About Durmitor National Park
Durmitor National Park is one of five national parks in Montenegro. Established in 1952, it was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980. The park is located in the northwestern part of Montenegro and encompasses the Durmitor massif along with the canyons of the Tara, Draga, and Sušica rivers, as well as the upper course of the Komarnica river.
Durmitor is a mountain massif in the Dinaric Alps, primarily situated in Montenegro. It features 48 peaks over 2,000 meters above sea level, with the highest being Bobotov Kuk at 2,523 meters (8,278 feet).
UNESCO World Heritage
Durmitor National Park has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its exceptional natural beauty, biodiversity, and geomorphological characteristics. The Tara River Canyon, which is part of the park, is the second deepest canyon in the world after the Grand Canyon of the Colorado River.
The park covers approximately 39,000 hectares (96,000 acres) and serves as a unique habitat for numerous rare and endemic plant and animal species. The Durmitor area is characterized by coniferous and mixed forests, mountain pastures, glacial valleys, 18 glacial lakes known as "Mountain Eyes," deep canyons, and diverse geomorphological formations.
Main Attractions
Durmitor National Park offers numerous natural and cultural attractions that draw visitors from around the world. Here are some of the most famous:
Tara River Canyon
With a depth of 1,300 meters (4,300 feet), the Tara River Canyon is the deepest canyon in Europe and the second deepest in the world. It's known as the "Tear of Europe" due to its pristine water. The canyon stretches for 82 kilometers (51 miles).
Learn moreBlack Lake
The largest and most famous of the 18 glacial lakes in the park, Black Lake is situated at an elevation of 1,416 meters (4,646 feet). It consists of two lakes, Big and Small, connected by a narrow channel.
Learn moreBobotov Kuk
The highest peak of Durmitor at 2,523 meters (8,278 feet) above sea level. The summit offers a spectacular view of the surrounding mountains, canyons, and lakes. It's popular among hikers and mountaineers.
Learn moreĐurđevića Tara Bridge
A magnificent bridge spanning 365 meters (1,198 feet) and standing 172 meters (564 feet) above the Tara River. Built in 1940, it represents a masterpiece of engineering of its time.
Learn moreIce Cave
A unique cave that contains ice formations throughout the year. It's located on the slopes of Obla Glava at an elevation of approximately 2,160 meters (7,087 feet).
Learn moreŽabljak
The town that serves as the center of the Durmitor area and the main tourist hub. Located at an elevation of 1,456 meters (4,777 feet), it is the highest urban settlement in the Balkans.
Learn moreActivities and Adventures
Durmitor National Park offers a wide range of activities for all ages and fitness levels. Whether you're looking for an adrenaline rush or peaceful enjoyment of nature, you'll find something for yourself here.
Rafting
Rafting on the Tara River is one of the most exciting experiences you can have. Crystal clear water, a spectacular canyon, and rapids of varying difficulty levels make it ideal for rafting adventures.
Hiking
With over 200 km of marked hiking trails, Durmitor is a paradise for hikers. Trails range from easy walks to challenging ascents to the highest peaks.
Zip-lining
Experience an unforgettable adventure crossing the Tara Canyon on a zip-line that spans more than 1 km in length, providing a unique perspective of the canyon.
Skiing
During the winter months, Durmitor transforms into a popular ski resort. The Savin Kuk ski center offers slopes for skiers of various experience levels.
Mountain Biking
Numerous mountain biking trails pass through spectacular landscapes and offer challenging rides for enthusiasts of this sport.
Photo Safari
The diverse landscape and rich wildlife make Durmitor an ideal place for photographers and nature lovers.
Flora and Fauna
Durmitor National Park represents one of the most important centers of biodiversity in the Balkans, with numerous endemic and rare species.
Flora
Over 1,600 plant species have been recorded in the Durmitor area, which represents almost half of the total flora of Montenegro. Among them are numerous endemic species such as Durmitor mallow (Malva durmiitorensis), Greek maple (Acer heldreichii), Durmitor bellflower (Campanula zoysii), and many others.
The forest cover of Durmitor consists predominantly of coniferous forests of spruce, fir, and pine, as well as mixed beech forests. Above the forest line, at elevations over 1,800 meters (5,900 feet), alpine meadows with rich mountain flora extend.
Fauna
The animal world of Durmitor is equally rich and diverse. The park is home to around 130 bird species, including griffon vultures, golden eagles, capercaillies, and peregrine falcons. Among mammals, brown bears, wolves, wild boars, deer, chamois, and occasionally lynx can be found.
The Tara River and glacial lakes are home to various fish species, including brown trout and grayling. Additionally, the park is inhabited by a large number of insect, reptile, and amphibian species.
| Species | Status | Habitat |
|---|---|---|
| Brown Bear (Ursus arctos) | Protected species | Forest areas |
| Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) | Strictly protected species | Canyons, high peaks |
| Chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra) | Protected species | High mountain pastures |
| Brown Trout (Salmo trutta) | Protected species | Tara River and mountain lakes |
| Balkan Chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra balcanica) | Endemic subspecies | Steep mountain terrain |
Planning Your Visit
To fully experience the beauty of Durmitor National Park, we recommend setting aside at least a few days to explore this wonderful area. Here is some useful information to help you plan your visit:
How to Get to Durmitor
The closest town to the park is Žabljak, which is about 170 km (105 miles) from Podgorica, the capital of Montenegro. It's possible to arrive by bus from larger Montenegrin cities, but for greater freedom of movement, renting a car is recommended.
Best Time to Visit
Durmitor National Park is attractive throughout the year:
- Spring (May-June): Ideal for observing lush vegetation and flowers.
- Summer (July-August): Perfect for hiking, rafting, and other outdoor activities.
- Autumn (September-October): Spectacular colors and fewer crowds.
- Winter (December-March): Ski season and winter sports.
Accommodation
In Žabljak and the surrounding area, there is a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to private apartments and eco-villages. During the summer and winter seasons, advance reservations are recommended.
Entrance Fees and Opening Hours
An entrance fee is required to enter Durmitor National Park. The entrance fee for adults is approximately €3, while it is lower for children and students. The park is open year-round, but some locations within the park may be inaccessible during winter months due to snow.
Rules of Conduct
To help preserve this exceptional natural area, please respect the following rules:
- Do not leave trash behind
- Do not pick plants or disturb animals
- Stay on marked trails
- Do not light fires except in designated areas
- Avoid creating noise
Contact Information
For more information about Durmitor National Park, please use the following contact details:
National Park Administration
Address: Trg Svetog Petra Cetinjskog 1, 81450 Žabljak, Montenegro
Phone: +382 52 361 337
Email: info@nparkovi.me
Tourist Information Center Žabljak
Address: Trg durmitorskih heroja bb, 81450 Žabljak, Montenegro
Phone: +382 52 361 802
Email: tic.zabljak@gmail.com
Emergency Services
Phone: +382 52 361 112
Mobile: +382 67 268 158
Emergency calls: 112