Durmitor National Park and surrounding areas of Žabljak and Durmitor pictures. Locations to explore while staying at VIP Durmitor.
Durmitor National Park, located in northern Montenegro, is a breathtaking natural treasure renowned for its rugged mountains, pristine glacial lakes, and deep river canyons. The park encompasses around 18 glacial lakes, often called “mountain eyes,” with Crno Jezero (Black Lake), Jablan Lake and Vražje (Demon’s) Lake standing out for their exceptional beauty. Crno Jezero, the most famous, consists of two interconnected lakes surrounded by dense pine forests, reflecting the surrounding peaks in its crystal-clear waters. Jablan Lake and Vražje Lake also captivate visitors with their serene settings and stunning alpine backdrops.
The highest peak in the Durmitor massif is Međed, standing at approximately 2,523 meters. This peak offers panoramic views of the park’s diverse landscape, including its alpine meadows, dense forests, and rugged cliffs. The most recognizable among Durmitor pictures.
One of the park’s most remarkable features is the Tara River Canyon, the deepest canyon in Europe and the second deepest in the world after the Grand Canyon. The canyon stretches over 78 kilometers and plunges to depths of about 1,300 meters, carved by the wild Tara River. It is a spectacular natural wonder that offers opportunities for rafting and hiking while showcasing dramatic cliffs and rich biodiversity.
Spanning the Tara River Canyon is the iconic Đurđevića Tara Bridge, built between 1937 and 1940. This impressive concrete arch bridge is 365 meters long and 172 meters high, with its longest arch spanning 116 meters, symbolizing the engineering marvels within this pristine environment.
Another notable natural attraction in the park is the Nevidio Canyon, a lesser-known but equally stunning gorge characterized by narrow passages, waterfalls, and crystal-clear pools, perfect for adventurous exploration.
Durmitor National Park is notable for its rich biodiversity, including a significant number of endemic species. The park hosts around 1,600 plant species, among which approximately 175 are endemic, representing over 12% of the total flora in the region. Of these, about six plant species are found exclusively on Durmitor itself, such as the Durmitor mullein (Verbascum durmitoreum) and the Dinaric gentian (Gentiana laevicalyx). High-altitude endemic plants make up a substantial portion of this diversity, with 122 species adapted to the alpine environment, accounting for 77% of the park’s endemic flora. This remarkable concentration of endemic and relict species reflects Durmitor’s role as a refugium for arcto-tertiary flora. In addition to plants, the park is home to many endemic and protected animal species, including rare insects and amphibians like the mountain newt. Across Montenegro, the diversity of endemic species is similarly impressive, with Durmitor being one of the key hotspots for endemic flora and fauna in the country. This unique biodiversity underscores the ecological importance of Durmitor National Park within Montenegro and the broader Balkan region.
Durmitor National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site, celebrated for its unique geological formations, diverse flora and fauna, and the harmonious coexistence of nature and traditional human activities. It remains a paradise for hikers, climbers, and nature lovers seeking to experience one of Europe’s most spectacular mountain landscape.