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Hiking in Durmitor National Park, Montenegro

Hiking in Durmitor National Park, Montenegro

Durmitor National Park is a mountainous destination in Montenegro that awakens the imagination. The park encompasses the Dumitor mountain range, a 48-peak massif with numerous glacial lakes.

Each peak seems to be its own fabled character frozen in time eons ago. One could almost believe that the mountains awake at night and slowly twist and turn in an attempt to change their point of view. 

As we explored the park, some mountains reminded us of the Dolomites, while others of Iceland. The beauty of Durmitor is astounding and accessible.

From exhilarating peak hikes to deep forest walks, there’s something here for everyone. And, for those who love scenic drives, the mountain route between Žabljak and Piva Lake (P14 Žabljak – Trsa – Plužine) is not to be missed. 

In this guide, we’re going to detail the best Durmitor National Park hiking trails plus fill you in on how to get to the park and where to stay.


Durmitor National Park Entrance Fee

There’s a 3 EUR entrance fee to visit the park. You can also purchase a discounted 3-day ticket for 6 EUR.

You’ll pay the fee at the park entrance, which is located on the wide path to Crno Jezero.

If you’re hiking into the park from other trailheads (e.g. Sedlo), there may, or may not be someone collection the park entrance fee.


When to Visit Durmitor National Park

July, August, and September are the best months for hiking in Durmitor National Park. We hiked in the park in early September and experienced excellent weather.

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A Guide to Hiking in Durmitor National Park, Montenegro

Durmitor National Park Hiking Guide Overview

  • Where is Durmitor National Park
  • How to get to Durmitor National Park
  • Where to Stay in Durmitor National Park
  • Best Hikes in Durmitor National Park
  • Waymarking & Multi-Day Hiking in Durmitor National Park
  • Hiking Essentials
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Bobotov Kuv Hike, Durmitor National Park

Durmitor National Park Hiking Map

Durmitor National Park is located in northwestern Montenegro. The park encompasses the Durmitor mountain range, which is part of the Dinaric Alps.

The closest town to the park is Žabljak. The highest peak in the park is Bobotov Kuk (2,523 meters), which can be summitted by most intermediate hikers.

 
Durmitor National Park
  • Prutaš hike
  • Veliko Škrčko Jezero
  • Sedlo - Bobotov kuk
  • Zabljak - Planinica
  • Where to Stay
Planinica Day Hike in Durmitor National Park

How to Get to Durmitor National Park

Renting a Car in Montenegro

We highly recommend renting a car to explore Durmitor National Park.

We recommend using the Discovercars.com car rental reservation platform to search for and book car rentals in Montenegro. This easy-to-use booking platform compares car rental deals from 500+ trusted providers, so that you can choose the best option for your trip.

Check car rental rates here.

By having a car, you’ll be able to reach certain trailheads with more ease and drive along the stunning P14 scenic route that connects the towns of Žabljak and Plužine.

However, if you don’t have a car, don’t let that deter you from visiting this special corner of Montenegro. You can still reach the park with public transit, and when necessary, rely on local taxis to get you around.


How to Get to Žabljak

Žabljak is the best base for exploring Durmitor National Park. It’s the gateway town to the park. If you’re staying in the town center, you’ll be able to walk to the park entrance.

From Kotor, it’ll take roughly 3 hours to reach Žabljak by car. From Podgorica, it’ll take 2 hours.


How to Get to Žabljak without a Car

The best way to get to Durmitor National Park without a car is via bus. Here are a few options:

Podgorica to Durmitor National Park

There’s a bus line that runs Podgorica-Nikšić-Žabljak several times a day.

This bus takes about 2.5 to 3 hours. You can either opt for the direct line or the indirect line, whereby you’ll change buses in Nikšić.

Ticket Price: around 8 EUR. Podgorica Bus Terminal: Trg Golootočkih žrtava 1, 81000 Podgorica


Herceg Novi to Durmitor National Park

There is no direct bus line between Herceg Novi and Žabljak.

You’ll need to change buses in Nikšić. It looks like there are at least 3 daily departures from Herceg Novi to Nikšić each day.

Depending on the time of departure, it’ll take anywhere from 3h 45 min to 4hr 25 min to reach Nikšić (~10 EUR).

And then, it’ll take an addition 1hr 40min to reach Žabljak (~5 EUR). Herceg Novi Bus Terminal: E65, Herceg Novi 85340, Montenegro.

Use busticket4.me to find bus time tables and other routes to Žabljak.

 
P14 Scenic Road, Durmitor National Park, Montenegro

Where to Stay in Durmitor National Park

Žabljak

The town of Žabljak is the perfect base for exploring the Durmitor mountains.

Though the town is small, it has everything you need to enjoy your alpine holiday. There are a number of restaurants, bakeries, and hotels to experience and stay in.

For those traveling to Durmitor without a car, look for accommodation in the “town center” (not on the P5 highway, Narodnih Heroja).

We suggest staying at least 3 nights in Žabljak, so you can get in 2 full days of hiking.

Budget | Apartments Sipcic

Midrange | Vuk Popovic is a very clean and spacious apartment fully furnished and stocked with necessary amenities. The apartment can sleep up to 4, or 5 people.

Top Choice – Midrange-Luxury | We recommend staying in Casa di Pino Eco Lodge Apartments, a modern, tastefully-furnished accommodation with 8 rooms and apartments. The room rate includes a breakfast buffet and use of the Finnish sauna. 

Luxury | Hotel Soa is the best accommodation if you want a spacious modern room, an excellent breakfast and spa facilities. The hotel is perfectly situated between the city center and the Crno Jezero (Black Lake).

Look for accommodation in Žabljak.

 
View of Skrka Lakes valley from Bobotov Kuk Summit, Montenegro

Durmitor National Park Hiking Trails

Day Hikes & Long Distance
Bobotov Kuv Hiking Trail, Durmitor National Park, Montenegro
Bobotov Kuv Hiking Trail

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 Hiking Trail, Durmitor National Park, Montenegro
Zeleni Vir

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, Durmitor National Park Hike, Montenegro
View from Planinica

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, Durmitor National Park Hiking Trails, Montenegro
Mount Prutaš

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.
 
Veliko Škrčko jezero, Bobotov Kuv Hike, Durmitor National Park
View of Veliko Škrčko jezero from Bobotov Kuv Trail

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, Durmitor National Park
Crno Jezero

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)

 
Durmitor National Park Hiking Trail
Durmitor National Park

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.

 
P14 Scenic Mountain Road, Durmitor National Park, Montenegro

Other Considerations for Hiking in Durmitor National Park

Multi-Day Hikes

It’s possible to do multi-day hikes in Durmitor. Wild Camping (dispersed camping) is allowed within the park. We recommend using Cicerone’s Mountains of Montenegro guide for inspiration and route planning.


Waymarking & Signage

We were really impressed by the signs and waymarks in Durmitor. It was a lot easier to follow trails here than in Prokletije, another park in Montenegro.

Durmitor National Park hiking trails are marked with the Knafelc Waymark, which is a red circle with a white center. If you like to follow trails with your phone, the Maps.me app was very reliable in this region.

 
Watching the Sunset at Sedlo, P14 Scenic Road, Durmitor National Park

Hiking Essentials

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‘sIcebreaker Quantum III Long-Sleeve Zip Jacket – Men’s

Merino Wool Shirts

 
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This is we’re you’ll wake up on day 2 of the 3-day Alpstein High Trail (itinerary is on the blog - moonhoneytravel.com).
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📷 The beginning of stage 3. 
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