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.
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.
Hire a kayak or pedalo on the largest glacial lake in Montenegro and enjoy the mountain scenery from the water.
Explore the remote valleys of Grebaje and Ropojana and Hridsko Lake by off-road vehicle with a local guide.
A 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.
Discover around 250 rare and endemic plant species from Prokletije in this scientific garden in Brezojevice.
Visit one of the oldest Orthodox monasteries in the region, dating back to the 13th century, in the village of Brezojevice.
Explore the 15th-century Ottoman defensive tower, one of the most recognisable historical symbols of Plav.
Join the popular river regatta on the Lim River held at the end of May or beginning of June.
What's on
Plan your stay
Live offers from local hosts on our booking platform. Nothing is charged online – you pay the host on site.
Booking requests are confirmed by the host; payment on site. Offers come from the Travel to Montenegro booking platform.
Hiking, walking and cycling routes that start here or pass nearby, with maps and GPX downloads.
A one-way hiking trail from Čakor Pass to Žljeb is 52.1 km long and covers 3,118 m of ascent. It is intended for experienced hikers (SAC T5) and offers peaks, passes, huts and springs.
52.1 km3,118 m3–4 days
View trail
The circular hiking trail in Prokletije National Park is 180.8 km long. With 9,342 m of total ascent and a highest point at 2,267 m above sea level, it is intended for experienced hikers.
181 km9,342 m9–12 daysLoop
View trail
A cycling route 262.2 km long with a total ascent of 6918 m. It leads through Biogradska Gora National Park and past Mojkovac, Plav and Gusinje, along mountain huts and viewpoints.
262 km6,918 m4–5 days
View trail
Via Dinarica is a marked hiking trail in Prokletije National Park, 56.8 km long, with 3,721 m of ascent. It starts near Andrijevica, passes by Plav and Hridsko jezero, and is walked over several days.
56.8 km3,721 m3–4 days
View trail
A one-way cycling route of 61.3 km with 1755 m of ascent and 2844 m of descent. It leads from Čakor pass, passes by peaks and water springs, and approaches Andrijevica; mostly asphalt/concrete, partly gravel road.
61.3 km1,755 m6½–9 h
View trail
A one-way multi-day hiking tour, 93.5 km long, with a total ascent of 3250 m. It leads through mountainous terrain near Rožaje, Berane, and Plav, with numerous peaks, springs, and camps.
93.5 km3,250 m4–5 days
View trail
A short and easy 3,7 km trail in Prokletije National Park. It leads mostly downhill, with a total descent of 356 m, and is suitable for hikers of all experience levels.
3.7 km22 m70–95 min
View trail
The Brezojevice – Visitor trail runs in one direction through forested mountain terrain for 8.5 km. With a total ascent of 181 m and descent of 1370 m, it is of moderate difficulty.
8.5 km181 m4–5½ h
View trailGallery
Did You Know?
Lake Plav is the largest glacial lake in Montenegro, with an area of 2 km², and it was formed at the end of the last ice age about 10,000 years ago. In winter, its surface freezes and is used as a natural ice rink. about 10,000 years ago
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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