Carved out by glaciers and underground streams, Durmitor stuns with dizzying canyons, glittering glacial lakes and nearly 50 limestone peaks soaring to over 2000m; the highest, Bobotov Kuk, hits 2523m. Lake Lansing. This is the information I got from my friends who live there. An alternative to a car is public transportation. 2022 National Tourism Organisation of Montenegro, Terms and conditionsCookiesLegal noticesAuthors. Was Napoleon an enlightened leader or tyrant? Not from the heat. The meal was less than 10 and left me full for the rest of the day! Good and stable wi-fi. per night. Rafting The trail is rated difficult but it provides stunning panoramic views of the mountainous terrain. There are a number of wonderful places to stay that would be within walking distance of the main entrance to Durmitor National Park and the bus station. All those exclamation points should give you an idea of how much I loved this place. Durmitor is almost a range of mountains itself with the various peaks. Also, dont forget sun protection (as the sun is strong) and rain gear (like this reusable lightweight waterproof rain poncho) since summer rain in Durmitor is common and can catch you unexpectedly. Places to stay with a popular tourist attraction nearby. We havent done any hikes in Prokletije NP yet but will do this summer. We stayed in a one-bedroom suite with a separate bedroom and living room where we could work and watch TV. Prepare to stop for photographs as you ascend the mountainous roads. Like here in this photo: However, the trails may still be covered in snow and ice, and the weather can be unpredictable. Breakfast was homemade by the host and it was just great. abljak. Although the path is rocky and slows you down, the trek is easy and can be completed within a 1.5-2 hour round way. Find your car rental in any city in Montenegro with my favorite (and simply the best) car rental company. Coming from the land of epic skiing (Utah) where its hard to find a day pass for less than $100, this is mind-blowing! Inscribed in 1980, the Durmitor World Heritage property was extended in 2005 to fully coincide with the borders of the National Park. Jackson Field. Sport climbing While there are no hotels within the park, abljak offers various accommodations, including Hotel Soa, Polar Star Hotel, and MB Hotel. Fall is a great time to visit! Its absolutely breathtaking! I love upyour website. Criterion (x): The diverse mountain landscape encompasses altitudinal zones ranging from only 450 to more than 2,500 metres above sea level and a broad array of ecosystems and habitats. So dont be surprised not to find the water when you reach the stop. So if you come with family or friends, there will be enough room for everyone. Why climate activists target art, How anti-Semitism fueled the rise of legacy admissions, Oppenheimer: How Christopher Nolan re-created history. Tara Canyon underpass, Durmitor National Park, Montenegro (Shutterstock), Tara Canyon waterfall, Durmitor National Park, Montenegro (Shutterstock). World Heritage partnerships for conservation. Who broke its nose? Contained everything we needed. NOTE: If you have only one day and dont join any group hiking tours, do not spend your time on this hike. Try the zipline above Boka (Bay of Kotor), on the famous Njegui, or perhaps above Budva. Extracurricular activities. Fauna The park is home to 163 different bird species and a wide range of newts, frogs, and lizards. The Durmitor National Park area is a terrain of the most challenging canyons, where you can have the most insane adventures of a lifetime! The Durmitor is a mountain area, locally called a massif, featuring 48 separate peaks; Bobotov Kuk is the highest reaching a summit of 8,278 . Apart from being Europe's cleanest river, the Tara River is one of the world's top three most attractive rafting rivers! Description is available under license CC-BY-SA IGO 3.0. Dit nationaal park bestaat uit het Durmitor bergplateau en de vallei gevormd door de canyon van de Tara rivier. It's much . Horse riding The only way to get there is by road, so hiring your own car is the fastest and most reliable option. Zeljko is a wonderful host, made us feel like home and treated us to some delicious home-made cheese and butter. The location was great, a 10-15-minute walk to the Zabljak center and the supermarket, the national park, and the popular hiking trails. What other national parks have you visited while traveling abroad? The host is a very nice and supportive guy, thanks for hospitality! I have a separate hike route below to Prutas Peak (which in my experience is a better route). Ah, thanks, Erin! Hi Michel, Im sorry for the late reply, but I hope it still comes on time! Im planning on going mid October this year, do you think its possible to go hiking in Durmitor NP at that time? It covers more than 32,000 hectares and you get different aspects of the striking environment depending on where you are at any moment. Waters from Black Lake, the parks largest, travel below the Durmitor Massif to the upper canyon valley of the River Komarnica. I recommend this apartment to everyone. The property is well protected and its status and international recognition have helped to prevent irreparable damage from threats, such as upstream pollution and proposed dam construction. But here is a short version: Take everything you need with you. Copyright 1996-2015 National Geographic SocietyCopyright 2015-2023 National Geographic Partners, LLC. The first third of a trail is very steep and you basically climb the mountain for the first hour or so. Crowds are often thinnest in the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn. All Rights Reserved. Horrocks Farm Market. Black Lake in Durmitor National Park is one of the most celebrated attractions in Montenegro. If you have a car, driving to and from Polar Star will not be a problem. Montenegro is a small Balkan country blessed with incredible natural beauty. You can reach Durmitor from any city in Montenegro whether it is the capital Podgorica or any other city on the coast. From Dubrovnik or Split in Croatia, you can drive south along the coast to the border crossing at Debeli Brijeg, and then continue to Zabljak. During this time, daylight hours are also long and the skies are clear which means youll have spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Although, from my expeirence, Id recommend you stay away from very challenging and remote hikes if you dont have a partner to hike with. Respect nature. Langs de canyon van de Tara met de diepste kloven in Europa worden de dichte dennenbossen afgewisseld met heldere meren. Also, dont forget about the weather forecast before you set out as the weather can change quickly even in the summer. This route is great for those who love a challenge. I stopped at Konoba Luna on my walk back from the park on a cold, snowy day. If you go along the coast, the weather is still quite lovely, but you may get some rain! It is beautifully sitting at the foot of the mountain Crvena Greda in the northern part of Durmitor National Park. Spring This traditional dish of Kaamak was far from light, but perfect after a cold day of hiking. The top event on the parks annual calendar is Mountain Flowers Day, a festival held in mid-July. The lacation near the center In one word spring is not the right season yet to do trekking in Durmitor. Find out why! Founded in 1952 with a smaller surface area, the state-owned Durmitor National Park has a long formal conservation history going back to 1907 when the Black Lake, today within the property, received protected status. Once you reach the first Veliko Skrcko Lake, you can spend time there and quickly walk to Malo Skrcko Lake or continue your hike to Prutas Peak with dramatic views and challenging terrain. The Best Place To Stay Near The Tara Canyon. My Top 5 Travel Tips Before You Go Hiking in Durmitor, Durmitor National Park Hiking Trails for Different Levels, 3. Heres a complete guide to planning your trip to the Balkans, to help you put all the different elements together. Sunlight blocks the view and it is very difficult to see the vastness of the gorge. The view will be their reward after putting an effort into a steep ascent. I am returning to Montenegro this summer and plan to go on two new remote hikes and add them to this list. White water rafting is available pretty much all year round, with spring months offering a pacier experience in contrast to calm summer waters. Woods The park is thickly forested with both deciduous and pine forestsincluding one of Europes last virgin stands of black pine near Crna Poda. Its so lovely! Although the main disadvantage of traveling in this part of Montenegro on your own by bus is a long journey (4-6 hours one way). 3.) Is It Safe to Hike Alone in Durmitor National Park? But to reach its trailhead, you need to be ready to drive a narrow but scenic mountain road or go with a guide wholl introduce you to the area. If it is too bad, then its better to postpone the hike for another day. There is no shortage of hiking options, as most of Montenegro's surface area is covered by the rugged Dinaric Alps, a mountain chain that extends from Slovenia to Albania. So small you could drive across it in an afternoon. In terms of biodiversity, the park covers major vegetation types and areas of particular conservation importance for the rich and diverse flora and fauna. In spring, youll be also able to find snowdrops. Located around 11 km from Viewpoint Tara Canyon, the guest house is also 23 km away from Durdevica Tara Bridge. Most of the Bobotov Kuk trail is also exposed, with little shade and few opportunities for shelter. Any feedback is appreciated. There is no single answer to the question on when is the best time to go hiking in Montenegro as it depends on specific trails and areas of the park. The park is home to 18 glacial lakes and five canyons, with the Tara River crowned the deepest canyon in Europe and one of the deepest in the world at 82km long and 1,300m deep. Situated in abljak, Durmitor view offers accommodation with a terrace or a balcony, free WiFi and flat-screen TV, as well as a garden and a bar. But you can still safely hike around Black Lake, walk through the forest to Zmijine Lake or even hike to Jablan Lake. Follow the directions of local rangers who recommend staying on the trails and dont risk your life for a photo. However, don't be mistaken about the trail distance being short. Just some of those trails are Sedlena Greda in the southern part of the park or Susica Canyon for example. Larger fauna include wolves, wild boars, brown bears, chamois, and eagles. The Tara Gorge is deepest canyon in Europe and one of the best ways to experience its majestic nature is on the river. Hey Anya great info thank you so much for it! We are looking for a two to three day hike (preferably round-trip and medium difficulty) and huts along the way where we can eat and sleep. The hits were gorgeous inside with everything needed and the pool/pool table were a fun touch. Annie is a fiercely independent traveler who loves to create unique and interesting experiences. On this blog, her main goal is to inspire others to travel to under-the-radar places and discover the world while working remotely. Montenegro's Durmitor National Park is a paradise for lovers of exceptional nature and high-octane excitement, with plenty of things to see and do for all the family. While some argue that Durmitor is unrivaled, others argue that the flight over the Bay of Kotor is the most beautiful in the world, and the Dizdarica takeoff point near Herceg Novi "Meka" is perfect for extreme sports enthusiasts. You can also find me over on Instagram where I share my adventures in travel and life. It makes for a tremendous place to hike and explore and see the terrain from the many different viewpoints. The Tara Bridge provides an opportunity to catch a glimpse of the scale and magnitude of the gorge. From here, you can easily access Black Lake and a number of hiking trails. Bold Explorer. Waters from Black Lake, the park's largest, travel below the Durmitor Massif to the upper canyon valley of the River Komarnica. Yet, monitor the weather and go prepared! In particular, the Ice Cave is a visually stunning and a rare relict of past glaciation. Copyright 19962023 Some fifty peaks higher than 2,000 metres above sea level rise above plateaus, alpine meadows and forests, including Bobotov Peak (2,525 metres above sea level). It's alsohome to around 163 bird species, most of which are protected. Expect to pay around 45. The small cabin is perfect for one or two people and has the coziest bed ever! A National Geographic team sought to find evidence of their fatebut the Arctic doesnt give up its secrets easily. Those who love spacious rooms when traveling in a small company and others who travel with children or a few friends. If you start at Dobri Do, you can always skip Prutas Peak and go straight to the lakes. You did such a great job capturing all the key details (including where to eat and rent a car) with beautiful photos. For non-professional hikers, locals recommend Jablan Lake and. If you dont have a lot of time in the park and want to go on a different hike than Black Lake then choose Curevac. I would absolutely stay here again! For seniors Nature is king in Durmitor National Park, and its 18 glacial lakes might just be the particularly gorgeous jewel in that most effervescent of crowns. Prutas is one of the largest peaks in Durmitor and the view you get from the viewpoint reminds a lot of the Alps, just on a smaller scale. The view from this vantage point is breathtaking! Its open only from May to October. Or should I opt for another national park? The lake is small but deeper than many other lakes in Durmitor. This trail provides a number of views and vistas of the surrounding terrain of the Durmitor massif. Mountain Overnights The high plateau can be reached by numerous trails and has three shelters for those whod like to overnight: a hut, a refuge, and a bivouac. Alternatively, consider staying in mountain huts or private guesthouses for a more authentic experience. Our room was one of the smallest. Rafting is organized by a variety of rafting organizations, many of which combine it with a stay in an ethno village. Hotels, Motels, Hostels and Cottages in abljak, Durmitor National Park- variety of choices for your next stay. 1 year ago Save There are standard apartments for 2 people on a romantic trip and larger ones for big families. Durmitor is a popular tourism destination, known for superb hiking, climbing, mountaineering and canoeing opportunities. AS AN AMAZON ASSOCIATE, WE EARN FROM QUALIFYING PURCHASES, Best Time to Go Hiking in Durmitor National Park. Jeep is not necessary, there is asphalt everywhere. The weather in Durmitor can be very changeable, even in the summer and early fall. Thank you so much for this very informative post! The location was great, a 10-15-minute walk to the Zabljak center and the supermarket, the national park, and the popular hiking trails. Montenegro The impossibly rugged and dramatic Durmitor () is one of Montenegro's - and Mother Nature's - showpieces. Then read on and embrace adventure! Geologically speaking and in terms of landscape values, the World Heritage property displays a wide array of extraordinary phenomena. Taking a lift saves time and eases the process of getting to the summit but a hike suits more those who love the challenge and want a really good workout. At the same time, Susica and Sedlena Greda hikes are very long and remote, always with wildlife on trails and changing weather conditions, so youd want to go with a guide. Zabljak represents the good destination for winter tourism, but for many tourist, this unique city is best choice for summer holiday. Would hiking still be possible, maybe in the easier trails? Plus, when going to Prutas, you get to see Bobotov Kuk peak in all its beauty. Here's your guide to making the most of it Bobotov Kuk, Durmitor's highest peak (Shutterstock). Will Sedro drive be ope? The trails around the main area of the park are easy enough, but if you want to really go exploring, make sure you have adequate hiking gear. Thoroughly recommend. Pool 1 Free parking 57 Show all Distance from 25 mi Tara Bridge Crno Lake Bobotov Kuk Riblje Lake Show all Property types B&Bs & Inns 35 Lodges 27 Condos 25 Specialty lodgings 15 Show all View Vacation Rentals Traveler rating 29 & up Is the lake frozen or everything around it? , , () . You can cook as you wish and feel almost at home. This little cabin was AMAZING! The staff very friendley Still looking for the perfect place to stay? Durmitor is the tallest mountain in the area with 48 different summits. Italian food in the Balkans is actually really wonderful! Even in 2 weeks, it will be still dangerous to climb the mountains, walking on the same elevation should be fine but hiking up the mountain is still too early. Even though the property is located near a major road, it is quiet and peaceful. SNAM Rooms&Apartment. During the break, drink from the Savina Water Spring, which according to legend has healing properties. Savin Kuk, Durmitors main ski resort, takes six hours (unless you cheat and take a ski-lift to the top). The new building.Easy acces to any hiking paths,but also to the supermarket and restaurants.The host was very friendly. However, you can get to abljak from a number of places in the region! Better check out the lake quickly and then drive on one of the most spectacular roads in Montenegro Sedlo Pass (which goes through the park) and do another trek from this list. Black Lake is 3.8 km from the lodge, while Viewpoint Tara Canyon is 9 km from the property. Its actually one of the easiest hikes in Durmitor National Park. Adado Riverfront Park. Good luck! It is highly unlikely you will be able to visit all 18 in an afternoon without flying past some, so pick and choose your spots depending on mood and location. The hike typically takes around 6-8 hours to complete, with a total distance of approximately 8 kilometers (5 miles), if you take the shortest trail. After about half an hour of walking, you reach Zminje Jezero (Snake Lake), a small, green peaceful lake that got its name from its shape, which resembles a snake. The meal cost about 10, including wine, and I had enough left over for another dinner. The owner are very kind and helpful. Zabljak, a village at the foot of Durmitor, is small and you wont find tons of options where to stay, although the number of new properties constantly pops up. Heres an article to help you find the right accommodation for your needs and save money at the same time! Winter, Canyoning De bossen herbergen een breed scala aan inheemse flora. Also, as with all other strenuous hikes on this list, dont forget the proper clothing and shoes! i was looking at black lake afternoon of day 1 then Curevac view point etc on day 2 which leaves me trying to see Snake and or Jablan lakes somehow Podgorica is the closest major city from Durmitor and takes 2 hours 15 to reach. You can go hiking and rafting during the summer months while skiing and sledding draw visitors in the winter. The first one, the easy one: you can ride a skylift and from the last stop hike around 0.7 miles (1 km) to the summit. A good indicator of Durmitor's ecological integrity is the ongoing presence of large predators both on land and in the freshwater systems. There is a skylift and it makes it easier to get to the top. 5.) Its the time when the weather is best, the hiking trails are accessible, and the surrounding towns are ready to welcome tourists! The Durmitor National Park was one of the most incredible unexpected delights of our trip around in Montenegro. 3) Lodge Nadgora closer to the mountains for people who love to be in the wilderness. Great article, me and my partner are visiting the first week of May 2022, we are looking to do some hikes aside from the Black Lake/Snake. Summer You need a good pair of boots with a non-slip sticky sole that can keep you steady and secure on every movement, like for example my favorite Merrell Mobe waterproof shoes. Your email address will not be published. The bus station in Zabljak is located in the town center, from where you can take a taxi or hike to the park entrance. Find coordinates above on google but check the exact hiking path on Maps.me. I believe every trip to Montenegro should include a little bit of hiking in Durmitor National Park or hiking in Montenegro in general. When you start in Bosaca, you avoid crowds of tourists who come to Black Lake and avoid staying in line to pay an entrance fee. Youll need a rental car to get to this place though. Durmitor National Park is Montenegro is a dream for those who love nature and the outdoors! However, keep in mind that the stretch of the path from Jablan Lake and Crvena Greda is very challenging through rocky and exposed terrain. It's an ideal time for landscape and wildlife photographers. Less known but no less fascinating is the underground world of the property. All Trails, Best Trails in Durmitor National Park. Black Lake is 3.8 km from the lodge, while Viewpoint Tara Canyon is 9 km from the property. It requires previous hiking experience as well as proper hiking gear, including sturdy shoes, a backpack, and enough water and snacks. The Durmitor National Park includes the massif of the Durmitor mountain and the canyons of the rivers: Tara, Draga, and Suica. Big Dreamer. You'll be served breathtaking views of green mountain peaks rising majestically from the tranquil bay. Pin As the time goes by accommodation scene in abljak keeps evolvoing. If you want to explore beyond the main part of the park, a rental car is the way to go. Overlooking Tara Canyon during the sunset from the Curevak trail is not the best idea. . Cheetahs have come back to India. 810 Delta Commerce Dr, Lansing, MI. 8.4/10 Very Good! Here is another hiking trail through Durmitor mountains which you can complete within a short period of time. Absolutely reliable and accurate owners always at your disposal. During all our visits we personally stayed in three types of accommodation. There, park a car and follow signs to Skrska Lakes, which is the area where the Susica River starts. The highest peak in Durmitor is Bobotov Kuk, is 2523 meters above the sea. Very comfortable, perfectly clean and fully equipped family apartment. The nearby town of Zabljak is Montenegros primary ski resort. However, from our experience, the fastest way to do it is from Sedlo Pass from this point. If you dont want to camp, the only option this year is to book a place in Zabljak. So park a car near Momcilov Grad and go on a beautiful hike to Jablan Lake or as locals call it Small Lake. Take a raft trip down one of Europe's natural wonders. Do you think it will still be snowy and will the Sedlo pass be closed as we where hoping to complete the Sedlo pass circular hiking route.Can you suggest any alternatives please? It has three lifts and a few miles worth of ski trails. Get the very best of Wanderlustby signing up to our newsletters, full of travel inspiration, fun quizzes, exciting competitions and exclusive offers. See how much it can offer you: Did you know? You wont be able to drive the Sedlo Pass (since it will be closed) and wont be able to go on hikes. Aug 20 - Aug 21. So it is important to prepare for any conditions. This is a true rural Montenegrin experience, complete with cicvara, homemade buttermilk, and porridge! When guests stay at the property, they check out how quiet the room is, how friendly the staff is, and more. Travellers from Croatia will take an almost identical route. I am frequently receiving questions asking if the end of April and the month of May are good timing to go hiking in Durmitor. The Park and its surroundings have traditionally been inhabited and ongoing uses of natural resources include timber and firewood, livestock grazing and harvesting of the many species of edible mushrooms and medicinal plants. It is great for people who want to camp in Durmitor overnight and turn this into a 2 days hiking adventure in Durmitor (or longer combined with other trails). Every room here doesnt even look like a hotel room. 'Lokvice Katun is approximately twohours from the Black Lake and from there, a lot of the better known peaks are reachable. There is parking space available near the apartment. This is why they are considered the best months for hiking in Durmitor national park. In addition to the Law on Nature Protection and the Law on National Parks, a broad spectrum of environmental legislation on forests, water, soils, hunting and fishing is applicable.