Black Lake in Durmitor: How to Visit, What to See and Tips

Last updated: May 2026

Black Lake is one of Durmitor National Park's principal attractions and an accessible stop on an itinerary through northern Montenegro. Located near Žabljak and surrounded by pine forest and mountains, it can be visited without committing to a long hike.

The visit can be adjusted to the available time. Walk only to the main shore for the scenery and photographs, or follow the full loop around the lake, which includes rocks, exposed roots and short climbs.

Allow one to two hours for the main area and at least two hours for the full loop at a comfortable pace. Afterwards, continue towards Tara Canyon, Tara Bridge or other viewpoints in the Durmitor region.

How to include Black Lake in your Durmitor itinerary

Black Lake works well as the first stop of a Durmitor itinerary. From Žabljak, drive to the park entrance and walk 10 to 15 minutes from the parking area to the lake.

Once at the shore, take in the main view, made up of the water, the pine trees and the mountains. For a shorter visit, stay in this area, walk part of the shore and set aside some time for photos and rest.

If you have more time, continue around the loop that circles the lake. The full walk is about 3.5 km and can take roughly 1h30, depending on your pace and the stops.

After the visit, continue to Tara Canyon, the Tara Bridge or other spots in the region. That way, Black Lake can fill the morning, leaving the afternoon free for other parts of Durmitor.

What is Black Lake?

Black Lake, also called Crno Jezero, is a glacial lake inside Durmitor National Park, near the town of Žabljak.

Despite the name, the water isn't exactly black. Its dark appearance comes from the depth, the shadows of the pine trees and the reflection of the mountains. Depending on the light and the day's conditions, the water can show shades of green, blue or a darker tone.

Black Lake is made up of two connected parts, known as the big lake and the small lake. The separation can become more visible at certain times of year, depending on the water level.

The easy access and the possibility of a light walk make the lake one of Durmitor's most visited attractions.

How to get to Black Lake

The most practical way to reach Black Lake is from Žabljak, the main base town for visiting Durmitor National Park. The lake is about 3 km from the town.

The main options are:

• Car: a practical option for those on a Montenegro itinerary planning to visit other Durmitor attractions on the same day
• Local taxi: an option for those staying in Žabljak without a car
• Walking from Žabljak: possible depending on where you're staying, the time available and your walking pace
• Organized tour: an alternative for those visiting Durmitor on an excursion from another city

After reaching the park entrance and the parking area, follow the path to the lake. The walk is easy, relatively short and usually takes between 10 and 15 minutes.

How to plan your visit to Black Lake

Start with the walk between the Durmitor National Park entrance and the shore of Black Lake. The path is short and leads to the area with the best-known view of the lake, the pine trees and the mountains.

Set aside a few minutes to take in the scenery and photograph the main shore. This area can be enough if you're short on time or don't plan to do the full walk.

To explore the place more fully, continue along the trail around the lake. The loop is about 3.5 km and passes stretches with roots, rocks, uneven parts and small climbs.

The visit can include:

• Access path: easy walk of about 10 to 15 minutes between the parking area and the lake
• Main view: the best-known area for watching and photographing Black Lake
• Lakeshore: the option of a short walk without completing the whole loop
• Full trail: loop of about 3.5 km around the water
• Rest areas: spots for breaks and taking in the scenery
• Mountain views: a more open scene on days with good visibility

The full loop can take about 1h30, depending on your pace and the stops. Allow at least 2 hours to walk the circuit without rushing and enjoy the scenery.

Entry fees and parking

To visit Black Lake, you normally need to pay the Durmitor National Park entry. The daily ticket costs around €5 per person.

Parking may be charged separately, generally between €2 and €3, depending on the spot and the season.

Montenegro uses the euro, so charges are in €. Prices can change with the season, local management and the park's rules.

Confirm the fees on site before starting the visit and bring cash for the ticket, parking or small expenses.

How much time to allow

Allow between 1 and 2 hours to visit Black Lake.

That's enough to walk from the entrance, take in the main scenery, photograph and cover part of the shore.

To walk the full loop around the lake, make stops and go at an easy pace, allow at least 2 hours.

On a 1-day Durmitor itinerary, visit Black Lake in the morning and leave the afternoon for Tara Canyon, the Tara Bridge or other viewpoints in the region.

Best time to visit

Each part of the day offers different conditions:

• Early morning: best option for fewer people and cooler temperatures
• Late afternoon: pleasant light and a calmer atmosphere
• Midday: can be busier during high season
• Clear days: offer better visibility of the mountains and the reflections on the water

If you're staying in Žabljak, the morning is a good choice. The visit can be done at a calmer pace and the rest of the day stays free for exploring other parts of Durmitor.

Practical tips

• Wear trainers or comfortable footwear because of the rocks, roots and uneven parts
• Bring water, especially during summer
• Bring cash for the ticket, parking or small expenses
• Visit early in the morning if you want fewer crowds
• Allow between 1 and 2 hours to see the main area
• Consider at least 2 hours if you plan to walk the full loop
• Bring a light jacket, even in summer, because of the mountain climate
• Combine Black Lake with Tara Canyon and the Tara Bridge
• Don't litter or leave the marked trails

Suggested itinerary

Start the day by leaving Žabljak toward the Durmitor National Park entrance. After paying the entry fee, walk 10 to 15 minutes to the shore of Black Lake.

Take in the main view and set aside some time to photograph the lake, the pine trees and the mountains. If you're short on time, walk just part of the shore before heading back.

If you have at least 2 hours available, continue along the loop of about 3.5 km around the lake. Take the route calmly and watch for the stretches with rocks, roots and small climbs.

After the visit, return to the parking area and continue the itinerary to Tara Canyon, the Tara Bridge or other spots in the region. That way, Black Lake works as a practical first stop for discovering Durmitor's landscape.