Mountain lake, canyons and Piva Nature Park in northwestern Montenegro
Plužine is a small mountain town situated on the shores of the turquoise Piva Lake in northwestern Montenegro, not far from the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina. The town is a starting point for exploring Piva Nature Park, the canyon of the Piva River, and part of Durmitor National Park. Piva Lake, 45 km long and up to 188 m deep, was created by the construction of the Mratinje Dam — 220 m high — and is today the largest artificial lake in Montenegro. The region offers hiking, rafting, lake cruises, zip-lining and fishing, alongside an authentic rural atmosphere far from the coastal crowds.
Location
Northwestern Montenegro
Population
approx. 1,200
Elevation
675 m
Municipality Area
854 km²
Lake Created
1975
Climate
Mountain
Highlights
Piva Lake is the largest artificial lake in Montenegro, created in 1975 by damming the canyon of the Piva River with the Mratinje Dam, 220 m high — one of the highest in Europe. It is 45 km long, up to 188 m deep and situated at 675 m above sea level. It is known as a source of the cleanest drinking water in the Balkans, and the colour of the lake ranges from emerald to turquoise. A boat cruise lasts 2–3 hours and reveals vertical canyon walls rising directly from the surface of the water.
Piva Monastery is located just 7 km from the centre of Plužine and is one of the most significant sacred buildings in Montenegro. It dates from the 16th century and preserves one of the richest and best-preserved Orthodox treasuries, including fragments of the Holy Cross and relics. The monastery's unique distinction is that it was physically relocated stone by stone to a higher position ahead of the flooding of the Piva Valley — an undertaking compared to the relocation of the Egyptian temple of Abu Simbel. The relocation was completed in 1975, coinciding with the construction of the hydroelectric dam.
The canyon of the Piva River is one of the most dramatic natural formations in Montenegro, with cliffs dropping steeply towards the turquoise waters of Piva Lake. The main road through the canyon is famous for its 56 tunnels carved through solid rock — the drive or walk along this road is considered a tourist attraction in its own right. The canyon connects to the Komarnica canyon and the system of canyons within Piva Nature Park, which covers 14% of the territory of Durmitor National Park. The Babina Greda viewpoint offers a panoramic view over the lake and canyon.
Piva Nature Park encompasses the rich natural landscape of northwestern Montenegro with the mountains of Durmitor, Volujak, Bioč and Maglić, and the glacial lakes of Trnovačko, Stabanjska, Sušičko and Škrčka jezera. Near Trnovačko Lake lies the famous Perućica primeval forest, one of the last remaining primeval forests in Europe. The Stabanjska lakes feature two glacial basins, the upper of which is noted for its clarity and picnic area. The mountain areas allow multi-day hiking along marked trails with a professional guide.
Sedlo Pass at 1,907 m above sea level is the highest paved road in Montenegro and connects Plužine with Žabljak along a 42.5 km route through the Durmitor massif. From the pass, there is a panoramic view of Valovito Lake and the Stožina rock face (1,905 m). The route is popular with cyclists, motorcyclists and photographers who come solely for the drive and the scenery. The route passes through the heart of Durmitor National Park, which has been under UNESCO protection since 1980.
What to do
A 2–3 hour boat cruise along the 45 km long turquoise lake, passing sheer canyon walls and the Mratinje Dam.
tap to closeThe longest zip-line in Montenegro at 1,450 m, flying above the turquoise waters of Piva Lake.
tap to closeRafting on the Piva River, best in April and May when water levels are at their highest.
tap to closeA multi-hour hike through Piva Nature Park to a glacial lake on the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina.
tap to closeA scenic drive along the highest paved road in Montenegro, connecting Plužine and Žabljak through the Durmitor massif.
tap to closeA visit to the 16th-century monastery relocated stone by stone before the valley was flooded.
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Did You Know?
Piva Monastery was relocated stone by stone to a higher location before the Piva Valley was flooded in 1975 — an undertaking compared to the relocation of the Egyptian temple of Abu Simbel. Relocated stone by stone
Plan Your Visit
Phone
+382 40 270 068Website
parkpiva.comThe town and natural attractions are accessible year-round. Plužine Tourist Organization: working hours seasonally variable.
Entry to Piva Nature Park and the shore of Piva Lake is free. Lake boat cruise approximately 65 EUR per person (includes drinks and lunch, minimum 4 people).
Free parking in the center of Plužine and at lake access points.
The town center and lake shore are partially accessible for people with reduced mobility. Mountain trails and canyons are not adapted.
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