Hiking in Durmitor National Park, Montenegro

Bobotov Kuk

Bobotov Kuk (also spelled Bobotov Kuv) is the highest peak in Durmitor National Park and a fantastic hiking destination.

There are a few ways to reach the peak, but the easiest and shortest way is from “Sedlo,” the pass on the scenic P14 road, which is 14 km outside of Žabljak.

If you have a car, you can drive directly to Sedlo, where you’ll find a small parking lot. If you don’t have a car, you can hire a taxi in Žabljak to drop you off at the Sedlo trailhead.

Overall, the hike to Bobotov Kuv is easy to follow and not overly difficult if you have alpine hiking experience. That being said, this isn’t an “easy” hike.

The first half is almost entirely flat, while the second half ascends through very rugged terrain. The very last segment includes some bolted down ropes and a bit of scrambling.

You need to be surefooted and not afraid of heights to tackle the final stretch to the summit. We recommend hiking poles for this trail, to stabilize your descent.

If this sounds too challenging, still consider hiking the first half of the trail (see Zeleni Vir trail below).

Type of Hike: Day Hike (Intermediate)

Trailhead: Sedlo on P14

Length: 3 hours to summit. 6 – 6.5 hours roundtrip.

When to Hike: If you start the hike in the late morning, or early afternoon, you could time your descent with seeing the sunset at Sedlo (highly recommend).

Zeleni Vir

Zeleni Vir is a tiny lake that you’ll pass if you’re hiking to Bobotov Kuv. See trailhead directions above.

For anyone who doesn’t want to summit Bobotov Kuv, we still recommend hiking to Zeleni Vir. Most of the trail is relatively flat.

Though the lake is more like a big pond, the mountain views are magical.

Type of Hike: Day Hike

Trailhead: Sedlo on P14

Length: 2 hours one-way. 4 hours round-trip.

When to Hike: Mid-afternoon

Planinica

Planinica (2330 m) is a high alpine plateau that boasts arguably the best view in the entire park. It takes 4:30 hours to reach Planinica, so this is a very long day hike.

The Planinica hike starts at Crno Jezero (Black Lake), which is very close to the park entrance. The beginning of the hike takes you along wide trails through thick forest in the direction of Zminje Jezero.

After passing through the Crepulj Pokhara meadow, you’ll soon emerge above the bush line.

The landscapes get increasingly more beautiful as you cut through high alpine meadows of Donja Alisnica (1931 m) and Gornja Alisnica (2064 m) dotted with grazing cows and horses.

After crossing the meadows, there’s a final climb to Planinica. Once you’re on the plateau, you can roam around for another 30 min for varying views.

Type of Hike: Day Hike

Trailhead: Park Entrance (as if you’re going to Crno Jezero)

Length: 7-8 hours round-trip

When to Hike: The views from Planinica are best in the late afternoon. We lingered a bit too long on the plateau and struggled to make it back before sunset.

Mount Prutaš

Mount Prutaš (2393 m) is a striking mountain that’s reachable from the scenic P14 mountain road.

This would be a great hike to do if you’re heading to Plužine, since the Todorov Do trailhead is 24 km from Žabljak (45 min drive).

As you’re driving along R16, you’ll be able to see the mountain from the road. Mount Prutaš is the ultimate showstopper. It looks like a thick deli sandwich that’s resting on its side. 

Unfortunately, we didn’t get a chance to hike to the summit, but it’s on our list for future visits.

Type of Hike: Day Hike

Trailheads:

• Option #1 Western Approach – Todorov Do (Pištet water spring). 1.5 hours one-way.
• Option #2 Southern Approach (easier) – Dobri Do (Sarban water spring). 2:15 hours one-way.
• Use SummitPost’s guide to plan your hike. There are other route options.

Skrka Lakes valley 

Veliko Škrčko jezero (Large Škrka Lake) and Malo Škrčko jezero (Small Škrka Lake) are two glacial lakes in Durmitor National Park situated in the Skrka Lakes Valley.

We saw the lakes from the summits of Bobotov Kuv and Planinica but didn’t get a chance to hike directly to the lakeshores.

You could hike to Veliko Škrčko jezero (1686 m) after visiting Mount Prutaš, which takes an additional hour to reach (downhill). The return hike from Skrka Lakes Valley to Prutaš is 2 hrs (uphill).

Type of Hike: Day Hike

Trailheads: 

• Option #1 Western Approach – Todorov Do (Pištet water spring) – Veliko Škrčko jezero. 2.5 hours to the lake. 3.5 hours back. (6 hours total).
• Option #2 Southern Approach (easier) – Dobri Do (Sarban water spring) – Veliko Škrčko jezero. 3.15 hours one-way. (7 hours total).

Crno Jezero

Crno Jezero (Black Lake) is a glacial lake ringed by forest. It’s situated only 10 minutes from the park entrance (walking distance from Žabljak).

To reach the lake, you’ll walk along a flat, paved road. This lake marks the trailhead for many Durmitor hiking trails. 

Type of Hike: Short Walk (Easy)

Via Dinarica

The Via Dinarica is a long-distance hiking route that traverses the Dinaric Alps through Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Kosovo, Serbia, Albania, and Macedonia.

The trail spans nearly 2,000 km and is broken up into 120 stages. Stages 38 – 42 run through Montenegro, with the initial stages passing through Durmitor National Park.

Multi-day hikers could hike several stages of the Via Dinarica, by starting or ending in Žabljak.

1-Liter Reusable Water Bottle.

Hiking Pants.When buying hiking pants, we think flexibility and ability to shed water are two important criteria. We both own Macpac Women’s Hike Tight Pants and we love them. They’re breathable and extremely comfortable in all types of weather. Bonus: you don’t need to wear a belt.

Hiking Boots for Women. Women’s Hanwag Tatra II GTX / Meindl Schuhe Island Lady / Men’s Hanwag Tatra II GTX

Merino Wool Hiking Socks.Smartwool women’s Performance Hike Full Cushion Crew / Smartwool Men’s Performance Hike Full Cushion Crew

Hiking Poles. Black Diamond Trail Trekking Poles

Hiking Day Backpack. Women’s Osprey Tempest 34 / Men’s Osprey Talon 33

Sun Hat + Beanie

Rain Jacket. North Face Venture Rain Jacket

Hiking Vest. Everyone has different preferences, but when it comes to keeping your core warm on the trail, but not overheating, vests are your best friend.

Merino Wool Jacket. Icebreaker Quantum III Long-Sleeve Zip Jacket – Women‘s / Icebreaker Quantum III Long-Sleeve Zip Jacket – Men’s

Merino Wool Shirts