20 January 2025.
Prutaš Peak, coupled with the detour to Škrčko Lake, ensures an all day hiking adventure in Durmitor National Park that’s hard to beat. Learn all you need to know for the hike in this guide.
Rounding out the top ten of the highest mountains in Durmitor National Park, Prutaš Peak is one of my all time favourite hikes in the area.
Climbing to 2,393 m, this is an exceptional standalone hike that can be summited in just 2 hours and rewards with expansive vistas across the grassy alpine plateau, the dramatic Sušica Canyon, the Škrčko Lakes Valley, and the dense cluster of limestone peaks for which Durmitor is famed.
Defined by its streaked and rumpled facade, Prutaš is also one of the most distinctive peaks around and is easily recognisable from afar, whether you’re gazing across the void from Planinica or approaching the western flank while driving the spectacular Durmitor Ring Road.
To create an even more epic full day hiking circuit, combine Prutaš Peak with a detour to the magical Škrčko Lake, an impossibly beautiful place wrapped in the stark spires that dominate the Durmitor massif.
Though extending the hike does involve a sharp, rubbly descent into the valley, it’s well worth it and you’ll find an incredible trail full of lush meadows, wide valleys framed in craggy peaks and, perhaps best of all, the shimmering Škrčko Lake, known as the jewel of Durmitor, that invites you in for a deliciously refreshing and hard-earned swim.
For anyone planning to hike Prutaš Peak and onwards to Škrčko Jezero, this guide covers everything you need to know.
Prutaš Peak Route Options
Firstly, it’s worth mentioning that there are two separate routes that lead to Prutaš Peak, beginning from either Dobri Do or Todorov Do.
Though the route from Todorov Do starts at a higher elevation and is only around half the distance at 1.7 km each way, it looks exceptionally steep.
The hiking guide below covers the route from Dobri Do which ascends more gradually and is the trail I would recommend. Everyone I met on the summit during my hike in June also followed this ascent route.
Prutaš Peak Hiking Details
Distance | 8 km return
Duration | 4 hours
Elevation Gain | 719 m
Difficulty | Moderate
Trailhead | Dobri Do, Šarban
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Prutaš and Škrčko Lake Hiking Details
Distance | 12.7 km
Duration | 7 hours – factor in more time for swimming
Elevation Gain | 1,140 m
Difficulty | Moderate to Difficult
Trailhead | Dobri Do, Šarban
Dobri Do at Šarban is located along the southern leg of the magnificent Durmitor Ring Road and sits around 19 km or a 40-minute drive from the centre of Žabljak which acts as the gateway to Durmitor National Park.
From Podgorica, it’s a 2.5 hour drive to Žabljak along mostly new and often winding mountain roads.
From Žabljak, navigate out of town along the P5 and turn onto the P14, climbing towards the stunning Sedlo Pass and around the Durmitor massif.
The narrow road is newly paved and in excellent condition for much of the way, however you’ll need to pull over into roadside gravel bays to let oncoming traffic through.
The drive itself is gorgeous so definitely factor in extra time to stop at the many viewpoints along the way.
At Dobri Do you’ll find a large picture frame for roadside photos that stares directly at the iconic Sedlo twin peaks, along with a gravel parking bay on either side of the road.
If you’re beginning from Todorov Do, continue for a further 10 minutes where you’ll arrive at another large parking area facing the west flank of Prutaš Peak.
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FIND YOUR RENTAL CAR // Podgorica is the best place to pick up your rental car with numerous options available from the airport and downtown area.
I recommend using Discover Cars who offers a variety of suppliers at competitive rates for the region. Find the best deals here.
There is no public transport within Žabljak or 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 within the local region, including key points along the Durmitor Ring Road like Sedlo Pass or Dobri Do.
To reach the area, there are several buses a day from Podgorica to Žabljak. The trip takes around 2.5 hours and costs €10 to €12. See timetables 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, it’s well worth getting the annual pass which can be purchased on arrival, or online in advance here.
That said, there is no control point at Dobri Do, however it is not uncommon for rangers to patrol the most popular trailheads to check visitor passes during high season.
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 accommodation available to suit any budget, from cosy guesthouses to remote mountain cabins.
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 also consistently takes home the prize for best hostel 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 a shared bathroom in a large wooden house. The host is super helpful and knowledgeable on the region, and there’s also a guest kitchen onsite. Check rates and availability here.
Spruce Hill Village | With a stunning 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 | For a touch of luxury, Casa di Pino is an excellent option boasting modern, comfortable rooms, friendly staff, a great breakfast and sauna to melt away those tired muscles. Located within walking distance from town. Check rates and availability here.
4 km | 2 hours | 716 m gain
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Setting off from Dobri Do, the trail climbs sharply up a rubbly trail behind the parking area to bring you onto the grassy plateau.
Onwards, the trail ascends gradually through verdant landscapes, heading directly towards the cliffs that surround Štit Peak and resemble a wall of stacked Tetris blocks, before swinging left and tracing around the base of the massif.
On the approach to Škrčko Zdrijelo, a mountain pass that sits at 2,114 m, the trail climbs more steeply and follows a series of rocky switchbacks to bring you onto the saddle.
Just 250 m shy of the crest, the trail forks where you’ll need to stick right to continue along the correct path.
The trail to the left feeds around the base of Prutaš Peak and leads directly to Todorov Do. If you did want to make a circular route from the alternate trailhead, this is a feasible option using this path.
Sprawling out below, endless green pastures roll into bald rocky hills and distant mountains that meet the clear cerulean sky. A nod at the spectacular views still to come.
Crossing over the pass of Škrčko Zdrijelo, you’ll arrive into a wide grassy basin flanked by the rugged walls of Štit. It takes around an hour to reach this point with just 1.6 km remaining to reach Prutaš’ green summit.
Veering left, the route traces around the top of the bowl and flattens out, following a narrow trail through sloped meadows flush with wildflowers.
Climbing higher, the sheer, finely etched walls of the peak’s west face spring into view and you’ll catch glimpses of the vast countryside below, before the trail pitches up sharply.
Beginning the final ascent, the route becomes increasingly rocky in parts with a short exposed section and some incredibly steep bursts before bringing you onto the rounded summit.
The views from up top are wonderful overlooking the verdant plateau that extends below the peak and tumbles into the distinctive tears of Piva and Sušica Canyons.
Weaving between rolling hills, the distinct squiggle of the Durmitor Ring Road forges its way across the vibrant landscapes far below.
Looking back across the massif, Škrčko Lake sits nestled beneath the impressive cliffs that frame the valley and rise into Durmitor’s two highest peaks – Bobotov Kuk and Bezimeni vrh.
If you’re only travelling as far as Prutaš, enjoy a well-earned break at the summit before heading back the way you came.
3.2 km | 1.5 hours | 18 m gain
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For those pushing on to Škrčko Lake, I’d suggest getting your hiking poles out if you’ve got them.
The steep descent is certainly rough on the knees and begins almost immediately, taking you down more than 650 m, nearly all the elevation gained earlier in the hike.
Now, despite the obvious trail signs indicating the way, getting off the actual summit isn’t all that straightforward.
After crossing the vast grassy summit, I quickly lost the trail in a sea of rockfall which surrounds the eastern side of the peak, but you’ll see a clear path visible in the grass beyond the rubble which hugs the edge of the escarpment.
Without any trail markers here, I just picked my way across the rocks and around the odd snowdrift to rejoin the main path on the other side.
Skirting around the top of the basin for a short way, with sublime views across the Škrčko Lakes Valley and surrounding peaks, the trail veers away from the edge and pitches sharply downhill along a haphazard grassy trail.
At the base of the bowl, the trail swings left through clusters of stunted pine trees and enters the rockiest section of the route.
There is some scrambling required here when navigating the steep slope which guides you into another spray of rockfall. This section lasts just 400 m and there are trail markers to indicate the way as the path meanders across the rubble towards the valley floor.
For me, this descent was the toughest part of the hike and can be slow going with large steps and uneven terrain, but thankfully you’re through the worst of it in under an hour.
In wet weather, this stretch would become impossibly slippery so I’d only recommend venturing down the slope when conditions are dry.
Having successfully navigated down the steep wall, you’ll finally arrive at the main valley intersection surrounded by lush grassy pastures.
Turn left here to continue on to Planinarski dom Škrka, a rudimentary hiker’s cabin for those overnighting at the lake. The surrounding meadows are often scattered with grazing cattle and you’ll find a freshwater spring behind the hut if you need to refill your water.
Before pushing on to the main lake, follow the short 550 m detour to the left for a peek at Malo Škrčko Jezero, the smaller of the two lakes nestled directly beneath the gleaming northern cliffs of Prutaš Peak, before returning to the path.
Continue through the leafy beech forests that crowd the valley floor to emerge at the western shores of the spectacular Veliko Škrčko Jezero.
Encircled by a formidable amphitheatre of ashen cliffs, the giants of Durmitor that stand guard over its most prized jewel, this vast glacial lake holds a magical position that would be right at home in the pages of a fairytale.
In fact, this place is so mesmerising that I couldn’t resist returning a few days later via the much easier Sušica Canyon Trail where I somehow managed to have the entire lake to myself.
Perched lakeside amongst the mountains, it’s hard to imagine a more perfect place to enjoy a picnic lunch.
In summer, it can get rather hot in the valley and a glorious post-hike swim is a must. Head towards the left if you prefer to stay in the sunshine, otherwise you’ll find ample shade amongst the trees on the right bank.
Also, keep an eye out for harmless grass snakes which frequent the area and love to bask on the warm rocks at the western tip of the lake as the heat of the afternoon sets in.
5.5 km | 2.5 hours | 404 m gain
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Now, there are two possible options for the return journey to Dobri Do – either via the Samar Pass or Škrčko Zdrijelo.
Most reports I read online and hikers I met in the valley went via Samar, however many also commented on the challenges of this route which involves scaling a sketchy and exposed rock face to reach the pass.
This section may be short and manageable if you’re confident and know what you’re in for, but I happily chose the easier and stunningly beautiful route which brings you back via Škrčko Zdrijelo, the saddle crossed earlier in the morning.
Setting off from the lake, head back through the forest, past the hut to the intersection where you arrived from Prutaš.
Continue straight ahead, following the narrow, reasonably flat trail through the meadows to the furthest reaches of the valley. Onwards, the trail begins to climb gradually up the right side of the valley wall with the imposing cliffs of Bobotov Kuk towering ahead.
About half an hour from the lake, you’ll reach the intersection where the path forks to the Samar Pass or Dobri Do, indicated by a large, painted rock beside the trail.
Stick to the right here to continue climbing along an obvious trail which brings you over the rise and onto the next plateau.
Entering this next section of the valley was one of my favourite parts of the entire hike.
Vibrant meadows unfold underfoot, rumpled peaks striped in alternating green and grey tower overhead, and stark, sun-drenched peaks meet a piercing blue sky. It’s pure magic.
Onwards, the trail returns to the same basin from the morning, skirting around the left wall and continuing a steady climb to bring you back to Škrčko Zdrijelo.
Thankfully, the ascent from the lake is nowhere near as steep as the slopes that plunge down from Prutaš and the climb is actually rather pleasant.
Crossing over the pass, you’ll rejoin the trail from earlier that day, retracing your steps for the final 2.5 km back to Dobri Do. With the last ascent now complete, you’ll be glad to know that it is all downhill from here.
Scuttle down the switchbacks and swing back around the base of Štit Peak.
Heading in this direction, the twin peaks of Sedlo now loom straight ahead, illuminated in afternoon light. Formed by Sedlena Greda and Zupci and resembling a natural, grass-encrusted halfpipe, this is one of the most iconic sights in Durmitor National Park.
The rest of the walk back is relaxed and easy, feeding through lush grassy fields, with one steeper incline that brings you off the plateau and then descends gradually the rest of the way to Dobri Do.
After your hike, it’s well worth driving the 10 minutes further to Todorov Do to check out the unique western flank of Prutaš Peak from below, with its distinct sedimentary layers.
For those keen to turn their day hike into a multi-day adventure in Durmitor National Park, there are several possibilities for those equipped with camping gear.
For a short additional detour, Skalala Waterfall lies just 1.2km from the western tip of Škrčko Lake along the lovely Sušica Canyon Trail.
Otherwise, Škrčko Lake falls along the Via Dinarica, a long-distance trail that traverses the entire Balkan Peninsular.
Within Durmitor National Park, the route crosses from the Black Lake to Planinica and Škrčko Lake before feeding through Sušica Canyon to Sušičko Lake.
It’s possible to camp overnight at both lakes, with access to a freshwater spring and hiker’s hut for shelter at each location.
Alternatively, crossing through the challenging Samar Pass leads you into the eastern side of Durmitor where several other trails fan out, providing access to peaks like Bobotov Kuk, unmarked Štit or Terzin Bogaz before pushing on to the Black Lake.
There’s also a tough rocky trail and incredibly steep climb that connects Škrčko Lake with Planinica atop the northern valley wall.
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