Mount Prutaš Peak Hike, Durmitor National Park, Montenegro

Mount Prutaš (2393 m) is one of the most distinct and uniquely-shaped mountains in Durmitor National Park in Montenegro. It’s instantly recognizable by its vertical sedimentary layers. 

When seen from the west along the P14 road, Mount Prutaš looks like a giant deli sandwich, a dozen parallel ski jumps, or perhaps a mound of twigs as its name suggests. “Prutaš” comes from the word “Prutovi,” meaning twigs. 

During our first trip to Montenegro, we were instantly captivated by the striking green and silver slopes of Mount Prutaš. We promised that one day we’d return to hike to the summit. We fulfilled that promise six years later. 

There are two notable ascent routes to Mount Prutaš, both of which start along the scenic P14 road: the easier, but longer Dobri Do/Šarban ascent route (car park location) and the shorter, but more difficult Todorov Do ascent route (car park location). 

The Dobri Do/Šarban ascent route is known as the southern approach, whereas the Todorov Do is known as the western approach. 

It’s worth noting that there is also a third ascent route (the eastern approach) from Škrka valley. 

We hiked the easiest ascent route from Dobri Do to the summit of Mount Prutaš, which is altogether a moderate and straightforward out-and-back day hike with great views along the way. 

Weather and snow conditions will impact the difficulty of this hike. For that reason, we only recommend hiking this trail in dry conditions, when the trail is snow-free.

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Mount Prutaš / Durmitor National Park Entrance Fee 

Hikers must pay an entrance fee of 5 EUR per person when entering Durmitor National Park. 

In high season, fees are collected at the Dobri Do/Šarban trailhead by a Durmitor National Park representative. Outside of high season, it’s unlikely that there will be anyone there collecting the fee. 

Cash and card payments are accepted. 

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Where to Start the Mount Prutaš Hike 

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Dobri Do – Šarban Trailhead 

The Dobro Do, or Šarban trailhead is located about halfway between Sedlo (the Bobotov Kuk trailhead) and the Todorov Do trailhead. 

The Dobro Do/Šarban trailhead car park is small, but marked with a giant frame that serves as a roadside photo spot of Zupci (2148 m) and Sedlena Greda (2227 m). 

If you’re approaching the car park from the east (e.g. Sedo, or Žabljak), you’ll see signs to Škrčka jezera and Kamp Škrčka, directly before the car park. 

Dobro Do is only accessible by car. If you’re traveling without a car, we recommend asking your accommodation for help in organizing a taxi drop-off and pick-up. 

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Mount Prutaš Hike Description: Southern Route

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Dobri Do/Šarban Car Park to Škrčko Ždrijelo Pass (1:30 hours)

Locate trail 101. Directly from the road, the dirt path ascends steeply and then eases across a wide-open meadowscape. 

The path leads directly north across the grassy eastern flank of Pećine (1920 m) with views of Šareni Pasovi (Štit) and Bobotov Kuk. 

The way is marked with both Knafelc waymarks and Austrian-style waymarks (red-white-red), painted on rocks and boulders along the trail.  

Ascending, the trail arches left around Pećine and leads northwest through Duško valje valley. 

For the next 30 minutes, follow the high valley trail across wildflower-carpeted meadows. Views extend to the conspicuous silver sedimentary layers of Mount Prutaš.

You may see herdsmen guiding their sheep through the valley. 

The path curves right and it’s a steep and direct ascent to Škrčko Ždrijelo mountain pass (2114 m), which affords pleasing views of Planinica (2330 m), Bezimeni vrh (2487 m), and Bobotov kuk (2523 m). 

The trail divides at the pass, with the “right” trail descending into the valley of Skrčko Jezero and the “left” trail ascending to the summit of Prutaš. 

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Škrčko Ždrijelo Pass to Mount Prutaš (1:05 hours)

Turn left and follow the ridge, or just below. 

The 279-meter ascent to the peak is steadily gained over the course of an hour. 

Along the way, there’s an impressive vantage point of the Prutaš vertical layers. 

Most of the ascent follows a smooth, narrow dirt path across the grassy flank of Balja Greda. 

However, there are two rugged areas, which require greater attention and comfort with light exposure. 

The summit of Mount Prutaš is a wide grassy plateau, perfect for a picnic. 

For the best outlook and a bird’s-eye view of Škrka valley and Veliko Škrčko Jezero, hike over the peak, following the sign to Škrčka jez. (+10 minutes). The initial section is rugged. 

The northern side of Skrka Lakes Valley is flanked by the 2-km-long Soa Nebeska rock wall, comprising Bezimeni Vrh,  Bobotov Kuk, and Soa/Đevojka. This is the highest crest in the Durmitor massif. 

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Mount Prutaš to Dobri Do / Šarban Trailhead Car Park (2 hours)

We followed the same route back to Dobri Do/Šarban. 

It’s possible to continue the hike from Prutaš to Škrka valley, but that will make this moderate hike longer and more difficult. 

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Best Views of Mount Prutaš: Todorov Do Basin

After completing the hike, we recommend driving 10 minutes in the direction of Pluzine to see Mount Prutaš from its most impressive angle. 

From the Todorov Do car park, walk towards Pištet pond, where horses gather in summer. 

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Where to Stay near Mount Prutaš

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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.

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More Montenegro Travel Guides

Durmitor National Park:

• Durmitor National Park Hiking Guide
• Žabljak Hotel and Accommodation Guide
• Bobotov Kuk Trail Guide

Travel:

• Where to Stay in Montenegro
• Montenegro Travel Guide
• 2-Week Montenegro Road Trip
• Best Places to Visit in Montenegro 

Hiking:

• Montenegro Hiking Destinations 
• Prokletije National Park Hiking Guide

Kotor:

• Things to Do in Kotor
• Where to Stay in Kotor
• Best Hikes in Kotor
• Ladder of Kotor
• Kotor Fortress Hike
• Vrmac Ridge Trail
• Pestingrad Peak Hike

Budva Riviera:

• Sveti Stefan Travel Guide

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