Two glacial lakes at 1,194–1,325 m in Piva Nature Park
Stabanska Lakes — Malo and Veliko — are two glacial lakes nestled at the foot of the southern slopes of Mount Volujak, in the municipality of Plužine, within Piva Nature Park. They take their name from the nearby village of Stabna, from which they are 4.5 km away. Veliko Lake lies at an elevation of 1,319 m and is 305 m long, while Malo Lake sits at 1,194 m and is 165 m long in summer. During high water levels, water from Veliko overflows into Malo Lake. The lakes are popular destinations for hiking, trout fishing, and camping in untouched mountain nature.
Location
Plužine, Piva Nature Park
Elevation
1,194 m – 1,319 m
Area of Veliko Lake
~42,000 m²
Area of Malo Lake
~10,500 m²
Water temperature
16 – 20 °C (summer)
Piva Nature Park
Founded 2015
Highlights
Veliko Stabansko Lake lies at 1,319 m above sea level and is 305 m long, with a depth of up to 9 m and exceptional water clarity of up to 8 m. The greenish colour of the lake comes from the reflection of the surrounding forests of Mount Volujak. During high water levels, water flows into Malo Lake below. In summer, temperatures reach 16–20°C, making it ideal for swimming and mountain wildlife photography.
Malo Stabansko Lake is situated at 1,194 m above sea level and in summer is 165 m long and 150 m wide, with a depth of up to 4.5 m. Unlike Veliko, this lake has a yellowish-green hue — a characteristic that comes from its muddy bottom and is most pronounced during the summer months. It is surrounded by meadows and forest belts, and nearby lies the katun Jezera, a former shepherd's dwelling and a site of historical significance from World War II.
The access trail to the lakes begins from Plužine and follows the course of the Vrbnica river and Stabanski stream through dense mountain forest. The trail is 2.5 km long with an elevation gain of around 180 m, placing it in the easy category and achievable in about 1 hour. It passes through open meadows and the former katun Jezera, and halfway along lies the Kotača spring — an excellent spot to refill water. The trail also forms part of a longer route leading towards Trnovačko Lake at 1,517 m.
Stabanska Lakes are situated within Piva Nature Park, the first regional nature park in Montenegro, proclaimed on 22 April 2015. The park encompasses the mountain massifs of Bioč (2,397 m), Maglić (2,386 m) and Volujak (2,336 m) and forms a natural link between Durmitor National Park and Sutjeska National Park in Bosnia and Herzegovina. More than 1,500 plant species have been recorded in the park, and the fauna includes bears, wild boar, chamois, and capercaillie.
What to do
The trail from Plužine along the Vrbnica to the lakes is 2.5 km long, with an elevation gain of around 180 m — an easy hike (~1 hour).
tap to closeBoth lakes are rich in trout and are a regular destination for sport anglers from across the region.
tap to closeIn summer, water temperatures reach 16–20°C, and the lakes are perfect for a refreshing swim in a mountain setting.
tap to closeCamping is possible on the meadows around the lakes, with an unobstructed view of the surrounding mountain peaks.
tap to closeThe route from Plužine to the lakes is a popular cycling tour — asphalt to the village of Stabna, then gravel and forest trail.
tap to closePlan Your Visit
The lakes are a natural site accessible year-round. The tourist info centre of Piva Nature Park in Plužine is open May–October, 08:00–20:00.
Access to the lakes is free of charge. For information on any Piva Nature Park fees, contact the administration at +382 40 270 069.
Parking is possible along the unpaved road to the lakes. It is recommended to leave vehicles at the end of the paved section and continue on foot or by off-road vehicle.
The lakes are not accessible for persons with disabilities or reduced mobility — the access trail is mountainous and requires approximately 1 hour of walking on uneven terrain.
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