Black Lake
Žabljak, Montenegro
A glacial lake under pine forest and the Međed peak, a short walk from Žabljak. An easy trail circles it in about an hour.
The Black Lake (Crno jezero) is the largest of the glacial lakes in Durmitor National Park in Montenegro, near the mountain town of Žabljak. It lies at 1,416 m in the shadow of the peak Međed (2,287 m), is surrounded by spruce and pine forest and is the most visited part of the park. Locally, such lakes are called “mountain eyes” (gorske oči).
From the centre of Žabljak a flat, paved footpath of about 3 km leads through the forest to the lake. Around the lake itself runs an unpaved loop of roughly 3.6 km, with packed earth, roots and the occasional stone step; sturdy footwear is advisable. Žabljak sits at almost 1,500 m, so it can be cool even in summer.
For your visit: a day ticket for Durmitor National Park is needed for the Black Lake area (5 euros per person according to one source; check the price ahead). Bring cash, as card payment at the kiosk sometimes fails. The loop also makes a good warm-up for higher tours such as Bobotov Kuk.
- Nearest town
- Žabljak, Montenegro
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 43.1450, 19.0880
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, June, August and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Montenegro: Tolls on some roads, bridges or tunnels. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
© Pudelek · CC BY-SA 4.0Sedlo Pass
© Dirgela · CC0Đurđevića Tara Bridge
© Ad Meskens You are free to use this picture for any purpose as long as you credit its author, Ad Meskens. Example: ©… · CC BY-SA 4.0Morača Monastery
© Miomir Magdevski · CC BY-SA 4.0Biogradska Gora National Park
Campsites nearby
- Ivan DoCampsite1 km from Black LakeShowers
- Autocamp RazvršjeCampsite2 km from Black LakeTentsMotorhomes
- Kod BoćeCampsite2 km from Black Lake · 30 pitchesTentsMotorhomesShowersToilets
- Kamp Kljajevića lukaCampsite17 km from Black LakeTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWi-Fi
- Camp JatakCampsite19 km from Black LakeTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterDogs allowedWi-Fi
- The Crossroads PresekaCampsite22 km from Black Lake · 3 pitchesTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterWi-Fi
All campsites in Montenegro · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Black Lake?
Black Lake is in Žabljak, Montenegro, at GPS 43.1450, 19.0880. It is about 17 km from Đurđevića Tara.
Can you camp near Black Lake?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Ivan Do, about 1 km away; within 25 km there are 22 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Black Lake?
Black Lake is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Montenegro’s Durmitor ring.
What is there to see near Black Lake?
Places worth a stop nearby: Sedlo Pass (5 km), Đurđevića Tara Bridge (17 km), Morača Monastery (49 km) and Biogradska Gora National Park (50 km).
When is the best time to visit Black Lake?
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, June, August and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)