A glacial lake at 1,409 m in the heart of Durmitor, 10 km from Žabljak
Riblje jezero is one of 18 glacial lakes in Durmitor National Park, situated at an elevation of 1,409 m in a valley known as Grčka strana. It lies approximately 10 km from Žabljak and just 500 m from Vražje jezero, making it a natural destination for day trips. The lake is glacial in origin, formed by the accumulation of water in an inter-moraine depression, with a maximum depth of 5.5 m. It takes its name from its rich fish stock — particularly large specimens of brown trout. In the immediate vicinity of the lake are stećci protected by UNESCO, lending this area additional cultural and historical significance.
Location
Greek side, Durmitor National Park
Elevation
1,409 m
Maximum Depth
5.5 m
UNESCO Heritage
Stećci (since 2017)
Best Season
June – September
Recommended Duration
2–3 hours
Highlights
Situated in the valley known as Grčka strana, at an elevation of 1,409 m, this glacial lake was formed by the accumulation of water in an inter-moraine depression left behind after a glacier melted. The maximum depth is 5.5 m. Unlike most Durmitor lakes surrounded by coniferous forest, Riblje jezero lies on open mountain meadows that bloom with wildflowers in the summer months. It takes its name from the legend of large brown trout specimens that supposedly stretched from one end of the road to the other.
In the immediate vicinity of Riblje jezero are stećci, medieval tombstones inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2017. This necropolis, known as Grčko groblje, is part of a wider network of Durmitor stećci that also includes the site at Bare Žugića. The stećci were created during the 14th and 15th centuries and are decorated with symbolic motifs. Visiting these monuments adds a historical and cultural dimension to a trip to Riblje jezero that is rarely found combined with a mountain lake landscape.
Just 500 metres from Riblje jezero lies Vražje jezero at an elevation of 1,411 m, one of the most attractive Durmitor lakes, known for its clear water and summer swimming. The lake is surrounded by the open meadows of Sinjajevina, and to its right there is a small rise offering a panoramic view popular for photography. Folk legends are associated with both lakes — according to one, the famous horse of Duke Momčilo, Jabučilo, bathed in Vražje jezero. A combined visit to both lakes is recommended as a single route that can be completed in under two hours.
The road leading from Žabljak towards Šavnik, along which you pass to reach Riblje jezero, is a tourist attraction in its own right. It passes through Durmitor's lake plateau, also known as Drobnjačka površ — a gentle mountain area that stands in sharp contrast to the rocky alpine peaks for which Durmitor is renowned. Alongside the lake, the route passes flocks of sheep and cattle, rural homesteads, and unobstructed panoramas. From this route you can take in the expanse of Sinjajevina, one of the largest mountain plateaus in the Balkans, and understand why this part of Durmitor is so different from the one visitors see near Crno jezero.
What to do
Fishing for brown trout on designated fishing days with catch limits.
Easy walking trails through the meadows of Grčka strana towards Vražje jezero and surrounding paths.
Capturing open meadow landscapes, the lake, and panoramic views of the Durmitor massif without tree cover.
Exploring the UNESCO stećci necropolis situated immediately beside Riblje jezero.
Hiking, walking and cycling routes that start here or pass nearby, with maps and GPX downloads.
8.9 km↑ 1,244 m5½–7½ h
9.6 km↑ 933 m4½–6½ h
10.3 km↑ 143 m3½–4½ h
11.7 km↑ 1,090 m5½–8 h
143 km↑ 5,436 m6–9 days
413 km↑ 8,566 m5–8 days
42.4 km↑ 1,630 m2–3 days
78.8 km↑ 2,501 m3–5 days
Gallery
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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
Parking
Informal parking along the road by the lake; no parking fees
Phone
+382 52 360 228Accessible all day; the national park may charge entry at certain entry points
Entry to Durmitor NP is charged at marked entry points (prices may vary by season — check zabljaktravel.me)
The terrain around the lake is open and fairly flat, but not suitable for wheelchair users; the road to the lake is paved
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