From Crno jezero on Durmitor to Skadar Lake in the south — a guide to the most beautiful lakes in Montenegro with practical tips for visitors.
Montenegro hides lakes around every corner — from glacial pools at altitudes above 2,000 metres to the lowland Skadar Lake in the south, which borders Albania. Some are accessible by car in 10 minutes; others can only be reached after a full day's walk. This diversity is precisely what makes them special destinations for hiking, kayaking, photography, and simply enjoying the silence of Montenegro's nature.
Montenegro has over 50 lakes — glacial, karst, and riverine. Here's where to go, what to do, and when to set out.
Highest lake
Abdijino jezero, 2,054 m
Largest lake
Skadarsko jezero (Balkans)
Bird species (Skadar)
270+ recorded species
Hike to Abdijino
18 km, ~10 hours
Water temp. (Black Lake)
Max. ~12°C in summer
Park entrance
Durmitor and Biogradska — fee required
Highlights
Key Sites
Žabljak — Crno jezero — Žabljak
Žabljak — Crno jezero — Žabljak
A flat 3.5 km loop trail around Crno jezero with no significant elevation gain. Suitable for all ages. Takes about 1 hour at a leisurely pace. The starting point is the car park by the lake, 3 km from the centre of Žabljak.
Plav — Abdijino jezero
Plav — Abdijino jezero
The trail is 18 km round-trip with a total ascent of 624 m. Starting elevation is 1,430 m above sea level; the destination is the lake at 2,054 m. Duration approximately 10 hours. The trail is marked and there are drinking water sources along the way.
Biogradska gora NP — lake
Biogradska gora NP — lake
A roughly 3.5 km loop trail through the primeval forest of Biogradska gora around the lake. The terrain is easy with gentle inclines. Takes about 1–1.5 hours. Park entry is charged; season May–October.
Virpazar — Skadar Lake channels
Virpazar — Skadar Lake channels
A kayak tour through narrow channels between the reeds; distance depends on the chosen route (2–15 km). The terrain is flat with no currents. Ideal for the morning hours. Kayaks can be rented in Virpazar.
Kotor Old Town — Lovćen
Kotor Old Town — Lovćen
A trail approximately 8 km one way with an elevation difference of around 900 m. It follows the old trade route with more than 20 sharp switchbacks. Takes 3–5 hours depending on pace. The view over the Bay of Kotor is the reward at the top.
From 2,054 metres of altitude to the shores of the Balkans — Montenegro's lakes are anything but ordinary.
Montenegro has lakes at every elevation — from Skadar Lake at 6 m to Abdijino jezero at 2,054 m. Each one offers a completely different experience.
Gallery
Did You Know?
Abdijino jezero near Plav, situated at 2,054 metres above sea level, is the highest lake in Montenegro. Skadar Lake, on the other hand, is one of the most important bird habitats in Europe — more than 270 bird species have been recorded at a single location.
Plan Your Visit
June to September for mountain lakes (Crno jezero, Abdijino jezero, Biogradsko jezero). Skadar Lake is beautiful from April to October — spring brings the blooming of water lilies.
Crno jezero is 3 km from Žabljak — accessible by car or on foot. Virpazar (the base for Skadar Lake) is 45 km from Podgorica, directly off the main road. For Abdijino jezero, the starting point is the town of Plav in eastern Montenegro, around 160 km from Podgorica.
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