Why Drive to Durmitor
Durmitor National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site at the heart of Montenegro's northern highlands. The park covers 390 square kilometres of peaks, glacial lakes, dense pine forests, and the Tara River Canyon — the deepest gorge in Europe. Black Lake, a 20-minute walk from the town of Žabljak, is the most visited single spot. The Đurđevića Tara Bridge spans the canyon at 172 metres above the river. In winter, Savin Kuk ski resort operates above Žabljak.
From Podgorica, two main routes reach the park. Both take roughly three hours. The choice depends on whether you want the faster highway route through Nikšić, or the more dramatic canyon route through Morača. Either way, the drive itself is half the experience.
Route 1: Via Nikšić (Faster, Easier)
Take the E65 north-west from Podgorica towards Nikšić (1 hour). From Nikšić, continue north on the P5 through Šavnik towards Žabljak (2 hours). This route follows well-maintained main roads for the first half, then narrows into a classic Montenegrin mountain road above Šavnik — single lane in places, with occasional livestock crossings and dramatic valley views. The total distance is around 170 km. Fill your tank in Nikšić: the next reliable fuel station is in Žabljak, over an hour of mountain driving away.
Route 2: Via Morača Canyon (Slower, Dramatic)
Take the E65 north from Podgorica through the Morača Canyon towards Kolašin, then head west to Žabljak via Mojkovac. This route is longer (around 200 km) and adds 30–45 minutes, but the Morača Canyon section is one of Europe's most spectacular road drives — vertical limestone walls rising hundreds of metres on both sides of the river. Read our full guide to the Morača Canyon road.
Black Lake
Crno Jezero sits at 1,416 metres in a bowl of pine forest and mountain peaks. A 3.5 km trail circles the lake — flat, well-maintained, and walkable in an hour. The water is cold and stunningly clear. Swimming is permitted and popular in July and August, though the temperature rarely exceeds 18°C. The lake entrance is a 20-minute walk from Žabljak centre; a national park ticket is required.
Đurđevića Tara Bridge
The bridge spans the Tara Canyon at a height of 172 metres. Built in 1940 and partially destroyed during World War II to slow the Italian advance, it was rebuilt in 1946. You can walk across and photograph the canyon from both sides. A zipline operates across the gorge in summer. The bridge is 25 km north of Žabljak — a 30-minute drive through mountain forest.
Fuel and Supplies
This is critical. Between Nikšić and Žabljak there are no guaranteed fuel stops. The Nikšić petrol stations are the last reliable option. In Žabljak itself, fuel is available but the single station can have queues in peak season. Carry water, snacks, and warm layers even in summer — mountain weather above 1,400 metres changes rapidly.
Recommended Stops
- Nikšić: Fuel, coffee, and the Trebjesa Brewery if you have time.
- Šavnik: Small mountain town with a café. Good place to stretch after the winding descent.
- Žabljak: Base town for Durmitor. Restaurants, small supermarkets, and hiking gear shops.
- Tara Bridge: Allow 30 minutes for photos and a walk across.
Which Car to Choose
Any car in the fleet handles the Nikšić route comfortably — it is paved throughout. For the Morača Canyon route or if you plan to explore unpaved forest roads inside Durmitor, a higher-clearance vehicle is better. In winter (November to March), snow chains or winter tyres are legally required above 1,000 metres and practically essential above Šavnik.