A town on the shore of a glacial lake at the foot of Prokletije
Plav is a town in northeastern Montenegro, situated on the shore of Plavsko Lake at an altitude of approximately 1,065 m, surrounded by the mountains Visitor, Kofiljača, and the Prokletije massif. The town is the starting point for the international hiking trail Peaks of the Balkans, stretching 192 km, as well as for jeep tours through the canyons and valleys of Prokletije. In addition to hiking, Plavsko Lake offers swimming, kayaking, rowing, and fishing during the summer season, while its surface freezes over in winter. The cultural and historical heritage includes the Monastery of the Holy Trinity from the 13th century, the Redžepagić Tower from the 15th century, and the Old Mosque. Traditional cuisine — from organic dairy products to local specialities — completes the experience of staying in this mountain town.
Location
Northeastern Montenegro
Altitude
1,065 m
Population
3,717
Lake area
2 km²
Peaks of the Balkans
192 km
Founded
1619
Highlights
Plavsko Lake is the largest glacial lake in Montenegro, situated at an altitude of 907 m a.s.l. between the mountains Visitor and Prokletije. It covers 2 km², with an average depth of 3 m and a maximum depth of 9 m, and was formed at the end of the last ice age approximately 10,000 years ago. In summer it is suitable for swimming, kayaking, rowing, and fishing, while in winter it freezes over and is used as a natural ice rink. The mountain peaks are reflected on the surface of the lake — a sight that is particularly impressive on winter mornings.
Prokletije is a mountain massif at the tri-border area of Montenegro, Albania, and Kosovo, and the National Park is located just 11 km from Plav. The park encompasses the valleys of Grebaje and Ropojana, Hridsko Lake, and Visitorsko Lake at an altitude of 2,211 m a.s.l. The international hiking trail Peaks of the Balkans, stretching 192 km, passes through the park and is the most important promoter of Plav abroad, attracting hikers from around the world. Jeep tours organised from Plav make it possible to reach even the most remote areas of the park.
The Monastery of the Holy Trinity in Brezojevice is one of the oldest Orthodox monasteries in the region, dating back to the 13th century. It is located in the immediate vicinity of Plav, in the village of Brezojevice, surrounded by a mountain landscape. The monastery is part of the cultural and historical heritage that bears witness to the complex past of this area, which through the centuries stood at the crossroads of different civilisations. A visit to the monastery can easily be combined with a tour of the Velemun botanical garden in the immediate vicinity.
The Redžepagić Tower is an Ottoman defensive tower from the 15th century and one of the most recognisable historical symbols of Plav. The Redžepagić family was one of the most powerful feudal families in the Plav-Gusinje region, and the tower bears witness to their influence during the period of Ottoman rule. Together with the Old Mosque from the 15th century and the Sultanija Mosque, the tower forms the core of Plav's historic centre and is a must-see stop on any tour of the town.
The Velemun Botanical Garden is located in Brezojevice and preserves around 250 rare and endemic plant species from the Prokletije mountains. The garden is a scientific and educational centre for the study of the flora of Prokletije, which is one of the most diverse in southeastern Europe. A visit is particularly recommended in May and June, when the vegetation is in full bloom. The garden is located in the immediate vicinity of the Monastery of the Holy Trinity, making it possible to combine both into a single day trip.
What to do
Set out on the international 192 km hiking trail that passes through Montenegro, Albania, and Kosovo, starting from Plav.
tap to closeHire a kayak or pedalo on the largest glacial lake in Montenegro and enjoy the mountain scenery from the water.
tap to closeExplore the remote valleys of Grebaje and Ropojana and Hridsko Lake by off-road vehicle with a local guide.
tap to closeA 5 km easy trail with 361 m of ascent leading to a glacial lake at 2,211 m a.s.l. with panoramic views of Prokletije.
tap to closeDiscover around 250 rare and endemic plant species from Prokletije in this scientific garden in Brezojevice.
tap to closeVisit one of the oldest Orthodox monasteries in the region, dating back to the 13th century, in the village of Brezojevice.
tap to closeExplore the 15th-century Ottoman defensive tower, one of the most recognisable historical symbols of Plav.
tap to closeJoin the popular river regatta on the Lim River held at the end of May or beginning of June.
tap to closeWhat's on
Plav celebrates the Prokletije blueberry: fairs, folklore, hikes and Miss Blueberry.
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Mowers in folk costume compete with hand scythes on Plav's mountain meadows.
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ITRA-listed RED 50K and BLUE 29K trail races through the Accursed Mountains of NP Prokletije.
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A three-day flotilla down 130 km of the Lim, from Lake Plav to Prijepolje.
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Did You Know?
Plavsko Lake is the largest glacial lake in Montenegro, formed approximately 10,000 years ago at the end of the last ice age. In winter its surface freezes over completely, transforming into a natural ice rink. Largest glacial lake in Montenegro
Plan Your Visit
Parking
Free parking in the center of Plav and along the lake shore.
Phone
+382 69 313 393Website
www.plavto.meThe town and lake are accessible throughout the year. Tourist Organization Plav: weekdays 08:00–16:00.
Entry to the town and lake is free. Entry to the Prokletije National Park is charged according to the park's current price list.
The town center and lake shore are partially accessible for persons with reduced mobility. Mountain trails are not adapted.
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