pljevlja (1.5 hours)
-Nikšić (1.5 hours)
To see schedules, prices, and to buy tickets online, check www.busticket4.me. The ticket is sent to your email address. Always print it as some drivers do not accept the digital version and sometimes you even have to print it at the station (for a fee).
Alternatively, you can also check the schedule online and buy your ticket at the bus station.
By Car
Renting a car is the best way to get to Durmitor because you need one if you want to explore the park beyond the town of Žabljak (unless you take taxis all the time), where the bus station is located.
Main roads in good shape connect major urban centres to Durmitor, and since Montenegro is a small country nothing is too far away.
However, if that isn’t an option for you, keep reading.
Getting Around Durmitor National Park Without a Car
Even though a car is recommended, that doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy the park without one. You’ll just have more limited options unless you rely on taxi rides to drop you off and pick you up from trailheads.
-You’ll be better off staying overnight and finding accommodation in Žabljak. This is where the bus will drop you off and the only place in Durmitor where you’ll find stores and supplies.
-From Žabljak you can walk to the Black Lake, where you can swim, kayak, hike, and access other trailheads to hike further.
-You can rent a bike (or an e-bike) to go around the Durmitor Ring on our own, or join a guided bike tour departing from Hotel Soa, in Žabljak. This is an option if you have good stamina and you’re an experienced biker.
Ready to be wowed by the most beautiful scenery of Montenegro? With so many activities available, suitable for all levels, you’ll surely find your slice of paradise in Durmitor National Park. Share this post with someone who loves hiking in the forest so they can add it to their bucket list.
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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
