MONTENEGRO's ULTIMATE
Hiking adventure

Your adventure begins as you arrive in Montenegro, where transport will be arranged to collect you from the capital’s Podgorica Airport. It’s well connected to Europe, making your journey smooth and hassle-free. We will start our journey to the mountains in the late afternoon. If you arrive early you can store your luggage in the city centre and use the time to explore Podgorica.

To make the most of your trip, we recommend arriving in the morning or afternoon, giving you time to settle in and it’s a great opportunity to meet your fellow adventurers. If you’re arriving a day early, we can suggest excellent accommodation options to ensure a relaxed start to your journey.

For the duration of the trip, you’ll be based in Žabljak, right in the heart of Durmitor National Park. This means you won’t have to carry all your belongings from place to place, and after each day of hiking, you’ll return to the comfort of a warm shower and a cosy bed. Get ready for an unforgettable week exploring one of Europe’s most spectacular mountain landscapes.

Distance – 14.2km, Elevation – 317m, Time – 5 Hours

The Three Lakes Hike in Durmitor National Park, Montenegro, is a breathtaking circular trail that showcases some of the most serene and pristine alpine scenery in the Balkans. Beginning near the iconic Black Lake (Crno Jezero), this moderately challenging hike winds through dense coniferous forests, flower-strewn meadows, and glacial valleys to reveal three glacial lakes: Black Lake, Snake Lake (Zminje Jezero), and Barno Lake (Barno Jezero). The route is well-marked and typically takes around 3 to 4 hours to complete at a leisurely pace, offering hikers a peaceful immersion in nature with relatively gentle ascents and descents. Black Lake, the starting point, is the largest and most popular, set against the dramatic backdrop of Mount Međed. As you move deeper into the forest, the path leads to the more secluded Snake Lake, a quiet, dark-green pool tucked among thick pines, often reflecting the surrounding trees in its still waters. Finally, Barno Lake offers a tranquil spot surrounded by open meadows, ideal for a restful pause. Along the way, hikers may encounter local wildlife such as foxes, deer, or even eagles overhead, and the route bursts with wildflowers in late spring and summer. The Three Lakes Hike is perfect for those wanting to experience Durmitor’s natural beauty without committing to a high-altitude summit, making it accessible for families, photographers, and casual adventurers alike.

Distance – 11.2km, Elevation – 617m, Time – 5,5 Hours

Crvena Greda (meaning “Red Ridge”) is one of Durmitor’s most breathtaking viewpoint hikes. The trail usually starts from near Žabljak, weaving through pine forest before gradually climbing to an open, grassy ridge that suddenly gives way to an aerial panorama over the Tara Canyon, one of the deepest in Europe. The summit sits atop a cliff-lined ridge, offering wide-open views across the entire Durmitor massif, as well as the green plateaus and winding river below. The terrain is not difficult, and the path is relatively gradual, making it a perfect moderate effort–maximum reward hike. It’s often quieter than other trails, and the feeling of space and silence at the top is incredible — especially at golden hour.

Distance – 8.3km, Elevation – 802m, Time – 6 Hours

The Šljeme walk in Durmitor National Park is one of the region’s most captivating highland hikes, offering a blend of dramatic mountain scenery, quiet alpine meadows, and far-reaching views over Montenegro’s most iconic landscapes. Starting from the valley near the Black Lake (Crno Jezero), the trail gradually ascends through lush pine forests and open pasturelands, before emerging onto exposed rocky ridges that lead to the Šljeme summit, which rises to around 2,455 meters above sea level. The hike is moderately challenging, requiring a good level of fitness, but it is not technical, making it accessible to experienced hikers without the need for climbing gear. As you gain altitude, the terrain shifts from forested slopes to a striking karst landscape typical of the Durmitor massif, with jagged limestone peaks, scattered wildflowers, and the occasional glimpse of chamois navigating the cliffs. The summit of Šljeme offers panoramic views stretching across the Durmitor range, including the imposing Bobotov Kuk and the vast Tara Canyon in the distance. On clear days, the peaks of neighboring countries can even be glimpsed on the horizon. The hike is best done between June and September when the snow has melted, and the weather is stable, though conditions can still change quickly at higher altitudes. For those seeking a quieter alternative to Durmitor’s more popular routes, the Šljeme trail delivers a rewarding sense of solitude, breathtaking scenery, and a true feeling of immersion in Montenegro’s wild mountain heart.

After several days of hiking through Montenegro’s wild landscapes, today is a chance to slow down, explore Žabljak at your own pace, or take a day trip to one of the country’s other stunning destinations.

It also offers easy access to thrilling activities like rafting on the Tara River, renowned for its crystal-clear waters and Europe’s deepest canyon. From spring to early autumn, visitors can also enjoy canyoning in Nevidio Canyon, one of the most dramatic and narrow gorges in the region, as well as zip-lining, mountain biking, paragliding, and rock climbing in the surrounding peaks and valleys. With stunning alpine landscapes as the backdrop, Žabljak is a hub for adrenaline lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

For those eager to see more of Montenegro, a day trip to Kotor offers a completely different experience. This UNESCO-listed coastal town is famous for its medieval old town, narrow stone streets, and stunning views over the Bay of Kotor. Wander through the historic centre, explore the ancient city walls, or enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the waterfront. The contrast between the rugged mountains of Durmitor and the coastal charm of Kotor makes for a truly unique combination.

Whether you choose to unwind in Žabljak or explore more of Montenegro, today is all about making the most of your time in this incredible country before the next stage of your adventure.

Distance – 14.3km, Elevation – 867m, Time – 6 Hours

The hike to Planinica is one of Durmitor’s finest ridge walks, offering a quieter, more contemplative alternative to the park’s bigger summit scrambles — yet it’s no less spectacular. Starting from Black Lake (Crno Jezero), the trail winds through a shaded forest before gradually opening out into wide alpine meadows, scattered with wildflowers in early summer and framed by jagged peaks in every direction. The path steadily gains height, with the views growing grander at each turn until you reach the broad, grassy summit ridge of Planinica itself. From here, the panorama is simply breathtaking — with sweeping vistas over Tara Canyon, the deepest gorge in Europe, to the east, and the full spine of the Durmitor massif stretching to the south and west. Despite its elevation, the terrain underfoot is relatively gentle, making it a perfect choice for hikers who want a solid day in the mountains without technical sections or heavy scrambling. The sense of space, silence, and endless sky makes it feel wild and expansive, and you’re likely to encounter few other hikers on the trail. Planinica is a trail for those who want to move through Durmitor slowly and take it all in — the light, the air, and the sheer beauty of this highland wonder.

Distance – 13km, Elevation – 1115m, Time – 5,5 Hours

Today we take on Prutaš, one of Durmitor’s most visually striking peaks. Known for its distinctive vertical rock layers and rolling green slopes, Prutaš stands at 2,393 metres and offers some of the best panoramic views in the region.

The hike begins from the Dobri Do (Šarban) area, following a scenic route along the P14 mountain road. The trail starts gently, weaving through vast open valleys before reaching the Škrčko Ždrijelo pass at 2,114 metres. From here, the ascent becomes steeper, but every step is rewarded with increasingly dramatic views of the surrounding landscape.

As you reach the summit, the entire Durmitor massif unfolds before you. Bobotov Kuk stands tall in the distance, and below, the turquoise waters of the Škrčka lakes glisten in the glacial cirque. The vast, unspoilt wilderness stretching in every direction makes this one of the most awe-inspiring spots in Montenegro.

Due to the lack of water sources and shade along the route, it’s important to carry plenty of water and be prepared for changing mountain weather. The best time for this hike is between mid-June and mid-September when the trails are clear and conditions are most favourable.

After soaking in the incredible views, the descent follows the same route back, bringing an end to an unforgettable week of adventure in Montenegro’s stunning Durmitor National Park.

After an incredible week exploring the wild beauty of Durmitor National Park, it’s time to pack your bags and begin your journey onwards. Transport will be arranged to take you to the airport, or back to Podgorica city. It’s best arrange your flight in the afternoon (after 2pm) or evening as we’ll need time to drive down from the mountains.

If you’re extending your stay, there are plenty of incredible places to explore beyond the mountains. From the stunning Bay of Kotor to the historic streets of Cetinje or the pristine beaches along the Adriatic coast, Montenegro has something for every traveller. We’d be happy to share recommendations to help you make the most of your time.

As you leave Durmitor behind, you’ll take with you memories of dramatic peaks, glacial lakes, and unforgettable adventures in one of Europe’s most breathtaking landscapes. Until next time!