Bobotov Kuk (2523 m), the highest mountain in Montenegro, is located in the heart of Durmitor National Park in the Dinaric Alps.
Though there are two slightly higher peaks (Zla Kolata and Dobra Kolata) in the Prokletije Mountains along the Albanian Border, the Mountaineering Association of Montenegro considers Bobotov Kuk the highest peak in the country, because it lies completely within Montenegrin territory.
The most practical starting point for the Bobotov Kuk hike is Sedo, the mountain pass along the scenic P14 road, just outside of Žabljak. This trailhead is only accessible by car, or by taxi.
Bobotov Kuk is an exceptionally scenic hike from start to finish. The trail unfolds spectacularly like a concerto, each movement featuring a different, uniquely-chiseled mountain. Bobotov Kuk may be the goal, but it’s only one jigsaw piece in a mesmerizing landscape that inspires wonder with every step.
The Bobotov Kuk peak hiking trail is difficult, requiring comfort with light scrambling, secured exposure, and significant elevation gain. Hikers must be fit and equipped with hiking boots, hiking poles (optional but helpful), sun protection, and sufficient water (2 liters per person).
Kati and I have hiked Bobotov Kuk twice in the span of six years. Our second experience only positively confirmed our first impression; this is indeed one of the best day hikes in Europe.
In this Bobotov Kuk hiking guide, we summarized the Sedlo ascent route with additional details on what to expect (technical sections) and essential info about visiting Durmitor National Park (entrance fee, where to stay, when to visit).
- Trailhead: Sedlo Mountain Pass | Google Maps
- Distance: 9.9 km out-and-back
- Time Needed: 5:30 hours (It took us 6:15 hours with breaks)
- Elevation Gain/Loss: 939 meters
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Minimum Elevation: 1899 meters
- Maximum Elevation: 2523 meters
- Where to Stay in Žabljak: Hotel Soa (luxury), Casa di Pino Eco Lodge (midrange), Guest House Durmitor Paradise (budget-midrange), or Holiday Homes B&V (midrange)
- Recommended Itinerary: 2-Week Montenegro Road Trip
- Rules for Visiting Durmitor National Park: Flying drones is prohibited, lighting fires is prohibited, littering is prohibited, wild camping is allowed.
Bobotov Kuk Trail Difficulty
The hike to Bobotov Kuk is a demanding undertaking. Though much of the route wanders across meadows with no difficulty, there are some technical sections that require scrambling up steep passages, hiking along exposed ledges (secured with ropes), and navigating boulder fields.
The final stretch to the peak is airy and exposed, but secured with fixed ropes and rubber-encased cables.
Special equipment is not needed.
Like any limestone mountain range, the terrain is uneven, brittle, and sometimes polished due to foot traffic.
The total elevation gain is 939 meters (3080 feet).
Only hike to Bobotov Kuk only in stable and dry conditions.
Though Bobotov Kuk is a very popular hike in Montenegro, it’s not for everyone.
Waymarking and Signage
The trail is generously marked with Knafelc waymarks (red circle with white center) and red lines, which are painted on rocks along the trail.
Trail directions (destination + arrow) are also painted on rocks.
Where to Start the Bobotov Kuk Hike: Sedlo
We recommend starting the Bobotov Kuk hike at Sedlo (1907 meters), the mountain pass along P14, the scenic road that links Žabljak with Piva Lake and Pluzine.
It’s a 25-minute drive from Žabljak to Mountain Pass Sedlo.
There is a small, free car park directly at the pass.
While it’s technically feasible to start the hike in Žabljak, the trail to Bobotov Kuk measures 20 km out-and-back and takes 8:30 hours (without breaks).
For those traveling without a car, the best thing to do is to take a taxi transfer to Sedlo and then hike through the park back to Žabljak. This point-to-point hike is 14.4 km and takes 6:10 hours (without breaks).
Bobotov Kuk Hike Description
Sedlo to Zeleni Vrh (1:40 hours)
Sedlo lies between Uvita Grda (2199 m) and Zupci (2148 m).
From the car park, the trail leads north across grassy meadows, speckled with limestone, towards Uvita greda. We spotted chamois grazing here in the morning.
A gentle ascent brings you to the southwestern flank of Uvita greda.
The narrow path veers left and continues to ascend beneath the rock face to the start of a secured section, marked with a Knafelc blaze.
Follow the fixed cable route steeply up the rugged rock step and along the ledge. The fixed cables continue for a few meters around the rocky western flank of Uvita Greda.
The trail eases across grassy meadows and quickly ascends to a saddle (name unknown).
Mostly level now, the way winds around limestone sinkholes, with views of the magnificent Milošev Tok (2426 m).
The dirt path progresses smoothly across the high-alpine treeless landscape, studded with bone-white limestone boulders.
The next mountain to take center stage is the sawtooth, chiseled Zupci (2309 m).
As you draw closer to Zupci, the path crosses the high valley of Surutka, bisected by a boulder field. Follow the knafelc waymarks through the chaos of stone.
Afterwards, the trail ascends again. With the elevation gain, views open up to Bobotov Kuk, flanked by the smaller, but no less impressive summits of Devojka/Soa (2440 m) and Lucin vrh (2396 m). This trio of peaks is your North Star.
Level again, the path winds through wildflower-carpeted meadows to reach the edge of the “plateau.”
To the left, you’ll see the striking, multi-layered Šareni Pasovi (Štit) mountain, which looks like a giant, collapsing Esterházy Torte.
From this high point, the path descends to the small lake of Zeleni Vir (2028 m). Carefully pick your way through the boulders to reach the “lake bed.”
The best view of Zeleni Vir is from the opposite side of the trail.
Zeleni Vrh to Velika Previja (45 minutes)
From Zeleni Vrh, the trail leads west for a few meters, before sharply swinging right. The trail direction is indicated by a painted knafelc marker and “Bobotov Kuk 1h30’” sign on a large trailside boulder.
Thus begins the long ascent to the summit.
After ascending a boulder field, scramble up the secured rock step (no exposure).
The path twists up the rugged limestone landscape. Some light scrambling is required to ascend steep rock steps.
Ascend the final stretch across tussock slopes to the Velika Previja mountain pass (2351 m), where the Žabljak and Sedlo routes converge.
Hikers gather at the pass to rest and replenish liquids, before tackling the last section to the summit.
Velika Previja to Bobotov Kuk (30 minutes)
A metal trail sign indicates 1 hour to Bobotov Kuk. However, it took us (and the people hiking around us), 30 minutes.
The trail contours around the southern flank of Bobotov Kuk. The terrain is rugged and brittle, scattered with loose rocks and scree.
After turning a corner, the trail levels across a ledge with bird’s-eye views of Lake Veliko Škrčko jezero and Mount Prutaš.
The path twists up, bringing you to the last secured section. The path is very narrow and airy, but there’s always something to hold onto. If there are a lot of hikers on the trail, exercise patience and let people pass in safe places.
From the top of the final rope, it’s only a few meters to the peak.
It’s not uncommon to see stray dogs on the Bobotov Kuk summit. In our experience, these dogs are gentle, friendly, and passive. They likely frequent the summit, because they get attention and food.
During our recent trip to Durmitor National Park, we saw several friendly stray dogs around Žabljak. These dogs are generally well looked after and fed by locals, shop owners, and accommodation hosts (we personally witnessed this on several occasions). Dogs reflect their treatment. And, in Žabljak, stray dogs seem to be treated well.
Bobotov Kuk to Sedlo (2:30 hours)
The way back to Sedlo follows the same route.
We find that the return is as visually fascinating as the ascent.
Hiking poles are very helpful in stabilizing the descent across loose rocky terrain.
Durmitor National Park Entrance Fee
Hikers must pay an entrance fee when entering Durmitor National Park.
The entrance fee is 5 EUR per person.
If you’re planning on hiking in Durmitor National Park and/or other Montenegrin National Parks for 3, or more days, buy a Montenegro National Park Card, which is valid for the whole year and only costs 13.50 EUR per person.
In Durmitor National Park, the only place to purchase the Montenegro National Park Card is at the official park entrance near Lake Crno Jezero in Žabljak (Google Maps).
At the Sedlo trailhead, a Durmitor National Park warden collects the entrance fee (cash, or card accepted) and distributes official entrance tickets. There is no hut, or kiosk. The representative operates out of their car. Note: they cannot sell you the Montenegro National Park Card, so it’s best to acquire that in Žabljak on your day of arrival.
Hiking Season
The hiking season in Durmitor National Park starts in June and ends in September. If conditions are stable, it may also be possible to hike this trail in October.
We hiked to Bobotov Kuk in early July and in mid-September.
Hiking Bobotov Kuk in early July was memorable, because the meadows were carpeted in vibrant wildflowers.
The downside of hiking in the high summer season (July – August) is the warmer temperatures: 26°C to 29°C (78.8°F to 84.2°F). That being said, the hike starts at an elevation of 1907 meters, so it’s cooler than in Žabljak.
In terms of crowds, July was busier. We intentionally tackled the route on a weekday and started the hike relatively early. We passed very few people for the first 1:30 hours to Zeleni Vir (small lake). The final 30 minutes to the summit was the most crowded, because the trail narrows and passing is no longer feasible in some areas.
Your Bobotov Kuk hiking experience will be impacted by the amount of people on the route. If possible, get an extra early start (sunrise – 8:30 am), so that you can tackle narrow, tricky sections without reverse trail traffic.
Where to Stay in Žabljak
Žabljak is a traveler-friendly mountain town that serves as the main gateway into Durmitor National Park. Here, you’ll find a range of accommodations, eateries, bakeries, and grocery stores. We love Žabljak for its uncomplicated and unpretentious rustic flair. We’ve personally stayed in Casa di Pino, Guest House Durmitor Paradise, and Hotel Soa and wrote about our experience in our Žabljak accommodation guide.
Midrange | Managed with great care, Casa di Pino Eco Lodge is a standout B&B in Žabljak with aesthetically-pleasing modern rooms, a homemade and lovingly-prepared breakfast, on-site parking, and Finish sauna. Their email responsiveness is excellent. They answered a number of our questions prior to our stay and made us restaurant reservations. If available, don’t hesitate to book.
Midrange | Guest House Durmitor Paradise is a guesthouse in a residential area of Žabljak with a range of rooms and apartments. Our spacious duplex studio apartment featured a well-equipped kitchen, comfortable living area, and beautifully-appointed bedroom. Guests unwind in the garden, furnished for relaxation and communal enjoyment. For a homey and intimate atmosphere and homemade dinners, Guest House Durmitor Paradise is an excellent place to stay.
Luxury | The 4-star Hotel Soa, set in Durmitor National Park, offers unparalleled comfort and convenience (on-site restaurant, ample on-site parking, easy-to-find location). Located a 15-minute walk from the park entrance and a 30-minute walk from Crno Jezero, Hotel Soa is a great base for exploring both the park and the town center. We were impressed by the professional staff and the bountiful breakfast buffet.
A-Frame Cabins | Holiday Homes B&V offers 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom cabins with parking in a quiet and scenic location, 2-km from the town center (30-minute walk). The houses are well-equipped, cozy, and clean.
More Montenegro Travel Guides
Travel:
- Where to Stay in Montenegro
- Montenegro Travel Guide
- 2-Week Montenegro Road Trip
- Best Places to Visit in Montenegro including Sveti Stefan and Kotor
Hiking:
- Montenegro Hiking Destinations
- Prokletije National Park Hiking Guide
- Best Hikes in Kotor including Ladder of Kotor and Kotor Fortress Hike
- Durmitor National Park Hiking Guide including Mount Prutaš Hiking Trail
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