A mountain eye at 1,970 m – nature reserve of Prokletije National Park
Hridsko Lake, nestled between Veliki Hrid and Mali Hrid at an elevation of 1,970 metres, is a protected nature reserve within Prokletije National Park.
Just 18 km from Plav, this small mountain lake with a maximum depth of around 5 metres is home to 245 species of algae, 78 of which were recorded in Montenegro for the very first time here. The lake is surrounded by mixed forests of endemic-relict munika and molika pines, and the mountain newt lives in its waters. Many visitors consider Hridsko Lake the most beautiful lake in Montenegro, and beyond its natural values, it is tied to a popular legend about fairies bathing in its waters.
Highlights
The lake itself is the central feature of the reserve, situated at 1,970 m above sea level between the mountain peaks of Veliki Hrid and Mali Hrid. With a maximum depth of around 5 metres, this small mountain lake captivates with its crystal-clear water and exceptional biological diversity. To date, 245 species of algae have been identified in it, 78 of which had never previously been recorded anywhere in Montenegro, giving it special scientific significance. Many visitors consider it the most beautiful lake in Montenegro.
The Hridsko Lake nature reserve encompasses not only the lake itself, but also the surrounding mixed forests of endemic-relict munika and molika pines – species that have survived since ancient geological periods and today hold the status of protected endemic species. These forests form a unique ecosystem that is rare across the Balkans. Walking through them is part of the hiking trail to the lake and offers direct contact with the untouched vegetation of Prokletije.
Hridsko Lake is one of the known habitats of the mountain newt, an amphibian that lives exclusively in cold, clean mountain waters. The presence of this sensitive species is a direct indicator of the quality and purity of the lake's water. Alongside the newt, the lake is home to numerous other aquatic organisms, making it a valuable location for observing mountain fauna and exploring the natural ecosystems of the high-alpine zone of Prokletije.
What to do
Ascent to the lake along trails through munika and molika pine forests to 1,970 m above sea level.
Exploring rare algae species and amphibians, including the mountain newt.
Photographing the mountain lake surrounded by pine forests and rocky peaks.
Observing mountain fauna in the pristine ecosystem of the Prokletije reserve.
Hiking, walking and cycling routes that start here or pass nearby, with maps and GPX downloads.
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
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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
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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
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A 14.0 km tour leads through the heart of Prokletije National Park, crossing passes and peaks at elevations of up to 2,426 m above sea level. The trail is marked and suitable for experienced hikers.
14.0 km1,030 m6–8 h
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Cycling trail PL05 runs one way from Plav to mountain huts. The length is 20.1 km, with 1,064 m of total ascent and moderate difficulty. The surface is a combination of gravel road, asphalt/concrete, and dirt track.
20.1 km1,064 m3–4 h
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A circular trail 25.4 km long, starting from the vicinity of Plav and leading through Prokletije National Park. It combines gravel and asphalt with a total elevation gain of 1,094 m, and the estimated ride time is 3 h 55 min without breaks.
25.4 km1,094 m3½–4½ hLoop
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The Biking Trail PL01 offers 25.5 km of easy riding mostly on asphalt through the surroundings of Plav. The total ascent is 112 m, descent 118 m, and the ride without breaks takes about 1 h 30 min.
25.5 km112 m1½–2 h
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The Plav cycling route leads from Andrijevica to Plav. The length is 26,9 km, total ascent 450 m, and the surface is 100 % asphalt/concrete; estimated riding time without breaks is 2 h 5 min.
26.9 km450 m2–2½ h
View trailGallery
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.
Plan Your Visit
Phone
+382 51 252 006Website
www.plavto.meAvailable throughout the entire day – it is not a fenced facility. Recommended entry from sunrise until noon.
Entry to Prokletije National Park is charged. Check current prices with the Tourist Organization of Plav or at the park entrance.
Parking is available at the trailhead. There is no parking fee.
The trail to the lake requires mountain fitness and appropriate footwear. It is not adapted for persons with disabilities or reduced mobility.
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