24 July 2025.
Planning your visit to Durmitor National Park? These are all the best things to see and do, whether you’re an avid hiker or laidback nature lover.
UNESCO-listed Durmitor National Park is defined by an immense massif of chiselled limestone peaks which tumble into an ocean of forest and the vast Jezerska Površ, the plateau of lakes. Along its periphery, dramatic canyons steal the show, carved over thousands of years of glacial activity.
With four visits to Durmitor National Park under my belt spread over 9 years, most of my memories of the place are consumed by the exceptional hikes on offer – scuttling along craggy ridge lines, diving into crystalline lakes and frolicking through gloriously green meadows awash with spring wildflowers.
After all, the extensive network of diverse, well-managed trails is a key reason why Durmitor is such a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts – it simply never gets old – but for those keen to hang up their boots for a few days and enjoy a more leisurely visit, you’ll also find plenty to keep you occupied.
Nestled beneath the mountains, the sprawling town of Žabljak acts as the gateway to Durmitor National Park and is the ideal place to base yourself in the area, providing easy access to the park, supermarkets, restaurants, and several local attractions.
From scenic mountain drives that swerve between spectacular peaks, to turquoise lakes with formidable mountain backdrops, to fun-filled river rafting adventures and peaceful forest strolls, there’s plenty to love in Montenegro’s mountainous north west, whether you’re keen to explore on or off the trails.
This guide covers all the best things to see and do in and around Žabljak and Durmitor National Park.
Žabljak lies around 2.5 hours from Podgorica following the M18 past Nikšić before turning onto the P5 through Savnik. The entire route is paved and in good condition.
The roads in town were given a complete revamp in 2024 and all parking bays located along the main strip are now paid with two additional controlled parking areas opposite the VOLI supermarket (here) and next to the bus station (here).
The Black Lake or Crno Jezero is located 3 km west of Žabljak and marks the eastern entrance to Durmitor National Park. It’s the most popular attraction in the area and the starting point for numerous hiking trails.
Near the entrance, you’ll find two main parking areas located here and here which attract a €2 fee. In summer, these parking areas can become extremely busy and visitors will tend to park haphazardly along the roadside extending all the way into town so arriving early is recommended.
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FIND YOUR RENTAL CAR // With limited transport around Durmitor National Park, travelling by car is ideal and allows you the flexibility and convenience to best explore these spectacular mountains. It also often ends up being more cost effective than using public transport and taxis.
Podgorica is the best place to pick up your rental car with numerous options available from the airport and downtown area. Tivat is also a decent alternative for those arriving along the coast.
I recommend using Discover Cars who offers a variety of suppliers at competitive rates for the region. Find the best deals here.
I relied on a combination of public transport and taxis for my very first visit to Durmitor and, while a car is far more convenient, with a few compromises it’s possible to make it work without. Keep in mind though that the cost of using taxis to reach the more far flung locations can quickly add up.
A handful of daily buses travel between Podgorica and Žabljak taking 2.5 to 3 hours and costing €10 to €12. During peak season, there is also a direct service from the coast with stops at Budva, Tivat and Kotor.
There’s no local public transport around Žabljak and Durmitor National Park, but you’ll find a number of taxis in town, often located around the bus station, which can transport you short distances, including to the Black Lake, Bosača and Sedlo Pass.
Always confirm the price and have cash available before jumping in.
Žabljak and the gorgeous surrounding countryside makes an ideal base for exploring the various sections of Durmitor National Park. You’ll find a variety of options to suit any budget, from social hostels and locally-run guesthouses, to beautifully-situated mountain cabins and comfortable, modern chalets.
If you’re staying in town and travelling by car, I’d highly recommend choosing accommodation with parking available.
Hostel Hikers Den | For budget travellers, look no further than this homely hostel located right in the heart of town which offers both dormitory and private rooms, a communal kitchen and knowledgeable owners. It’s also consistently rated as one of the best hostels in Montenegro. Check rates and availability here.
Srna Chalet | A lovely, wallet-friendly guesthouse located a short walk from Žabljak’s main square, Srna Chalet offers a range of private rooms with shared bathrooms and a guest kitchen in a large wooden house. There’s parking space for a couple of cars and the host is also super helpful. Check rates and availability here.
Spruce Hill Village | With a beautiful mountain setting just 10 minutes from Žabljak, Spruce Hill Village boasts a collection of charming self-contained chalets that are perfect for those eager to escape to the countryside. Guests love the warm hospitality and traditional breakfast. Check rates and availability here.
Casa di Pino Eco Lodge | As a top-rated option, Casa di Pino is an excellent choice boasting modern, comfortable rooms, friendly staff, a great breakfast and a sauna to soothe those tired muscles. Check rates and availability here.
Access to Durmitor National Park attracts a €5 entry fee per person, per day, or you can purchase an annual pass for €13.50 which covers all national parks in Montenegro for a calendar year.
If you plan to spend more than two days in Durmitor or visit any of the country’s other national parks, including Prokletije, Biogradska Gora, Lovćen, or Lake Skadar as part of your Montenegro itinerary, it’s well worth considering the annual pass which can be purchased on arrival or online in advance. See fee details here.
The two main control points for the national park are located at the Black Lake and the base of Sušica Canyon, however it’s not uncommon for rangers to patrol the most popular trailheads during high season to check visitor passes or collect the entry fee.
Cradled beneath the formidable dome of Mali Medjed and encircled in a belt of pine forest, the Black Lake or Crno Jezero and its dramatic backdrop has become emblematic of the entire Durmitor National Park.
This iconic setting is one of Montenegro’s most recognisable destinations and takes on many different faces, reflecting the often fickle mood of the seasons and the weather.
A mesmerising morning oasis where golden light streams across the mountains. An expanse of inky blackness where ominous clouds smother the towering peaks. A frozen wonderland that glitters beneath a clear cerulean sky.
Whatever portrait it presents, the Black Lake is always a highlight and should be on every visitor’s itinerary.
At first glance the lake appears to be one single pool, but it’s actually two separate water bodies. During the warmer months when water levels recede, a narrow isthmus is exposed to form a distinct figure-eight shape where each pool takes on a slightly different shade of blue.
To best experience the area, I’d recommend walking the Black Lake Circuit, an easy 3.5 km track which circles the entire lake, guiding you through the forest and offering up an ever changing perspective as you move around the shoreline.
Otherwise, you really can’t beat heading out on the water for a glorious post-hike swim below the indomitable peaks. Kayaks and boats are also available to rent from the national park office.
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Plan Your Visit
Location | Black Lake
Get There | The Black Lake sits 3 km from Žabljak and can be reached by car or on foot.
Parking | Parking 1 // Parking 2
Cost | National Park entrance fee is €5 per day or €13.50 for an annual pass. Parking is €2.
Trail Details | 3.5 km circuit // 1.5 hours // 130 m elevation gain
Rent | Rental prices are set by the national park and posted at the control point. As of 2025, boats are €10/h, while kayaks cost €4/h or €6/h for a single or double. Other equipment like hiking poles, tents etc. are also available for rent.
The Durmitor massif is marked by nearly 50 peaks that soar above 2,000 m and the absolute best way to experience the area is by heading out on one of its many spectacular walks.
Contorted craggy spires puncture the sky and plunge into immense glacial valleys. Vast tracts of forest conceal pristine lakes. Ice caves, waterfalls and flower-filled meadows sit side by side and simply beg to be explored.
The purpose of my very first visit here back in 2016 was to hike Bobotov Kuk, Durmitor’s highest peak at 2,523 m.
While that trip ended up being a complete washout of torrential rain and violent storms that forced me to toss all my carefully laid plans out the window, over my subsequent visits, it’s essentially become my mission to complete as many trails in the park as I can.
With an extensive web of hiking routes and options to suit a range of abilities, you’ll find a handful of tranquil, mostly flat forest trails that connect Durmitor’s serene glacial lakes, several more moderate all-day hikes, and a select few challenging peak ascents that will have you scrambling up vertical rock faces and scurrying along exposed ledges with a vice grip on the secured cables.
Whatever kind of trail you’re after, you certainly won’t be disappointed. These are some of the best Durmitor National Park hikes:
Easy | Black Lake Circuit // Jablan Lake // Curevac
Moderate | Prutaš Peak + Škrčko Lake // Planinica // Sušica Canyon // Crvena Greda // Šljeme // Savin Kuk
Difficult | Medjed + Terzin Bogaz // Bobotov Kuk // Menin Bogaz
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Plan Your Visit
Cost | For most hikes, you’ll need to pay the Durmitor National Park entrance fee of €5 per day or €13.50 for an annual pass. Key control points lie at the Black Lake and Sušica Canyon, though it’s also common for officers to wait at popular trailheads during peak season.
Trailheads | The vast majority of Durmitor National Park hiking trails begin from the Black Lake, or along the P14 between Sedlo Pass and Todorov Do. See individual hiking guides for the recommended trailheads.
Crossing a verdant section of the Tara River Canyon, Europe’s deepest gorge which extends along Durmitor’s northern boundary, the Đurđevića Tara Bridge is an impressive sight and among the most famous attractions in the region.
Spanning 365 metres with five distinct arches, the Tara Bridge was originally constructed in 1940 though needed to be rebuilt in 1946 after being partially destroyed during World War ll.
These days, it’s popular to walk across and enjoy the beautiful vantage point overlooking the steep forested walls of the canyon and the turquoise ribbon of the Tara River surging far below.
But, it’s not quite the peaceful experience that many visitors may expect.
This road remains a primary transport route between Montenegro and Serbia with a constant convoy of cars and trucks hurtling across the bridge and a backing track of zip lines emitting a high-pitched screech with every adrenaline seeker that launches themselves across the void
Still, it’s worth a look, just keep in mind that there’s only a narrow pavement for pedestrians.
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Plan Your Visit
Location | Đurđevića Tara Bridge
Get There | The Tara Bridge sits around 30 minutes east of Žabljak along the P5. I’d recommend arriving early in the day for less traffic and easy parking.
Parking | You’ll find roadside parking located here to the right of the bridge alongside the souvenir stalls. Be sure to turn right at the P5 / P4 intersection, rather than driving across the bridge.
Cost | Though the Đurđevića Tara Bridge falls within Durmitor National Park, it’s free to access and walk across. Zip lines range from around €10 to €25.
For those keen to kick back and experience the captivating beauty of Durmitor National Park from behind the wheel, the Durmitor Ring Road is for you.
The 79 km route takes around 4 hours to complete, however there are plenty of beautiful lookouts and points of interest along the way so I’d recommend allocating an entire day for the journey.
You can drive the route in either direction, though travelling anti-clockwise is best to get the roughest roads out of the way first and leave the most beautiful stretch to the very end.
Heading west from Žabljak through Bosača, the Durmitor Ring Road guides you across the plateau above the Tara River Canyon, through the verdant pastures that surround the tiny settlement of Mala Crna Gora, and down a series of steep hairpin bends into the magnificent Sušica Canyon.
Don’t miss the viewpoint on the way down and, once you reach the valley floor, be sure to take the short side road to check out Sušičko Lake.
Framed by a wall of impressive peaks, this seasonal alpine lake dries up quickly with the onset of spring and spends most of the year as a vivid green meadow, but this little-visited corner of the park is completely magical and one of Durmitor’s best kept secrets.
Continuing on, Nedajno offers up an even more impressive viewpoint overlooking the northern reaches of Sušica Canyon, before wrapping around the western side of the circuit past Trsa and its WWll memorial.
Although it’s not on the official route, don’t miss the half hour detour from Trsa to the Piva Canyon Viewpoint which gazes over the brilliant sapphire expanse of Piva Lake.
Back on track, the route meanders through a lovely stretch of rolling green hills and swings east along the P14 for the final and most spectacular section of the Durmitor Ring Road.
If you’re anything like me, you’ll be looking for every possible opportunity to pull over here, but a few key vantage points that shouldn’t be missed include the iconic Prutaš Peak viewpoint at Todorov Do, the Sedlo viewpoint at Dobri Do and Sedlo Pass.
Finally, continue north onto the P5 and return to Žabljak.
If you’d prefer not to spend all day in the car, the drive can also be paired with one of the many hiking trails that lie along the route provided you start early.
Skakala Waterfall or the full Sušica Canyon Trail is an obvious choice located about a third of the way along, while shorter trails like Crvena Greda or Prutaš Peak are also possibilities.
Alternatively, the southern section of the drive is the most scenic and can be completed in around an hour from Žabljak to Todorov Do with additional time factored in for the viewpoints.
In terms of road condition, there are some heavily damaged sections heading out of Bosača where potholes and uneven asphalt are common, but from Mala Crna Gora onwards most of the route is newly paved and in excellent condition.
Much of the way follows winding single-lane mountain roads and you’ll often need to pull over to let oncoming traffic pass.
Be careful of falling rocks on the descent into Sušica and Piva Canyons, and take care around blind corners as most vehicles tend to drive in the middle of the road.
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Plan Your Visit
Cost | In general, the Durmitor Ring Road is free to drive, however you will pass a national park control point at the base of Sušica Canyon where you’ll be flagged down to pay the €5 entrance fee.
Fuel | There are no fuel stops along the Durmitor Ring Road so be sure to fill up before setting off for the day. You’ll find an EKO petrol station on the P5 just past the Žabljak turn off or, if you get desperate along the way, Pluzine is a short detour off the main circuit.
Despite being one of Durmitor’s most impressive natural phenomena, aside from the Đurđevića Tara Bridge, viewpoints overlooking the magnificent chasm of the Tara River Canyon are surprisingly elusive.
That is, until you stumble upon Curevac.
Perched on the cliffs above a dramatic serpentine section of the river, this rocky outcrop at 1,625 m is easy to reach and provides one of the best vantage points of the Tara River Canyon.
From the trailhead, a straightforward 1 km path climbs along the edge of the west-facing escarpment to the summit which overlooks the vast ravine and provides spectacular views in both directions.
Though Curevac is worth a visit at any time of day, around sunset is best when the surrounding mountains burn vermillion in the fading light, herds of skittish chamois forage on the grassy hilltops, and the distant Durmitor massif stands proudly above the green plateau.
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Plan Your Visit
Location | Parking // Viewpoint
Get There | From Žabljak, it’s a 20-minute drive along a narrow road to the Curevac parking area.
Trail Details | 2 km out and back // 30 minutes // 70 m elevation gain
Cost | Free. While Curevac itself falls just within the Durmitor National Park boundary, the trail does not and there’s no control point at the trailhead (yet).
Durmitor National Park is home to 18 glacial lakes fondly referred to as ‘mountain eyes’.
Without a doubt, the most impressive lakes lie within the national park with a handful tucked away amongst its soaring peaks and sprawling pine forests, while the rest speckle the vast pastures that extend around the massif, known as Jezerska Površ or the Plateau of Lakes.
The enchanting Veliko Škrčko Jezero holds the well-deserved title of the ‘Jewel of Durmitor’ and can be reached within several hours of hiking, Sušičko Jezero holds a gorgeous location within the Sušica Canyon, and the famous Black Lake is one of Montenegro’s most iconic locations.
Nearby, Jablan Lake, Zminje Lake and Barno Lake are decidedly less impressive but still pretty and can be easily reached on foot.
Set further afield outside the national park, the two-toned lakes of Vražje Jezero and Riblje Jezero (Devil and Fish Lake) sit nestled amongst the vast plains that extend around the massif.
While they’re not quite as special as those inside the national park, the meandering road to get there provides a different perspective on the mountains from afar, gazing towards the eastern flank of Savin Kuk, Šljeme and the peaks that surround Sedlo Pass.
They’re also a popular and completely free swimming spot on oppressively hot summer weekends.
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Plan Your Visit
Get There | Veliko Škrčko Jezero or the Škrčko Lakes Valley can be reached on foot from all directions via Planinica, Prutaš, Sušica Canyon or Bobotov Kuk over the Samar Pass. Sušičko Jezero lies a short way off the Durmitor Ring Road while the Black Lake, Jablan Lake, Zminje Lake and Barno Lake all lie close to Žabljak.
Vražje Jezero and Riblje Jezero sit side-by-side 15 minutes south of Žabljak and can be reached by car. They’re best paired with a visit to the Tara Bridge via the TT4 road which meanders across the plateau and intersects with the P5 at the edge of the Tara River Canyon escarpment.
Cost | For the lakes located within the national park, you’ll mostly need to pay the €5 entry fee. Since, Vražje and Riblje lie outside the park, they are free to visit.
For a small mountain down where cosy cafes are in short supply, Shambhala is an absolute delight.
Set in the row of shops opposite the bus station, Shambhala is a bright and comfortable spot that offers indoor and outdoor seating, a small, well-executed menu, homemade cakes and the best bread in town.
Shakshuka is the specialty on their all day brunch menu, with a choice between the traditional tomato-based variety or a white version with a mushroom base. Dishes of falafel, polenta, salads and soups are also available.
If you’re after a post-hike sweet treat (yes, please!), don’t miss their wide selection of excellent cakes which are rotated daily.
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Plan Your Visit
Location | Shambhala Bakery
Cost | Coffees from €1.40, cakes from €3, brunch from around €5.
Fed by pristine water and surrounded in gorgeous views, rafting down the churning turquoise ribbon of the Tara River has become one of the most popular things to do in Durmitor National Park and was a highlight of my second visit to the area.
Depending on the time of year, the trip can vary from a fun but relatively mellow paddle, to a high-velocity experience where you’ll most likely end up in the freezing water on more than one occasion.
For maximum thrills, April and May are the best time to visit when spring snowmelt causes the river to swell, while July to September will provide a more easy-going adventure with fewer rapids to contend with.
Declining snowfall in recent years also means the seasonal force of the river is shifting slightly, but this remains a wonderful way to experience the beauty of the Tara River Canyon from its depths.
Šćepan Polje, the primary meeting point for rafting trips, sits around 2 hours from Žabljak. Although the way is spectacular, it’s a long drive so these trips are better suited to those arriving from the western side of the national park, such as Pluzine which is much closer.
For this reason, many rafting tours actually originate from the Montenegrin coast or from Bosnia and Herzegovina rather than from Žabljak.
While some tours do depart directly from Žabljak, these tend to cruise down a nearby section of river that passes under the Đurđevića Tara Bridge which is slightly less scenic and more mellow, covering far fewer rapids.
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Plan Your Visit
Get There | Most rafting tours use Šćepan Polje as their meeting point, with groups arriving independently or with tours originating from a number of key destinations in Montenegro or Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Whichever direction you come from in Montenegro, you’ll need to navigate to the M18 near Pluzine and travel directly up the Piva Canyon. From Bosnia, the M18 connects on the opposite side of the border and travels all the way to Sarajevo.
Cost | Prices start from €60 for a half-day rafting experience and climb to €100+ for packages that include transport or accommodation.
Book Your Tour | Most Tara River Rafting Trips begin from Brštanovica and travel downstream for 25 km to Šćepan Polje which lies at the confluence of the Tara and Piva Rivers and marks the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Tours generally spend around 3 hours on the water covering the most exciting part of the canyon where you’ll hurtle over 30 rapids with opportunities to swim along the way, including in a small pool that boasts just 5°C water. Think of it as nature’s ice bath.
Wetsuits, helmets and dry bags are provided and guests receive a full safety briefing before setting off. Lunch (and occasionally breakfast) is usually also included, with combined accommodation packages or multi-day trips available. While only a few operators seem to be available online, there are numerous companies strung along the river.
The vertiginous cliffs of Savin Kuk’s western flank which form a near perfect triangle make it one of the most distinct and recognisable peaks along Durmitor’s eastern boundary.
While it’s certainly possible to hike to the summit via a steep rocky trail, for those seeking a more leisurely experience, Savin Kuk also presents a rare opportunity to ascend one of the park’s spectacular giants without having to break a sweat.
In winter, Savin Kuk is home to Žabljak’s premier ski resort, but as spring casts off its thick winter coat, the resort’s two chair lifts remain active to hoist keen visitors up the mountain.
The lower chairlift ‘Savin Kuk l’ carries visitors to 1,907 m, followed by ‘Savin Kuk ll’ which covers the final ascent to the upper station at 2,180 m. Now, it’s worth noting that this last leg is extremely steep and may be somewhat hair-raising for those that are nervous around heights.
From here, it’s a 750 m or 15-minute walk with 118 m of elevation gain to reach the Savin Kuk summit at 2,313 m.
From up top, the sheer cliffs tumble into the wide Velika Kalica Valley and rise into the reptilian spine of Medjed which stands guard above the Black Lake, while the formidable walls of Šljeme and Milošev Tok, Durmitor’s third and sixth highest peaks, snake towards the dazzling spires of the central massif.
A fantastic reward for very little effort.
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Plan Your Visit
Location | Savin Kuk Ski Centre
Get There | The ski centre lies just 10 minutes south of Žabljak via the P5 and P14 roads. This is one of Durmitor’s most popular peaks so aim to arrive early.
Cost | A ride on the chairlift costs €10 for adults or €7 for kids. Operation is heavily weather dependent and one or both chairlifts may stop running if poor weather blows in so be sure to check the forecast before setting out and be equipped to hike at least part of the way if needed.
Hiking Details | 9 km out and back // 4 hours // 793 m elevation gain
Same as the chairlift, the trail begins from the ski centre and follows a wide gravel road to the first station where it joins a steep rubble trail that continues to the upper station and on to the summit.
Savin Kuk is perhaps not among my absolute favourite Durmitor hiking trails since the constant whirring sound of the chairlift in the first half of the walk does detract slightly from the magic, but the immense cliffs that tower overhead as you move through the void that lies between Šljeme are hugely impressive and the views from up top are exceptional.
For anyone driving to Durmitor via Šavnik, the chiselled ribbon of Komarnica’s cliffs rising above an ocean of greenery as you inch closer to the mountains are unmistakable.
After gawking at them from behind the wheel on all of my previous visits, I finally decided it was time to get a closer look.
Shaped over millennia of glacial erosion, the remarkable Komarnica Canyon extends into the southern boundary of Durmitor National Park towards Dobri Do and represents one of the least visited areas of the park.
Komarnica’s remote little sister Nevidio Canyon, a tributary of the main gorge, was only fully navigated in 1965 by a group of local mountaineers and remains as a largely unspoiled wilderness and one of Montenegro’s most treasured natural landscapes.
Sadly, the river is currently at risk of being dammed with a proposed hydropower project in the pipeline that would flood the Komarnica Canyon and cause significant damage to the region’s biodiversity.
A newly paved road weaves along the valley floor, meandering through green meadows speckled by A-frame cabins and flocks of sheep with the spellbinding cliffs of Boljska Greda dominating the scene ahead.
Don’t miss the powerful Skakavica Waterfall which lies tucked away in a lush pocket of forest near the mouth of the canyon and is fed by the Grabovica River.
Further on, the road returns to a rough gravel track shortly before the hamlet of Kozarica where the 12 km Komarnica Canyon Trail continues alongside the river all the way to Dobri Do.
The route is mostly concealed within the forest, where cascades roar between enormous white boulders and collect in clear topaz pools, offering frequent glimpses of the impressive rock face towering above the treetops.
The trail is mostly well-marked and easy to follow, however after just 2 km a large stretch has been wiped out by a landslide and recent flooding where large debris has engulfed the path and riverbed.
It’s easy enough to navigate through this mess of rocks and fallen trees and pick up the trail on the other side, but this section is not currently marked and does deviate slightly from the route indicated on most online maps.
Once you reach the landslide, stick to the left following the faint footfalls until you see an enormous boulder ahead. Skirt directly to the right of the boulder and then scramble up the steep dirt slope to rejoin the gravel road.
Plan Your Visit
Location | Komarnica // Skakavica Waterfall
Get There | You can reach the mouth of Komarnica Canyon in around 30 minutes from Žabljak or 15 minutes from Šavnik along the P5. Shortly beyond the Skakavica Waterfall, the newly paved access road begins though it’s not yet marked on Google Maps. Other apps like Maps.Me or AllTrails are better where the route is clearly indicated for the final 4.5 km into the canyon.
Parking | For Skakavica Waterfall, there is a small parking bay next to the bridge located here. For the hike into the canyon, continue towards Komarnica Etno Village and Nature’s Escape near the end of the paved road where you’ll find a few gravel parking bays around here.
Hiking Details | The Komarnica Canyon Trail extends for 12 km one way between Kozarica and Dobri Do with 840 m of elevation gain. Rather than completing the full hike, the more popular option and what I did is to walk as far as Boljska Greda which lies about 6 km or half way up the canyon before returning via the same route. This out and back stretch has around 454 m of elevation gain and takes around 4 hours to complete.
Otherwise, if you’re travelling as a group, leaving a vehicle at either end and doing a car shuffle would be ideal, however in this instance, I’d recommend starting from Dobri Do since almost the entire route would then be downhill.
The impressive Skakavica Waterfall is visible from the bridge, but for the best views follow the small rubble trail into the forest on the right to approach the base of the falls.
Cost | Komarnica Canyon primarily falls within the Park Prirode Dragišnica i Komarnica (Dragišnica and Komarnica Nature Reserve) which meets Durmitor National Park as you move north. Entry is currently free, however if you’re beginning your hike from Dobri Do, you may get flagged down to pay the Durmitor entrance fee by a roaming ranger.
In short, that really depends on the type of trip you’re after.
If you don’t plan to hike, two full days will provide a solid introduction to the area and allow you to visit the main attractions. For those planning a hiking-focussed trip, three to four full days is a good starting point, though if the weather is good, I’ve certainly been known to extend this out to a full week.
For a non-hiking trip, start day one with breakfast at Shambhala before heading over to the Đurđevića Tara Bridge. Return via the TT4 road passing by Vražje and Riblje Lakes, then head to the ski centre and take the chairlift up Savin Kuk. In the afternoon, complete the Black Lake Circuit Trail and head to Curevac around sunset.
For day two, hit the Durmitor Ring Road, adding in the detour to the Piva Canyon Viewpoint. This could also be paired with a rafting adventure, a short hike or a visit to Komarnica Canyon.
For an adventure packed hiking trip and a good variety of trails that cover different corners of the park, I’d recommend starting with Planinica, Prutaš Peak to Škrčko Lake and Bobotov Kuk with a sunset visit to Curevac.
With additional days, consider tackling the Sušica Canyon Trail which can be combined with the Durmitor Ring Road, Medjed and Terzin Bogaz or Menin Bogaz for a challenging and technical all-day hike, or for something less demanding, Jablan Lake and Crvena Greda are close by and straightforward.
The best time to visit Durmitor National Park is from late May to early October, however snow tends to linger at higher altitudes well into summer so tackling the high alpine trails is better reserved for June onwards.
Summer is the hottest and driest period when temperatures reach an average high of 21°C and just 10°C overnight. It’s worth noting though that these mountains are not completely immune to the sweltering summer heatwaves that sweep across the Balkans when it’s not uncommon for temperatures to creep above 30°C.
Early in the season, you’ll find rich green meadows and vibrant wildflower displays, making this one of my favourite times of the year to visit, but summer storms are also fairly common and can make hiking on the exposed limestone massif very risky.
As with most of Europe, peak season falls during July and August when prices often double and crowds swell. Still, the numbers here are nothing like you’ll find on the coast and the further you venture into the park, the fewer people you’ll meet on trail.
For the best overall experience, I recommend visiting in June or September when temperatures are mild, trails are virtually empty and prices are stable.
As always, check the weather before setting off for your hike, choose a trail appropriate to the conditions and ensure you’re well equipped – whether that means extra water and sunscreen for the blazing heat or wet-weather gear for a deluge of rain.
If rafting is your main goal, conditions are best from April when water levels are at their highest and fastest.
In winter, Durmitor National Park transforms into a snowy wonderland and places like the Black Lake become an open air ice rink. While these white-washed landscapes hold an entirely different kind of beauty, visiting at this time of year does mean many items in this list will be off the table.
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