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Montenegro has become a top destination for adventurous travelers seeking unspoiled natural landscapes, and the Durmitor National Park is undoubtedly one of the crown jewels of this Balkan country.
Tucked away in the northern reaches of Montenegro, Durmitor is a true outdoor playground with extreme activities and stunning scenery that will get your adrenaline pumping.
Towering peaks, deep canyons, and crystal-clear lakes create a breathtaking backdrop for a myriad of outdoor pursuits. With so much to discover, our Durmitor guide will help you plan an unforgettable adventure to one of Europe’s least-discovered national parks.
Durmitor Park Overview
Durmitor National Park Montenegro is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the country’s most treasured natural wonders known for its breathtaking landscapes and ecological significance. Situated in the northern region of the country, the park encompasses approximately 39,000 hectares around the Durmitor mountain range.
The park’s dramatic landscape features rugged rock formations, deep gorges, and karst terrains, all dominated by the Durmitor massif. This massif boasts several peaks exceeding 2,000 meters, including Bobotov Kuk, the highest point in Montenegro at 2,523 meters (8,278 feet).
A highlight of the park is its glacial lakes, often referred to as the ‘eyes of the mountain,’ with Black Lake being the most famous for its dark, reflective waters.
Durmitor also hosts the Tara Canyon, Europe’s deepest river canyon and the second-largest in the world after the Grand Canyon, plunging to a depth of 1,300 meters (4,300 feet). The canyon is a popular spot for white-water rafting and offers stunning vistas. Additionally, the Piva River, another major waterway in the park, is noted for its crystal-clear waters and picturesque surroundings.
The park’s diverse landscape includes dense forests, alpine meadows, and rocky outcrops, providing a habitat for wildlife such as brown bears, wolves, lynx, European wildcats, and chamois. Bird enthusiasts can also find species like golden eagles, peregrine falcons, and Griffon vultures.
Getting to Durmitor National Park
You can fly into Podgorica Airport, a 2-3 hour drive from Durmitor, or Dubrovnik Airpot in Croatia, which takes another hour of driving but may be an easier option as it is served by a greater range of flights and airlines (and also means you get to take in the stunning Bay of Kotor en route). We recommend booking through Skyscanner for live deals and the best prices.
Durmitor National Park’s main entrance is a mile from the town of Žabljak. The entrance to the park is very close to Black Lake, which is easily walkable from the parking lot. However, you’ll want to explore other national park areas, so a car is pretty essential.
Car Rental
We recommend hiring your car with Localrent.com, an aggregator of local car rental companies. They work with small car rental companies that only operate in their location and closely monitor the quality of their service. This means you get the best service for the lowest price.
If you’re planning a longer tour of Montenegro, hire a motorhome or campervan. We recommend Motorhome Republic for its large range of fully equipped vehicles, competitive pricing, and great customer service.
We stayed at the national park’s small camping area (no services) for a few euros a night. Auto Camp Razvršje and Camp Ivan Do are also nearby.
Public Transportation
There are no trains to Žabljak. However, there are regular daily buses from Podgorica city central bus station to Žabljak via Nikšić, the second largest city in Montenegro.
You may find buying your ticket directly from the bus driver is cheaper. If you’re traveling in summer, try and buy your ticket from the bus station a day in advance to ensure a seat or book online, but you do need a printer.
Make sure you have travel insurance you can trust when visiting Montenegro. We recommend True Traveller for their 5-star TrustPilot reviews, variety of cover options, best activities cover as standard, great prices, and excellent service.
Things to Do in Durmitor National Park
Hiking in Durmitor National Park
The most popular hike in Durmitor is the trail around Black Lake (Crno Jezero), one of Montenegro’s most famous natural landmarks. This glacial lake is close to the entrance to the national park and acts as a lively hub for visitors. It offers convenient parking, kayak and paddleboard rentals, bike hire, and lakeside spots to enjoy a meal or coffee, and in the summer there’s often live music in the evenings.
Hiking the Black Lake route will take a couple of hours or longer if you stop for photos. If you want something a bit longer but still easy, the three lakes route, which takes in the Black Lake, Zminje Lake, and Barno Lake, is a forest trail with minimal elevation gain, which will take 2-3 hours, depending on your pace.
The hiking route to the Tara River Canyon is also popular, offering fabulous views of Europe’s deepest river canyon from Mount Ćurevac at 1,625 meters (5,331 ft).
Serious hikers will want to conquer Bobotov Kuk and Prutaš. There are also trails to the Škrka lakes in the gorgeous Škrčka Valley and the Durmitor ice cave, ledena pecina, which are only suitable if you’re an experienced hiker.
Durmitor Rafting
White-water rafting on the Tara River is an exhilarating outdoor adventure, and it is a highlight for many, us included! Flowing through the Tara River Canyon, the deepest in Europe, this river offers not only exciting rapids but also breathtaking natural beauty, which you can only experience on the river.
The rafting here is suitable for all levels, including beginners and children. If you want a more lively experience, come in April and May when snowmelt accelerates the flow. The 82km (51 miles) raftable section starts in Splavište and ends at Šćepan Polje on the Bosnian border.
There are multi-day and single-day trips available along various sections of the river, and you can book through your accommodation or online. Make sure you use a reputable operator and never set off without a properly fitted and maintained life jacket and helmet. Most operators will also provide you with a wetsuit – the water is a very cold 10° Celsius (50° Fahrenheit) even in the height of summer.
A 30-minute drive from Žabljak is the impressive Đurđevića Tara Bridge, once the longest concrete arched vehicular bridge in Europe. The bridge provides a focal point for the local rafting companies. A few guest houses and campsites with rooms around the bridge offer white water rafting experiences starting upriver.
It’s a lot of fun but quite hard work! The raft guides will encourage you to do some cliff jumping and swim in the icy waters between the rapids, which are the best bits!
If you’re staying in Žabljak, this popular half-day Tara rafting trip is run by Durmitor Adventures. If you’re staying outside the national park, our recommended Tara whitewater rafting day trip picks up from Kotor, Budva, Tivat, and Herceg Novi.
Zip Lines
There are three zip lines over the Tara River Canyon to the Đurđevića Tara Bridge. The Red Rock zip line is the lowest and shortest, at 350 meters (1,148ft). It takes just 40 seconds to cover the distance, at around 50km/h. The Kljajevića Luka zip line is the middle option, taking 90 seconds to cover the 740m (2,428ft), at a top speed of 40km/h.
The Extreme zip line was our choice! With a ride time of over two minutes to cover the 1,050 meters (3,445ft) at 80-120km/h, this was the adrenaline rush we wanted! We screamed all the way and then went again!
You can book online, but you might get a better deal if you turn up and pay on the day. All the zip line companies will take cash or a card.
Canyoning
Just south of Durmitor near Šavnik is the incredible 2.7km (1.7 miles) Nevidio Canyon. Cut through the land by the Komarnica River, the canyon is only a few meters wide in places, hence its name which translates to ‘invisible’.
Nevidio is Montenegro’s prime spot for canyoning, a crazy activity that involves navigating a canyon’s natural rock formations and fast-flowing mountain streams by climbing, abseiling, swimming, cliff jumping, and paddling.
You can only go canyoning in the Nevidio Canyon with a professional guide. We recommend this brilliant Nevidio canyoning experience with Durmitor Adventures, who provide all the exquipment you need and a qualified guide.
The Durmitor Ring
The Durmitor Ring is a panoramic road route that covers all the best bits of the national park. It’s a beautiful scenic drive, and a great way to experience the natural beauty of Durmitor, especially if you are not able to undertake longer hikes.
The route is a series of interconnected roads that form a loop around the park, starting in Žabljak. The entire circuit is about 100 kilometers (62 miles) and includes several mountain passes. You can cover the route in a couple of hours or stop along the route for an overnight stay.
Other Durmitor Activities
The Durmitor National Park also offers rock climbing, tandem paragliding, mountain biking, and horse riding. In winter, skiing, snowboarding, and sledding are popular at the Savin Kuk ski center. For more information, visit the National Park visitor center in Pitomine.
Balkans Travel Ideas
Durmitor Practicalities
Park Tickets
The Durmitor National Park costs €5 per person per day to enter. There are gates at all the entrances, and you can only pay in cash.
When to Visit
The best time to visit Durmitor National Park depends on the type of activities you want to enjoy, as the park offers something unique in every season:
Summer (June to September)
This is the most popular time to visit, with warm temperatures ideal for hiking, climbing, and exploring the park’s many trails. The glacial lakes are at their most beautiful, and activities are in full swing.
Fall (October to November)
Autumn brings cooler temperatures and vibrant fall colors, making it a picturesque time for hiking and photography. The park is quieter during this season, offering a more peaceful experience, though some services may be limited as winter approaches.
Winter (December to February)
Durmitor transforms into a winter wonderland, attracting skiers and snowboarders to the slopes. The park is also perfect for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and ice climbing.
Spring (March to May)
Spring is a time of renewal in Durmitor, with blooming wildflowers and melting snow filling the rivers and lakes. It’s a great time for hiking, though some higher trails may still be snow-covered. The park is less crowded in spring, making it an excellent time for a peaceful visit.
Where to Stay
Luxury: Located near Black Lake, Hotel Soa is a top choice for luxury travelers. The hotel combines modern design with traditional elements, offering spacious and elegantly furnished rooms and suites. Guests can enjoy a fine dining restaurant serving Montenegrin and international cuisine, a wellness center with a sauna, and panoramic views of the Durmitor mountains.
Mid-Range: Hotel Polar Star is situated just outside Žabljak, offering a comfortable stay with a touch of rustic charm. The hotel features cozy rooms and apartments with wooden interiors and modern amenities. There’s a restaurant on-site serving local specialties and a bar where guests can relax after a day of exploring.
Budget: For budget-conscious travelers, Guesthouse Planinarski Dom Neviđen’o offers an affordable stay in Žabljak. This guesthouse has a mountain lodge feel, with basic but comfortable rooms, some with shared bathrooms. The friendly atmosphere and helpful staff make it a popular choice among hikers and nature lovers.
Hostel: Hostel Highlander is a popular choice for budget travelers looking to explore Durmitor National Park. Located conveniently in Žabljak, the hostel offers a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. It features dormitory rooms and private rooms, all simply furnished but comfortable, making it a good base for adventure seekers.
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Where to Eat
Konoba Luna is one of the most popular restaurants in Žabljak, known for its rustic atmosphere and traditional Montenegrin dishes, including specialties like lamb under the bell (ispod sača). The ingredients are locally sourced, and the portions are generous.
Restoran Durmitor offers a true taste of the local cuisine, focusing on traditional Balkan dishes. The menu features a variety of meats, including roasted lamb and veal, homemade sausages, fresh trout from nearby rivers, and a good selection of local wines.
Caffe Bar OR’O is a popular spot in Žabljak for a more casual dining experience. It’s perfect for breakfast, coffee, or a light meal, offering a selection of sandwiches, salads, and pastries. In the evenings, it turns into a lively bar where you can enjoy local beers, wines, and cocktails. The relaxed ambiance and central location make it a great place to start or end your day.
Durmitor Travel Tips
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Hey TrekkerTom82, got any tip for capturing the Durmitor Ring? Planning my trip and I’d love to get some photography advice.
The rafting in Durmitor is top-notch! Don’t miss it next time. It’s an experience of a lifetime, especially in the spring when the water levels are high.
Had the chance to visit Durmitor National Park last summer and it’s a must-see if u like hiking and nature. The Durmitor Ring road trip is breathtaking, literally. Did anyone else try the rafting? Heard it’s amazing but didn’t get to it. Btw, great post Izzy, got me reminiscing!