A mountain lake at 1,314m in the heart of the Kuči Mountains, on the border with Albania
Rikavačko jezero is nestled at the foot of the Vila peak (2,093m) in the Kuči Mountains (Žijovo) massif, just one kilometre from the Albanian border. The lake sits at 1,314m above sea level, stretching 520m in length, 235m in width, and reaching a depth of 14m, with cold, clear water of a distinctive green hue. It can only be reached by off-road vehicle to the katun of Širokar (1,756m), and from there on foot downhill over a 443-metre elevation difference. The lake is part of the CT-1 hiking traverse 'Through the Mountains of Montenegro' and one of the stops on the Via Dinarica route. There is no electricity or mobile signal in the area, making it one of the few truly wild hiking destinations in Montenegro.
Location
Kuči Mountains (Žijovo), on the border with Albania
Elevation
1,314m
Lake Surface Area
17,000 m²
Maximum Depth
14m
Best Season
June — October
Recommended Duration
Full day / weekend
Highlights
The Vila peak reaches 2,093m above sea level and towers directly above Rikavačko jezero, forming one of the most iconic vistas in the Kuči Mountains. The mountain ridge extending eastward from Vila simultaneously marks the state border between Montenegro and Albania. From the ridge, views extend in both directions — towards the massifs of Komovi and Prokletije. The ascent from the lake to the ridge takes approximately 90–120 minutes and is recommended for more experienced hikers with appropriate equipment.
Katun Širokar at 1,756m above sea level is the only point reachable by vehicle, and also the starting point for the hike to the lake. From Širokar, one descends 443 metres in elevation to the lake through open mountain pastures. The katun bears witness to the former summer pastoral life of the Kuči tribe, who used these lands for grazing livestock. Nearby katuni — Vujošević, Jokanovića, and Glavatovića — are still visible in the landscape today.
Rikavačko jezero is a stop on the CT-1 mountain traverse 'Through the Mountains of Montenegro', established in 1987, which stretches from Veruša through Žijovo, Komovi, Bjelasica, and Sinjavina to Crno jezero on Durmitor. The traverse is designed for eight days of hiking and connects the national parks of Biogradska gora and Durmitor. The lake is simultaneously a stop on the international Via Dinarica White Trail, placing it on the hiking map of the entire Balkans.
At Krst od Prevlake, below the peaks of Sumore and Planinica, at 1,800m above sea level, stands a church built in 1900 by Prince Nikola Petrović for the repose of the soul of his father, Duke Mirko Petrović, in honour of the brave Kuči tribe. The church is known as the highest-positioned church in Montenegro and one of the highest in Europe. On St. Elijah's Day, 2nd August each year, a folk gathering is held at this site that attracts visitors from across the region.
What to do
The trail from katun Širokar to the lake descends 443m in elevation through a stunning mountain landscape.
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The lake is frequented by sport fishermen drawn by its rich fish stock in the cold mountain water.
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Wild camping on the lake shore without electricity or mobile signal, in completely unspoiled nature.
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The Vila peak (2,093m) above the lake offers spectacular frames for mountain and landscape photography.
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The lake is a stop on the international Via Dinarica White Trail route through the Kuči Mountains.
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Plan Your Visit
Admission
Free access
Accessible throughout the year, with restrictions in winter months due to snow on the unpaved road
Free parking at the Sirokar mountain hut (1,756m above sea level) — from there you continue on foot
Not accessible to persons with reduced mobility — access exclusively on foot or by off-road vehicle on an unpaved road
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