Crno Jezero – How to Visit Black Lake Montenegro

Time to read: 4 minutes

In this post, you will discover all you need to know about visiting Crno Jezero, also known as Black Lake Montenegro. We will also look at what other things there are to do in Zabljak. Montenegro is located within the Balkans and part of south-eastern Europe.

Crno Jezero (Black Lake) is a large glacial lake within Durmitor National Park and close to the small town of Zabljak in Montenegro. The lake is surrounded by dense pine forest and large mountains, including Medjed (2,237m / 7,503 ft), part of the Dinaric Alps range.

Crno Jezero is actually made up of two lakes; Veliko Jezero (Big Lake) and Malo Jezero (Little Lake). During the summer months, the small straight that joins the lake dries up creating two distinct bodies of water.

Malo Jezero is the deepest of the two lakes with a depth of 50 metres! Veliko by comparison is only half as deep at 25 metres.

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You might be interested in my other Balkan Travel Guides:


Hiking Around Crno Jezero

There is a 3.5km long hiking trail that circumnavigates the lakes. The trail starts and finishes at the Katun Restaurant on the southern shore. It is a 3km walk from the centre of Zabljak to the restaurant.

In addition to the path that goes around Crno Jezero, there are also many other paths leading to other glacial lakes (there are 18 in total) in Durmitor National Park and up to some of the mountain peaks.

Swimming in Black Lake Montenegro

In the warmer months (June to September), it is possible to swim in Black Lake. There are no lifeguard services so only enter the water if you are a confident swimmer. The larger large is 24.5 metres deep and the smaller one a whopping 50 metres deep!

Boat Hire

It is possible to hire a rowing boat on Crno Jezero. The cost is €8 per hour. Enquire at the ticket office before entering the park.

Fishing

It is possible to fish for trout in Crno Jezero (maximum of four). A day fishing pass costs €10. Ask at the ticket office for details.

Entrance to Durmitor National Parl (including Black Lake)

The entrance fee for Durmitor National Park is €3 per day, and this includes Black Lake. There is a small ticket booth on the road to the lake from Zabljak.

Best Tours of Black Lake Montenegro

If you’re short on time booking a tour is a great way to experience Crno Jezero and the stunning Durmitor National Park. Click here to check availability.


Facilities at the Lake – Nacionalni Restoran Crno Jezero

Black Lake Montenegro is situated within Durmitor National Park which is a large wilderness area. There is a small restaurant (Nacionalni restoran Crno jezero) on the west shore of the lake with public toilets.

The restaurant is open Friday to Wednesday 8 am to 11 pm.

There are picnic benches around the lake and on some of the trails.


Accommodation in Zabljak

Hostel Hikers Den – A fantastic hostel in the heart of Zabljak, a short walk from the lake.

Hotel Pavlovic – A beautiful and budget-friendly hotel in central Zabljak.


How to get to Black Lake Montenegro

Black Lake Montenegro
Black Lake Montenegro

From Kotor

There is one daily bus departing Kotor at 09:40 and arriving in Zabljak at 13:00 (though the condition of the roads and vehicle mean that delays are common). The ticket price is $15 one-way or €24 return.

This great tour departs Kotor and includes a trip to the Tara Canyon, Ostrog Monastery and a hike around Black Lake. The tour is 13 hours and offers some of the best sites Montenegro has to offer. Find out more

From Podgorica

There are five daily buses between the capital Podgorica and Zabljak. The journey time is around 2h30m and the cost is €10. See the online timetable here.

From outside Montenegro

There are also daily buses from cities in neighbouring countries such as Sarajevo in Bosnia and Belgrade in Serbia.


What is the Best Time to Visit Black Lake, Montenegro?

Durmitor National Park
Durmitor National Park

Summer is one of the best times to visit Durmitor National Park and Crno Jezero thanks to the different outdoor activities on offer. In autumn the trees around the lake erupt into an explosion of colour and this is one of the most beautiful times to see the lake.

Zabljak is also a popular winter destination for many. Activities include cross-country and downhill skiing, snowboarding winter hiking. Winter sees many Russian visitors to the small town, and the partying can get a little crazy.


Other things to do in Zabljak

Zabljak is the highest town in the Balkans sitting at an elevation of 1,450 metres above sea level (4,757 feet). It is famed as a winter skiing destination for Russian tourists. This small town of around 2,000 permanent residents is the perfect base for exploring Crno Jezero, the Durmitor Region and the Tara River Canyon.

Some of the many things to do in and around Zabljak include:

  • Bicycle Hire
  • Tara Bridge
  • Tara River Canyon
  • White Water Rafting
  • Canyoning
  • Skiing/snowboarding (winter only)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you swim in the Black Lake Montenegro?

You can swim in the larger section of Black Lake Montenegro during the summer months. Be aware that doing so is at your own risk.

Where is Black Lake in Montenegro?

Black Lake (Crno Jezero) is located 1.8 miles (3 km) from the town of Zabljak in northern Montenegro and within Durmitor National Park.

How deep is Black Lake Montenegro?

Black Lake is 161 feet (49.1 metres) deep at its deepest part.

Final Thoughts

Know you know all about the beautiful Crno Jezero Black Lake in Montenegro’s Durmitor National Park. This is one of the most pristine spots in Europe and remains one of my favourite places to this day. So, what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Black Lake today!


Dunhuang, Gobi Desert, China

About the author:

Steve Rohan is a writer from Essex, England. He has traveled to over 60 countries, lived in Armenia, China and Hong Kong, and is now living the digital nomad life on the road.

Steve prefers “slow travel” and has covered much of the world by train, bus and boat. He has been interviewed multiple times by the BBC and recently featured in the documentary Scariest Places in the World. See the About page for more info.

Where I am now: Yerevan, Armenia 🇦🇲

2 thoughts on “Crno Jezero – How to Visit Black Lake Montenegro

  1. laura says:

    dear
    we are 5 persons and are trying to plan a one day trip from Kotor to Black Lake in august.
    We are looking for an agency who can pick up us in the morning and take us back in the evening.
    Can you help us ? thanks in advance laura

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