Mountains
Hiking Around the Lake
The 3.6 km circular trail around the lake takes about 1h 15min, with partially steep sections.
The Mountain Eyes of Durmitor
Crno Jezero is the most famous natural attraction of Durmitor National Park and one of the most striking places in all of Montenegro.
Located just 3 km west of Žabljak, this glacial lake consists of two parts – the Large and Small Lake – connected by a narrow natural passage. The imposing peak of Međed rises directly above the lake's surface, while dense coniferous forest envelops it on all sides. The lake is part of the UNESCO-protected Durmitor National Park, which was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1980.
Highlights
Crno Jezero actually consists of two separate lakes – the Large Lake (24.5 m deep) and the Small Lake (49.1 m deep) – connected by a narrow strip of land called the 'struga'. During summer, when the water level drops, the passage between the lakes may temporarily disappear. Paradoxically, the Small Lake is deeper than the Large Lake, and it is precisely its dark depths that contribute to the characteristic blue-green-black colour of the lake's surface. Both lakes are fed by snowmelt and the Čelina spring, which in spring cascades noisily in white waterfalls into the lake.
Directly above Crno Jezero rises the massive peak of Međed, which serves as a natural guardian and protector of the lake. The dense conifers covering its slopes, together with the peak itself, are reflected in the lake's surface, creating an iconic scene that has become the symbol of all of Durmitor. From the viewpoint at Savin Kuk (2,313 m), reached by cable car from Virko, there is an extraordinary panoramic view of Crno Jezero in the valley below, as well as the surrounding lakes of Vražije and Riblje. The cable car operates from 8am to 4pm, and from its upper station to the summit is about 30 minutes on foot.
The 3.6 km circular educational trail is the most popular activity at the lake. The trail winds through dense pine forest along the shores of both lakes, with informative boards about the flora, fauna, and geology of Durmitor. The sections along the shore are relatively flat, but in the final quarter of the loop the trail becomes steeper and includes stone steps with ropes for support. The full loop takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes, and benches and picnic spots are located along the shore. The trail is not suitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs, but the walkway from the car park to the lake (700 m) is paved and flat.
Right on the shore of Crno Jezero is the Durmitor National Park Visitor Centre, which is included in the price of the daily entrance ticket. The centre provides educational content about the park's natural phenomena, including information about the 18 glacial lakes, the Tara Canyon, and the rich flora and fauna of Durmitor. Adjacent to the centre is the National Restaurant Crno Jezero at 1,416 m above sea level, offering Montenegrin specialities and coffee. Along the entrance walkway to the lake, local kiosks sell homemade honey, jams, rakija, and forest fruits.
At the small jetty on the shore of Crno Jezero, it is possible to rent rowing boats and kayaks for €10 per hour (national park price list). Rowing across the calm lake surface offers a completely different experience of the lake – from a boat, a unique angle opens up for photographing the peak of Međed and the surrounding pines reflected in the water. The lake is just over one kilometre long and about 800 metres wide, meaning that a good portion of it can be comfortably covered in one hour. This activity is especially recommended for families with younger children for whom the circular walking trail is too demanding.
What to do
Mountains
The 3.6 km circular trail around the lake takes about 1h 15min, with partially steep sections.
On the water
Rent a rowing boat at the small jetty and row across the calm lake surface (€10/h).
On the water
In summer, swimming is possible in the clear waters of the lake, though the temperature is refreshingly cold (~15°C).
Culture
The reflection of the peak of Međed and the pine trees in the lake's surface provides outstanding shots in the morning hours.
Mountains
From the summit of Savin Kuk (2,313 m), there is a panoramic view of Crno Jezero and the surrounding lakes.
Narration, a map and the full text in the browser – no app, works offline.
Hiking, walking and cycling routes that start here or pass nearby, with maps and GPX downloads.
One-way hiking tour from Velika Previja to Bolj is 5.8 km long. With 331 m of total ascent and 484 m of descent, it is demanding and passes through Durmitor National Park.
5.8 km331 m2½–3½ h
View trail
The trail, 8.9 km long, leads from Ivan Do to Gornja Ališnica through Durmitor National Park. With a total ascent of 1244 m and a duration of approximately 6 h 20 min, it is intended for experienced hikers.
8.9 km1,244 m5½–7½ h
View trail
A one-way hiking tour from Crno jezero to Lokvice, 9.6 km long with a total ascent of 933 m. It leads through Durmitor National Park, past the Točak spring, an alpine bivouac, and viewpoints.
9.6 km933 m4½–6½ h
View trail
The Žabljak – Šljeme trail is 10.3 km long, with an ascent of 143 m and a descent of 1078 m. It passes through Durmitor National Park and takes about 3 h 55 min.
10.3 km143 m3½–4½ h
View trail
A trail of 11.6 km leads from the Škrka Mountain Lodge to the Škrčka Lakes through Durmitor National Park. The trail is demanding, with a total ascent of 542 m and descent of 821 m, passing several mountain springs and offering a beautiful viewpoint.
11.6 km542 m4–6 h
View trail
The hiking trail from Žabljak to Šarban via Bobotov kuk is 11.7 km long, with a total ascent of 1090 m and descent of 831 m. It passes through Durmitor National Park and takes approximately 6 h 45 min without breaks.
11.7 km1,090 m5½–8 h
View trail
A very demanding hiking tour of 23.5 km in Durmitor National Park. It leads from Šarban via Škrka to Nedajno, with an ascent of 1394 m and the highest point at 2109 m above sea level.
23.5 km1,394 m8½–12 h
View trail
Montenegrin Transversal 1 is a very demanding multi-day one-way hiking tour. It is 143.3 km long, with a total ascent of 5436 m and descent of 5187 m, and passes through two national parks.
143 km5,436 m6–9 days
View trailGallery
Plan Your Visit
Opening hours
Open all year round. The park opens at 08:00.
Website
npdurmitor.comDurmitor National Park day ticket: €5 per person (includes the Visitor Centre and educational trails). Boat rental: €10 per hour. Price list: nparkovi.me.
Parking at the park entrance is paid; check the price on site.
The walkway from the car park to the lake (700 m) is paved and flat, suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs. The loop trail around the lake (3.6 km) is uneven and has steps – not suitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs.
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