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.
Location
NP Durmitor, 3 km from Žabljak
Altitude
1,418 m
Trail length
3.5 km
UNESCO status
Since 1980
Summer temperature
17–22°C
Number of lakes in the park
18 glacial lakes
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 3.5 km circular educational trail is the only one of its kind in Durmitor National Park and 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 8 EUR per hour. 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
The 3.5 km circular trail around the lake takes about 1h 15min, with partially steep sections.
tap to closeRent a rowing boat at the small jetty and row across the calm lake surface (8 EUR/h).
tap to closeIn summer, swimming is possible in the clear waters of the lake, though the temperature is refreshingly cold (~15°C).
tap to closeThe reflection of the peak of Međed and the pine trees in the lake's surface provides outstanding shots in the morning hours.
tap to closeFrom the summit of Savin Kuk (2,313 m), there is a panoramic view of Crno Jezero and the surrounding lakes.
tap to closeGallery
Plan Your Visit
From Podgorica, the drive takes about 2.5 hours along the M18 towards Nikšić, then via the P5 road through Šavnik to Žabljak. From Kotor, the drive is also about 2.5 hours. Crno Jezero is located 3 km southwest of the centre of Žabljak, along a paved road. Parking is available at the park entrance.
The Podgorica–Žabljak bus service takes about 2.5 hours, with tickets from 10 EUR one way. From Kotor, the bus to Žabljak takes about 3 hours (from 16 EUR). From the bus station in Žabljak to the lake is a flat walk of about 3 km or a short taxi ride.
The nearest airport is Podgorica (TGD), about 150 km away, with a drive of approximately 2.5 hours. Tivat Airport (TIV) is about 160 km away and the drive takes slightly longer. From both airports, renting a car is recommended for maximum flexibility.
FAQ
