Durmitor, Montenegro's national park on a par with Plitvice or Krka

Montenegro is an increasingly fashionable seaside resort, but it is above all a green destination with an abundance of forests and lakes. Head for the country's green lung: Durmitor National Park. A UNESCO-listed site that protects some of the most beautiful landscapes in Europe, get ready for a sporting and magical holiday! Covering an area of 390 square kilometres, Durmitor Park is a natural wonder that also protects exceptional flora and fauna. Keep your eyes peeled for brown bears, grey wolves, golden eagles and chamois. And it's easy to see why all these animals have made the park their home... Durmitor is a real little piece of paradise! The peace and quiet and the lack of tourists make it an ideal destination. But don't worry, Durmitor is ideal for rafting, canyoning, climbing, paragliding and cycling.

Durmitor Park in Montenegro.

- © Creative Travel Projects / Shutterstock
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What to do in Durmitor National Park?

A magical getaway on the shores of Black Lake

A name that could be the title of a horror film... and yet it's the jewel in the park's crown! Black Lake is one of Montenegro's most famous natural attractions. Made up of two lakes linked by a sandbank, it takes around 1h30 to walk around it and appreciate it from every angle. The walk is very easy and suitable for everyone.

Hiking around the lakes of Durmitor National Park Durmitor National Park
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Hiking around the lakes of Durmitor National Park

Discover Black Lake, Lake Zminje and Lake Borno on a guided hike in Durmitor National Park.
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And as they say: after the effort, the comfort! So don't hesitate to put your picnic basket down on the grass - this is the ideal place to enjoy a picnic in the heart of nature. You can hire a boat to enjoy the lake from the water's surface, with a lovely view over the forest. The black lake is particularly pleasant in summer. In winter, the surrounding area is covered in snow and the lake is often frozen over. Colder but no less magical!

The Tara canyon, the deepest in Europe

OK, so it's not the Grand Canyon, but it's just the same! Almost 10,000 kilometres from its North American big brother, the Tara Canyon is also a real natural treasure. The contrast between the green vegetation, grey rock andemerald water is breathtaking.

The Djurdjevica bridge over the Tara River.

- © Hike The World / Shutterstock

The landscape is also very varied, with caves and tunnels in a fraction of a second. Unfortunately, the vegetation along the canyon forms the last black pine forest in Europe... Take care! The Tara canyon is also the place to be for rafting. Make sure your heart is in the right place, as the rapids will knock your socks off!

Snake Lake

A spine-chilling legend... According to the legend, the Durmitor region was once overrun with snakes. During a particularly cold winter, the snakes took refuge around Lake Zminje to keep warm. But the winter was too harsh and they disappeared. This is why the lake is now known as 'Snake Lake'.

Snake Lake in Durmitor Park.

- © Anton Sednev / Shutterstock

Rest assured, today the place is very pleasant and just the place for resting and lovely walks. Situated not far from Black Lake, it is surrounded by dense forest and offers fine views of the surrounding cliffs.

Bobotov Kuk: one peak and four countries

Perched at more than 2,500 metres above sea level, the park's highest peak offers a view over Montenegro, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Serbia andAlbania. A breathtaking panorama... that has to be earned!

The panorama from Bobotov Kuk.

- © Anton Sednev / Shutterstock

The ascent of Bobotov Kuk is considered one ofthe most beautiful hikes in Montenegro, but requires a good cardio and very good walking shoes. Allow a day for this hike, bearing in mind that several trails exist.

Lake Ribljen, a watering hole in the middle of the desert

Is this really Earth? Lost in the middle of nowhere, Lake Riblje looks like the end of the world! The landscape is astonishing and the colours surprising. As the seasons change, the colours change from green to yellow.

© marketa1982 / Shutterstock

This is where you can spread out your towel and cool off in theclear water of the lake. Don't forget your hat, as the area around the lake is deserted and there are no trees to provide shade!

Our favourite hotel near Durmitor Park

⭐ Hotel Sokoline 4*

This 4* establishment offers spacious rooms and suites, all with balconies, from €60 per night. Its highlight: the panoramic terrace of its restaurant, which serves typical Montenegrin cuisine.

4* Hotel Sokoline Danilovgrad
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4* Hotel Sokoline

Book your stay at the Hotel Sokoline 4* on Booking.com!
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Practical information for Durmitor National Park

🚌 How do I get to Durmitor National Park?

It is possible to get to Montenegro by car, but needless to say the journey will be (very) long! The quickest solution is to fly to Podgorica, the capital, then hire a car there or take a bus to Zabljak, a small town near the park.

👛 Durmitor National Park price

Full price: €3

👉 If you come by car, allow an extra €2 for parking.

🗓️ How long should I stay in Durmitor National Park?

Of course, it's better to spend one day in Durmitor than none at all, but at least three days will be needed to get a good overview of the national park. Want to stay longer? Don't deprive yourself: some people even spend several weeks there!

A few tips for your visit

  • In summer, remember to take a hat, sun cream and plenty of water. In winter, make sure you're well covered up, as temperatures can drop very low.
  • Never venture out on your own without telling someone!
by Faustine PEREZ
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