Durmitor National Park hiking tour: Lakes & trails

Durmitor has 18 glacial lakes, and this tour reaches the ones most travelers miss.

A guided hike through Durmitor National Park near Žabljak with two route options: an easy 3–3.5 hour walk to Black Lake, Zminje Lake and Barno Lake, or a moderate 5-hour trek toward Jablan Lake passing the traditional village of Bosaca and ending at Black Lake. Both routes follow forest trails through the park's alpine environment. An English-speaking guide leads the way. The €5 park entrance fee is included. Choose the easy option for a shorter day focused on the three lakes, or the moderate option if you want the village stop and the Red Rock viewpoint overlooking the surrounding peaks.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Durmitor National Park lakes and trails

• Visit Black Lake and enjoy nature
• Walk to Zminje Lake and listen to stories
• Hike scenic trails to Borno Lake
• Optional stop at Bašća Village
• Visit Red Rock viewpoint

The experience

Durmitor National Park sits near Žabljak as one of Montenegro's most protected mountain landscapes, and this tour skips the crowded main stop to reach the quieter glacial lakes and forest trails most visitors never see. The easy option takes you to three of the park's 18 lakes in 3–3.5 hours: Black Lake first, then the peaceful Zminje Lake and the secluded Barno Lake, all ringed by ancient pine forest. The moderate option runs 5 hours and follows a different route toward Jablan Lake, passing through the traditional village of Bosaca and the historic sites of Pirlitor and Momcilov Grad before circling back to Black Lake. Both paths reveal the park's timeless mountain scenery without the logistics of arranging your own transport or navigation.

An English-speaking guide leads the way and handles the route. The park entrance fee of €5 per person is already included. The moderate hike includes a stop at Bašća Village, a traditional Montenegrin settlement tucked into the mountains, and passes beneath the Red Rock, a viewpoint that opens onto Black Lake and the surrounding Durmitor peaks. The easy walk is designed for a steady pace with time built in for photos and rest. The moderate option adds elevation and distance but rewards you with panoramic views and local stories the guide shares along the way.

What’s included

• English-speaking local guide.
• National Park entrance fee (€5 per person).
• route planning and navigation through the glacial lakes and forest trails.

Options for this experience

2 options

Activity level: easy, with three lakesGuide in English · 00:00, 09:00, 10:00 and 11:00Duration: about 3 to 4 hours, depending on your pace and physical condition. Borno, Zminje and Black Lake: every tour is tailor-made on request...

Activity level: moderateGuide in English · 00:00, 09:00, 10:00 and 11:00Duration: about 4 to 5 hours, depending on your pace and physical condition. Lakes and village of Bosaca: Black Lake, Jablan Lake and Bosaca Village. Views of Crvena Greda and Pirlitor peaks, with a visit to Bosaca village and Momcilov Grad

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00, 10:00 and 11:00

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (7 to 90 years) · Under 7: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on site€ 5

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPets welcomeNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Mont Travelers Montenegro FIT & Bespoke Travel Experience

Is this one for you?Pick the easy option if you want to see three lakes and return to your base by early afternoon. Choose the moderate option if you have 5 hours and want the village stop, the historic sites, and the Red Rock viewpoint that opens onto the surrounding peaks.

Traveler reviews

4.80★★★★★★★★★★

5 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What are the three lakes on the easy hiking option?

The easy route visits Black Lake, Zminje Lake, and Barno Lake, each surrounded by dense pine forest and glacial landscape. The walk takes 3–3.5 hours and includes free time for photos at each stop.

How long is the moderate hiking option and what makes it different?

The moderate hike runs 5 hours and follows a different route toward Jablan Lake, passing through the traditional village of Bosaca and historic mountain sites before returning to Black Lake. It includes a stop at Bašća Village and a viewpoint beneath the Red Rock overlooking the park's peaks.

Is the park entrance fee included in the tour price?

Yes, the €5 per person National Park entrance fee is included in the tour cost.

What is Black Lake and why is it significant in Durmitor?

Black Lake is the largest of Durmitor's 18 glacial lakes and is surrounded by dense pine forest and dramatic peaks. It appears on both hiking routes and serves as a landmark for the park's alpine landscape.

Do I need special fitness or experience to do this hike?

The easy option suits most fitness levels and is a scenic walk with a steady pace. The moderate option requires at least moderate physical fitness and involves more elevation and distance. The tour is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnant travelers, or those with poor cardiovascular health.