Only for the well-prepared
If hiking is your goal for the trip, and when you are at home you are impatiently waiting for the next climb, then Durmitor is the answer to all your questions.
A mountain that will enchant you. Many peaks and even more paths to reach them. A constant alternation of rugged cliffs and gentle meadows. Breathtaking views. Guaranteed fatigue upon return, happiness from achieving even more.
The list of peaks and trails is too long to fit on our website. That is why we are only giving you a few ideas here, and when you arrive we will make an action plan together.
BOBOTOV KUK
Bobotov Kuk is the highest peak of Montenegro and represents a challenge for all passionate hikers! This tour requires some
physical fitness, but the rewards are well worth it! Also, it is not for those afraid of height because of the exposed part
close to the top!
As the undisputed local champion, Bobotov kuk has a huge following. Especially in summer, the shortest
approaches from the south are frequented by columns of mountaineers. Approximately 20 people can be on the top at the same
time, so sometimes, someone needs to wait for others to climb down, and of course to be careful while descending because of
little rocks. However, waiting in the foothill of Bobotov Kuk is not usual waiting, but admiring the amazing art of Nature!
This peak stands proudly at 2523 m and offers stunning views on each side you turn and once you reach the top you can say
that you are sitting on the roof of Montenegro. On the way, we’ll take frequent breaks to enjoy nature’s beauty or take some
photos, so don’t forget your camera!
CRVENA GREDA (RED ROCK)
Start from Nadgora Resort and join the Panoramic Road II, follow the signs for the Momčilov Grad restaurant. After about 10 minutes
of driving, and before turning off the road for the restaurant, park on the extension on the left. From there, the hiking trail
leads to Jablan Lake and Crvena Greda. The climb to the top is moderately demanding, it does not require special physical
fitness, but on some shorter sections, you should be extra careful, especially those who are afraid of heights. Don't let this
discourage you, the trail is not considered risky. It is a great choice for those who want to enjoy a less crowded route, unlike
some more popular ones like the climb to Bobotov Kuk.
During your ascent, you will pass through alpine meadows, dense pine
forests and rocky areas, and the reddish cliffs of Crvena Greda stand out dramatically. From the Crvena Greda viewpoint, you can
enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of Jablan Lake, as well as magnificent peaks such as Bobotov Kuk, Savin Kuk and Šljeme, but the
most impressive is the bird's eye view of Crno Lake in the distance. On the way back, stop at the foot of Crvena Greda, at the
beautiful Jablan Lake, where you can swim in the summer months.
The trail is well marked and can be hiked without a guide, but
it is better to start in the morning as weather conditions can change. Be sure to check the weather forecast on the day of departure.
PLANINICA
Start by car from Nadgora Resort and pass through the village of Bosača, the highest permanently populated place on Balkan
Peninsula, with a wonderful panoramic view of Durmitor. On the way out of Bosača, turn towards Zminji jezera. When you reach the
end of the macadam road, where the path to Zminje jezero branches off, park your car and continue along the path through the
forest towards Donja and Gornja Ališnica, all the way to the top of Planinica.
The trail is of medium difficulty, and is ideal
for those looking for a panoramic view of the magnificent massif of Durmitor. Due to its length, this route is less frequented and
hikers can enjoy the untouched nature even more. The ascent includes beautiful mountain landscapes rich in wildflowers.
The top
rewards you with a view of the biggest part of the Durmitor massif, as well as Škrčka jezera - "mountain's eyes" of emerald color,
in which Bobotov Kuk and other surrounding peaks are reflected. In winter, when Durmitor is covered in snow, this track is actually
the longest backcountry freeride on Durmitor, perfect for touring skiers, splitboarders and snowshoe enthusiasts. Local guides can
show you the most attractive hidden parts of this route.
Whether you're going in summer or winter, for this adventure be sure to
bring good-quality waterproof clothing and shoes, as well as enough water and energy snacks. Before departure, it is advisable to
announce the ascent to your hosts.
SKRKA LAKES
From Nadgora Resort, take the road through Žabljak, then from the main road turn to the Panoramic road II. While leading you to
the starting point, this road is very interesting in itself because it passes through the Durmitor massif, takes you over the
Sedlo pass (1907m), to the Šarban katun. You park at this location and start your hiking adventure.
The chosen route is not
too demanding, but it is also not recommended for people who have no previous mountaineering experience or are complete beginners.
Watch out for unstable rocks and sudden weather changes. Hike with a partner or group for safety, and inform someone about your
travel plans before you start. Don't go on a tour without comfortable, waterproof hiking shoes and jackets, as well as plenty of
water and high-energy snacks.
At the highest point of the Škrcki Ždrel(2114 m) route, you will have a panoramic view of the
alpine landscape of Durmitor, as well as its highest peak - Bobotov Kuk (2523 m). After a few hours of hiking, the Škrčko jezera
basin is revealed, located in a glacial valley at a high altitude. The two main lakes, Veliko Škrčko jezero and Malo Škrčko jezero,
shimmer in emerald tones.
Surrounded by high peaks, this place is a haven of peace, perfect for a well-deserved rest before
your return.
SAVIN KUK
The easiest way to get from Nadgora Resort to the beginning of the Savin Kuk route is by car (11 km). The road takes you through
the town of Žabljak, and after leaving it, it branches off to the right from the main road (Žabljak-Nikšić) towards the Savin Kuk
ski center. Not long after, you will reach the starting position of the ski resort, where you will park and prepare for the ascent.
The trail is of moderate difficulty and is well marked, but the steep sections near the top, combined with unstable rocks,
require more careful walking. It is intended for hardy hikers, since the ascent from the start to the very top is almost constant
(with only a 15m descent). Avoid hiking in bad weather, as winds and slippery rocks can make this adventure much more challenging.
Just before the top, you will be surprised and invigorated by the spring "Savina Voda", which is a kind of karst phenomenon common
in limestone areas like Durmitor. As a result of precipitation and melting snow, water penetrates the porous limestone and collects
in underground reservoirs. The water pressure in these chambers exceeds the critical threshold, and it bursts to the surface not far
from the very top. Sava's water is not only a natural feature - it also occupies a sacred place in Montenegrin culture. Local
residents believe that drinking or washing with Sava water can bring health and spiritual renewal.
At the top of Savin Kuk, you
will be rewarded with a 360-degree view of the astonishing beauty of Durmitor National Park, speckled with glacial lakes, deep
gorges and high peaks. Just below Savina Kuk, there is another natural wonder - the Debeli Namet glacier, which scientists claim is
over 12,000 years old, and to which more daring mountaineers can safely descend the steep cliffs with a secure cable system. Beware
of the global warming and hurry to see it while it still exists!
Savin Kuk is the most visited peak of Durmitor, given that there
is also a ski center on it. Its cable car system works both in summer and in winter, so this fact, apart from skiers, is a great
convenience for mountain lovers who are not physically ready for climbs, but want to see the magical view from this peak.
MALI MEDJED
The starting point of this hiking trail can be reached by car or on foot. Start from Nadgora Resort and go towards Bosača (the
highest inhabited place on the Balkan Peninsula). Upon leaving this pictoresque village make a turn right on the macadam road
towards Zminje lake. Park your vehicle at the turn for Crno Jezero (Black Lake), you will easily recognize it by the monument
from World War II.
The forest path leads you in the direction of the Black Lake, but just before it, you cross over a small
wooden bridge and continue uphill through the forest. You will pass by, or more precisely above lake Crno jezero, and at the next
junction (for Lokvice katun) you turn left, following the Mali Medjed road sign. You should be especially careful on this section,
given that it is an unstable rocky path, and every step should be carefully measured.
This is precisely why this route is among
the more complex, although it is not too physically demanding. As the trail climbs, it opens up to alpine meadows with views of the
surrounding peaks and the shimmering Black Lake below. The viewpoint is a photographer's dream, because it offers a perspective
that evokes the magnificence of Durmitor's landscapes.
Considering that the return is the same way, if the weather conditions
allow it - do not miss the opportunity to reward yourself with a swim in the Black Lake, we are sure that you will remember it for
a long time.
VELIKI MEĐED - GLACIER
You can reach the starting point of this hiking trail by car or on foot, from Nadgora Resort you go towards Bosača (the highest
populated place on the Balkan Peninsula), and when leaving the village you turn right onto the macadam road towards Zminje Lake.
Park your vehicle at the turnoff for Crno Jezero, you will easily recognize it by the monument from World War II.
The forest
path leads you towards Crno Jezero, but just before it you cross a wooden bridge and continue uphill through the forest. You will
pass by, or rather above Crno Jezero, and at the next crossroads (for the Lokvice katun) turn left, following the sign Mali Međed.
You should be especially careful on this section because it is an unstable rocky path and every step should be carefully considered.
After a short break and an unforgettable view of Crno Jezero, there is a spectacular ridge crossing from Mali Međed to Veliki Međed,
which is also the crowning glory of this adventure.
Since the route is circular, there is a descent to the Debeli namet mountain
bivouac, which is located on one of the last glaciers in this part of the world. After a short break, the path leads through Velika
Kalica to the Točak spring, followed by a pleasant swim in Crno Jezero and a return to the starting point.
This route is one of
the most demanding ones in the Durmitor massif, both in terms of complex terrain and because of the total length of 13.8 km and a
minimum of 7-8 hours of walking. It belongs to all-day tours and it is necessary to start from 5-6 in the morning. It's recommended
to do the tour with a local guide.
ŠLJEME
The easiest way to get from Nadgora Resort to the start of the Šljeme route is by car (11 km). The road takes you through the
town of Žabljak, and after leaving it, the main road (Žabljak-Nikšić) turns right towards the Savin Kuk ski center. Shortly
after, you reach the starting position - the ski resort, where you will park and prepare for the climb.
The action begins
with a climb along the ski slopes, below the double-seater chairlift, through deciduous, beech forests. It is an interesting
ecological phenomenon called "Forest Inversion", when warm-loving (thermophilic) tree species grow at higher altitudes, while
cold-loving (xerophilic) species dominate in the lower parts of the mountain. At the intermediate station of the cable car
(Dernek), the path turns left towards Panalj hill, and from there the ascent to the top of Šljema is constant and quite steep.
Located in the eastern part of Durmitor, Šljeme offers an incredible view of the canyon of the Tara River, the neighboring
peaks and the vast landscape of Montenegro. Unlike Bobotov kuk, Šljeme has significantly fewer visitors, so your experience of
nature will be more pronounced.
For such demanding ascents, comfortable hiking shoes and waterproof clothing are required due
to the changing weather conditions. A sufficient amount of water and energy-rich snacks are also necessary. Although this climb
is not considered risky, it is useful to inform the hosts that you will venture on this adventure.
PRUTAŠ
The easiest way to get from Nadgora to the beginning of the Prutaš trail is by car (30 km). The road takes you through the town
of Žabljak, and after leaving it, the main road (Žabljak-Nikšić) turns right onto Panoramic Road II. It leads through the beautiful
landscapes of the Durmitor massif over the Sedlo pass (1907m), where we recommend a short break for panoramic photography.
Carefully go down the narrow path, with a lot of serpentines, to Todorovo Dol, where this luxurious mountain "treat" begins. Before
the ascent, we suggest that you visit the nearby katun - an occasional pastoral mountain settlement next to a pasture where cattle
are taken during the summer. There you can meet the hosts and taste their traditional dairy products, whose recipes have been passed
down from generation to generation for centuries. We are sure that you will never forget the view of Prutaš from that place.
The
ascent itself is constant and quite steep, in some places it is even necessary to move on all fours, but the route is not considered
risky. The top of Prutaš is quite spacious and safe, and the view from it will delay your departure more than you planned.
Since
the route is circular, the descent is gentler than the ascent and simpler, and the landscapes you will have the opportunity to see
are, in a word, fascinating. With a little luck, your path will cross with chamois, the hosts of this region.
The action ends at
Šarban katun, from where the view of Sedlena greda, i.e. to one of the most photographed motifs in Durmitor. From there you will
have to walk on the asphalt back to the car (5,5 km), it will be even easier for you if you hitchhike someone going in that direction
to transfer one of you to the vehicle.
ICE CAVE
You can reach the starting point of this hiking trail by car or on foot. From Nadgora Resort, head towards Bosača (the highest
populated place on the Balkan Peninsula), and when leaving the village, turn right onto the gravel road towards Zminje Lake.
Park your vehicle at the turnoff for Crno Jezero, which you will easily recognize by the World War II monument.
The forest
road leads you towards Crno jezero (Black Lake), but just before reaching it, cross a wooden bridge and continue uphill through
the forest. You will pass by, or more precisely - above the Black Lake, and at the next intersection continue straight towards
Lokvice katun. Rest here and refresh yourself with water from a nearby spring. Then choose the path that leads you to the right,
towards the ice cave, which is located on the top of Obla Glava.
The constant ascent and rocky ground make this last section
quite physically demanding, but not risky. The entrance to the cave itself is quite steep, so extra caution is required, but the
cable that has been installed can simplify the descent. The ice cave is a place where winter lasts forever. The ice figures
skillfully shaped by the water dripping from its vaults for thousands of years form a magnificent exhibition of stalactites and
stalagmites. Due to global warming, these beautiful figures have shrunk, but they are still worth seeing, waiting for visitors
in their underground "gallery".
If refreshing in the Ice Cave and at the spring in Lokvice is not enough for you, reward
yourself with a swim in the Black Lake at the very end of your adventure.
The mountaineering trails we have shown are located on the territory of Durmitor National Park. The starting point of the trail can be reached by car, and the drive to each trail takes less than half an hour from Nadgora Resort.
Each of the hikes on the list is a serious mountaineering challenge, not for young children or those who are not mountaineers. For these climbs, you will need comfortable hiking shoes and appropriate clothing. You will need to bring water and food for the whole day, as well as protective clothing, as the weather in the mountains can change very quickly and unexpectedly.
You can go on these excursions on your own, but we recommend that you be accompanied by our guide. He is responsible for your safety, but he will also provide you with a lot of quality information about Durmitor, as well as the tradition, culture and lifestyle of the people from this area.