Durmitor, Montenegro (see on Montenegro map) is the embodiment of a real fairy tale. There are also icy lakes, and spacious meadows strewn with a variety of flowers, and thickets of dense coniferous forests, where you can always hear the birds singing and sometimes see squirrels jumping along the branches.

At one time, Greek tribes lived here, who considered this place the second Olympus. The Greeks believed that during the day the gods ruled on the first Olympus, and at night they descended to the second Olympus to rest and enjoy the cleanliness and freshness of the Durmitor mountains.

Durmitor is often found in Serbian folk poetry:

Beћ bijelo brdo Durmitor
Okiћenno ice and snow
Average summer as average winter.

Attractions

Some believe that the word "durmitor" comes from the Celtic language and means - "mountains in which there are many waters", others - that from Latin this word means "sleeping, immersed in eternal sleep." During the ice age, everything here was covered with ice, and with the advent of the thaw, many beautiful mountain lakes formed. There are about 18 of them; the most famous of them - Black Lake ("Crno Jezero"), which the locals called "black eyes", because. a large lake flows through the isthmus into a small lake and forms a kind of eye.

Black lake, Durmitor

In addition to lakes, Durmitor is famous for its mountain peaks, some of which are covered with snow even in summer. The highest point of the mountain range - Bobotov cook; its height is 2523 m. Caves and entire water systems are formed inside the mountains. The water is crystal clear, you can drink it without fear.

Black lake, Durmitor

Durmitor includes the following cities: Zabljak, Shavnik, Pluzine, Mojkovac and Pljevlja. The tourist center is Zabljak, from which you can walk to the Black and Snake lakes. All the northern towns are quite different from the coastal ones: neat wooden houses, wide streets, on the outskirts there are huge fields where sheep graze.

Zabljak, Montenegro

The park also has canyons of the Tara rivers (the deepest canyon in Europe!), Sushitsa and Dredge (they are easy to find, just follow the signs that are set in Zabljak). And if on the way to Zabljak turn to Komarnitsa (plateau), you can find the famous Canyon Nevidio - which, as the name implies, is not so easy to see!

In addition to natural beauties, there are majestic structures of human hands, such as, for example, Dzhurdzhevich bridge. The bridge is considered one of the highest bridges in Europe: 365 m long, 172 m high. It was created by Lazar Yaukovych just before the start of World War II. When these places were occupied by Italian troops, the locals began a guerrilla war. The best weapon against the invaders was the destruction of transport routes; and by a tragic coincidence, Lazarus had to destroy his own creation, which he did in a year. Later he was executed, and the bridge, by an absurd accident, was named not by the name of the creator, but by the name of the farmer Dzhurdzhevich, who lives next to the bridge.

Dzhurdzhevich Bridge, over the Tara River

You should also visit Piva Monastery, which has its own unique style, despite its small size. Pay attention to rural churches, historical monuments and fortresses.

Climate

In a small area of Durmitor, the Mediterranean climate meets the continental one. More than 1500 species of plants grow here; you can see familiar roses, orchids, lilies. In the summer, Durmitor is very comfortable: while it is stuffy, humid and hot on the coast, it is warm and very easy to breathe here. Many locals try to escape the coast and come here to get some "breath" from the heat.

Durmitor will be interesting to visit not only in summer, but also in winter, because. Zabljak and the surrounding areas, among other things, are also a ski resort. The season usually opens in January.

Things to do

In winter, skiing, walking on the icy surfaces of lakes, cooking barbecue in the winter frosty air and evening gatherings in the bath complex will be an obvious activity.

In the summer, the choice is not so clear:

• The park has a lot of hiking trails;
Splain the Tara river - a short rafting will cost you 50 euros, rafting with an overnight stay - 100 euros;
Bicycle rides - if you do not have your own bike, you can easily rent it anywhere, even in the center of Zabljak, even at the Black Lake;
• Skating on the boat on the lakes;
• Skating on horseback;
• Skating on a bungee from one tree to another in the Black Lake Adventure Park;
• Dinner on the outdoor terrace of a local restaurant or picnic on any lawn;
Bathing in clean, warm lakes.

Holiday cottage in the park
The uncrowded shore of the Black Lake
Biking on a sunny day
Outdoor restaurant - children play, you relax 🙂
Horse rides
A picnic spot with a ready-made fireplace and chopped firewood near the Black Lake
Paths for cycling or walking

Not many tourists get to Durmitor, because. the way only in one direction takes about 4-5 hours (if you go from the coast). We advise you to come here for a few days in order to have time to see all the sights without much haste; You can rent a house here - on every corner there are signs about renting apartments; however, if you wish to rent the entire cabin, you will need to book it in advance. In 1980, Durmitor was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, as old towns Kotor and Budva. The north of the country is very different from the coast, so if you want to get to know the heart and soul of Montenegro, then you just need to visit here!

Just a beautiful wooden bridge with a wonderful view of the mountains
Shall we sit...? 😉

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