Mrtvica Canyon: A Complete Hiking Guide

Published 10 August 2016. UPDATED 20 April 2025

Tucked away in the rugged mountains of central Montenegro, Mrtvica Canyon is one of the country’s best kept secrets, where soaring white cliffs wrapped in a belt of forest plunge into the impossibly turquoise ribbon of the Mrtvica River.

Extending for 15 km between Velje Duboko and Međuriječje, the canyon conceals a number of impressive points of interests, allowing visitors to walk as near or far as they please.

I first visited this region back in 2016 after seeing photographs of a mythical portal beside the water and an old Yugoslav military trail hewn into the cliff face that captured my curiosity and sent me down a rabbit hole of investigation.

The place wasn’t mentioned in my guidebook and the information office insisted that I’d need a guide.

After heading out to see for myself, I was convinced this little-visited gorge was one of the most beautiful places in Montenegro and is entirely possible to visit independently.

Since then, violent storms and heavy flooding have washed away critical bridges that once spanned across the canyon, a newly built highway has diverted traffic and, importantly the bus, from passing close by, and the once circular hiking route has now been diverted along a single out and back trail.

Finding myself back in Montenegro some 9 years later and after receiving plenty of updates from helpful readers over the years, I decided it was high time for a return visit to experience the trail all over again for myself.

Mrtvica Canyon is still as beautiful as ever and feels like stepping into another world where you’ll be guided between the enchanting Gate of Wishes surrounded by mossy forests and a mesmerising blue pool, and the historic mountain road, known as Danilov Put, which has been blown from the chiselled cliffs where staggering peaks soar overhead.

That said, much of the new trail falls along dirt road which perhaps makes it slightly less interesting and adventurous than its earlier iteration.

For any nature lovers, Mrtvica Canyon should be on every Montenegro itinerary and makes a spectacular place to break up the journey as you make your way across the country. This updated guide covers everything you need to know for the Mrtvica Canyon hike.

Spanning for around 15 km between Međuriječje and Velje Duboko, it is rare for visitors to hike the entirety of Mrtvica Canyon.

Instead, most walk only as far as the Gate of Wishes, while the more intrepid may continue on to Danilov Put before turning back from there.

For those interested in tackling a multi-day hike, it’s possible to continue beyond Velje Duboko to Kapetanovo Lake and the Lukavica Plateau which lies 20 km from Međuriječje, though this is most often hiked in the opposite direction to avoid the 2,400 m of elevation gain.

The trail for Mrtvica Canyon begins from the large parking area located here which sits at the confluence of the Mrtvica and Morača Rivers.

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Mrtvica Canyon – Gate of Wishes

Distance   |   8.5 km

Duration   |   3 hours

Elevation Gain   |   244 m

Difficulty   |   Easy

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Mrtvica Canyon – Danilov Put

Distance   |   15 km

Duration   |   6 hours

Elevation Gain   |   1,065 m

Difficulty   |   Moderate

The Mrtvica Canyon hike begins from Međuriječje which lies along the E80 / E65 directly north of Podgorica or southwest of Kolašin and can be reached in around 45 minutes from either.

For those travelling cross country between Durmitor National Park and Prokletije National Park, Mrtvica Canyon sits roughly half way or 2 hours between the two and can be used as a stopping point.

Be sure to take the stunning Morača Canyon route instead of the road through Tara Canyon and stick along the E80 / E65 for around 15 minutes from the R18 intersection.

Once you arrive, there are several options for parking depending on where you feel comfortable taking your car.

Directly on the main the road, there is a restaurant with a small bay for paid parking (located here), or you’ll find a free parking area around 600 m further north (located here).

Alternatively, you’ll find additional free parking on either side of the river.

Next to the restaurant, there is a very steep and narrow road that leads to a somewhat rickety bridge and a large grassy field for parking directly at the trailhead on the right side of the river (located here). Most of the road is paved but the last section is unsealed and very rough. Personally, I didn’t feel comfortable taking my rental down here but there were many others who did.

Another option is to stick on the left side of the river, turning off the E65 here and continuing for a further 2 km along the rough paved road to find a park. A small trail feeding off to the right will bring you down to the river where you’ll need to cross over to reach the trailhead. Despite being lots of online suggestions for this spot, the road is narrow and parking is limited.

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Unfortunately, since the completion of Montenegro’s new A1 highway, the buses that travel frequently between Podgorica and Kolašin no longer take the road via Međuriječje and as such it’s not possible to reach Mrtvica Canyon via public transport.

If you’re not travelling by car, you may be able to arrange a taxi from either Podgorica or Kolašin though I expect this would be rather pricey for a return journey.

On my very first visit, I ended up hitchhiking back to Kolašin instead of waiting 90 minutes for the next bus which could also be a possibility if you’re comfortable with the risks it presents. Given most traffic will take the highway, I suspect travelling to Mrtvica Canyon with your thumb out may pose more of a challenge, but it could potentially be a viable option to get back.

Mrtvica Canyon is set around half way between Kolašin and Podgorica and either town would make a suitable jumping off point.  Unless you’re navigating around an early flight or bus, Kolašin will always be my preference.

There are also several camping areas located around the entrance to Mrtvica Canyon that cater to vans and tents.

Max Apartments   |   Top-rated Max is an excellent budget option offering a range of self-contained studio apartments in the heart of Kolašin. Check rates and availability here.

Mrdja Apartments   |   Set on the north side of Kolašin, Mrdja provides a selection of spacious apartments equipped with a kitchen, fireplace and ensuite. A charming garden is also available and guests rave about the welcoming hosts. Check prices and availability here.

Chalet Kolašin   |   A classic mountain chalet, this 4-star hotel in Kolašin offers spacious rooms with mountain views, an onsite spa and sauna perfect for post-hike relaxation and includes an excellent breakfast. Check rates and availability here.

Hotel Terminus   |   A convenient option in central Podgorica located right next to the bus and train station. Rooms are comfortable with a decent buffet breakfast included and the helpful staff are able to arrange well-priced airport transfers for guests. Check rates and availability here.

When I first visited Mrtvica Canyon, it was possible to follow a circular route which began along the left side of the river and crossed over just before the Gate of Wishes via a spectacular wooden bridge that spanned high above the water, before returning back to Medjurecje along the right bank.

These days, the bridge is long gone meaning you need to stick on the right side of the river for the entire way. Initially, the route follows a small forested path, but a long stretch in the middle sticks along an unshaded dirt road.

The way isn’t signposted but is reasonably well-marked with the bullseye emblem at regular intervals. It’s also visible on most hiking apps like maps.me and AllTrails.

From the riverside parking area, return back to the dirt road and walk a few metres to the left to find the starting point of the trail.

At the far end of the parking area, you’ll also see a grassy road heading into the trees which connects with the trail further up, but personally I found this rather overgrown so getting on the correct path from the beginning is best.

After just 1 km that brings you past some gorgeous swimming areas, you’ll arrive at the arched stone bridge of Danilov Most.

Behind the bridge, a narrow trail climbs steeply into the forest, passing over a pretty stream, and in 400 m you’ll emerge onto the dirt road.

Turning left, follow the road for the next 1.7 km as it weaves around the bends of the canyon. You’ll pass a property on the left, veer downhill over a small river and swing around a corner and up ahead there should be a tiny scrambly trail peeling off the road to the right.

At this intersection, I encountered two large, very aggressive dogs who were chained up but still very unsettling. Rather than go up the trail here, a lady at the property waved me through the farm and I managed to rejoin the path further up instead.

After the brutal heat of the road, the forest here is beautiful and lush, providing some much needed respite from the blazing Balkan sun.

A further 400 m along, you’ll see a small track marked by a cairn leading to the left. This was the old route that connected to the bridge and is now a popular swimming area, particularly for those arriving from the opposite side of the river.

Continue straight ahead and in 850 m you’ll reach the lefthand turn off for the Gate of Wishes which is like something out of a fairytale.

Set amidst a halo of twisted trees draped in moss, the triangular arch forms a perfect frame to the dazzling turquoise pool that lies below.

Climb down the rocks to sit beneath the gate and don’t miss an invigorating swim in the bone-chilling, ankle-biting water. The air temperature is about 10°C cooler down there and, coupled with the icy river, it’s the perfect antidote after a hot hike.

To push on to Danilov Put, return to the main path and continue to the left.

Here the trail begins to climb more steeply and emerges from the trees, entering the most dramatic section of the Mrtvica Canyon where vertiginous cliffs tower overhead.

After 2 km, you’ll reach the wildly impressive historic military road hewn into the sheer walls of the canyon where you’ll be rewarding with spectacular views.

Wrapping around the slopes of Zdinja Peak, the trail pitches up sharply and this makes an ideal place to turn back around the 7.5 km mark.

If you’re still feeling energetic, it’s a further 4.8 km and 400+ m of elevation gain to Donje Velje Duboko and the end of the Mrtvica Canyon. Keep in mind that much of this section is drenched in sunlight and can get incredibly hot so be sure you’re well equipped with enough water and food for the hike.

Otherwise, return back the same way you came to Medjurecje, taking the time to enjoy another delightfully cold swim along the way.