Crno Jezero in Montenegro: description and relaxation

In many corners of our planet you can find unique natural attractions preserved in its pristine amazing beauty. A country of lakes and forests, Montenegro will be able to surprise an experienced traveler precisely with reserved areas with unique objects. The most famous and visited is the Durtomir nature reserve in the northern part of the country, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, and located on its territory the mountain glacial lake Crno Jezero (translated into Russian - Black Lake) attracts many tourists all year round.

The lake is located at an altitude of 1416 m at the foot of the Bear Mountain, 3 kilometers from the resort town of Zabljak on the territory of the eponymous municipality. Locals call the reservoir "mountain eyes" for its unusual shape. According to an ancient legend, Saint Sava, who visited these places, was offended by the locals with an unjust accusation of theft of a rooster.

The angry saint wished the settlement to go underground and become a black lake, as a result of which two connected reservoirs formed on the site of the monastery and village that had gone into the abyss.

The lake, considered the coldest in the Balkans, is fed by mountain springs and meltwater and consists of two parts: the Big and Small Lakes, which are connected by a small strait about 60 meters long.

In winter, the black lake freezes, and in the summer, in dry and hot weather, the strait dries up, and the shallow Crno-Jezero is divided into two independent parts.

Besides, A large lake with an area of ​​0.6 km² has a maximum depth of 25 meters, while the Small Lake, being three times smaller in area, reaches a depth of 50 meters. At the same time, the water in the lakes is so transparent that visibility reaches 10 meters in favorable weather. The dark emerald, almost black color of the water is created by the reflection of a dense array of conifers surrounding the black lake around the perimeter.

The greenish tint to water is given by the copper present in the composition. Silence, the mirror surface of the water, centuries-old trees, the harsh grandeur of the mountains, foggy canyons allow you to create a meditative atmosphere of detachment from the rest of the world.

Durdomir Park, in whose territory Crno Jezero is located, is a protected forest with predominantly coniferous vegetation and diverse ponds alternating with mountain meadows.

Depending on the season, the landscape of the park changes. Mountain streams, the largest of which are Mlinsky, crossing the terrain, in the spring after melting snow turn into picturesque waterfalls, glades around them are covered with spring flowers. In summer, many berries appear in the forests - raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, and closer to autumn - mushrooms.

The moderate climate and the absence of summer heat create an attractive resort area on the coast of Crno Jezero for both local residents and numerous tourists. The air temperature here in summer does not exceed + 20-22 ° C, and the water in the lake remains cool - below the air temperature by 4 ° C.

Rest here is the most diverse. Lovers of sunbathing and swimming will enjoy the soft sun and the purest refreshing water. Boating will allow you to explore the lake at the maximum depth level, as well as enjoy fishing. In Trno Jezero, trout of various species is found - lake, California. Fishing is paid, it requires a special license, the organization of fishing is separately negotiated with a local ranger. A significant fine will be charged for fishing without permission from the offender.

3 kilometers from Crno Jesero there is a small Snake Lake located at the source of the Mlinsky stream. This is a very convenient picnic area, equipped with benches and gazebos a bit away from mass routes. Hiking enthusiasts will get to this paradise from Black Lake in 1.5 hours.

Not far from Crno Jezero there is a playground and a restaurant where you can try local cuisine, for example, delicious and hearty Montenegrin chorbu soup, dishes from different types of meat, cheeses, vegetable dishes like moussaki, as well as taste freshly caught trout.

You can also get acquainted with local wines, the most popular of which is wine. “Vranats”, the local beer “Nick” and “Niksiczko”, from more strong drinks - local moonshine Lozovac or Raki.

For dessert, a Montenegrin favorite drink is offered - coffee with various cakes and sweets.

For lovers of the most active leisure climbing is offered. to Bear Mountain and climb to the highest peak - Bobotov Cook, whose height is 2523 meters.

Also in the mountains you can see another of the wonders of Montenegro - Ice cave. Since the entrance to it is on a steep, hard-to-reach slope and is covered with snow throughout the year, it is recommended to visit it in the summer, accompanied by an experienced instructor. Inside the cave you can see an extraordinary natural museum of ice sculptures - stalactites and stalagmites, created in the form of columns with a beautiful ornament.

The cave consists of several corridors with a total length of about 100 meters, the largest is a hall 40 meters long and 20 meters wide.The cave is constantly oozing pure ice water, which can be typed into a flask on the way back.

Coordinates of Crno Jezero - 43 ° 08′43 ″ s. w. and 19 ° 05′23 ″ in. The entrance to the reserve costs 3 euros.

There are several ways to get to the place.

• On a rented car. From Budva to Zhavlyak can be reached in 4.5 hours. You need to leave early in the morning, as there will be many picturesque places along the way that you want to see and you must definitely plan an overnight stay in Zhavlyak.
• By bus from Budva or Kotor. There are no direct flights to Javljak, you will need to make a transfer in Podgorica or Niksic.
• With a group of tourists on a sightseeing bus, visiting 2 or 3 canyons, with Russian guides, excursions are held from April to October.
• With an individual guide on your own car.

The nearest village to the Durdomir park, where you can stay for the night, is the resort town of Zhavlyak, the highest mountain village in the Balkans. It is a center of mountain sports and entertainment.

You can rent a room in one of more than 150 hotels of the city for every taste and budget - from small chalets to larger and more comfortable hotels. Zhavlyak resort is a real mecca for fans of the mountains. At any time of the year, you can find something to your liking and season. At your service:

• mountaineering;
• skiing;
• rafting (carried out in the canyon of the Tara River up to 1.3 km deep);
• hiking.

Give yourself an unforgettable trip to the pearl of Montenegro - the Durdomir reserve, and you will want to return to these fabulous places more than once.

The whole truth about Black Lake in Montenegro, see below.