Crno Jezero in Montenegro: description and rest

In many parts of our planet, you can find unique natural attractions that have been preserved in their pristine, breathtaking beauty. A country of lakes and forests, Montenegro will be able to surprise the experienced traveler with its protected areas with unique objects. The most famous and most 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 in the territory of the municipality of the same name. 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 by the unfair accusation of stealing a rooster.

The angry saint wished the settlement to go underground and become a black lake, as a result of which two interconnected reservoirs were 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 melt water 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 summer, in dry and hot weather, the strait dries up, and the shallower Crno Jezero is divided into two independent parts.

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

The copper present in the composition gives the water a greenish tint. Silence, the mirror-like surface of the water, age-old trees, the harsh majesty of the mountains, foggy canyons allow you to create a meditative atmosphere of detachment from the rest of the world.

Durdomir Park, on the territory of which Crno Jezero is located, is protected forest with predominantly coniferous vegetation and various water bodies alternating with mountain meadows.

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

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

The most varied rest is possible here. Sun lovers and swimmers will enjoy the soft sun and the purest refreshing water. Boating will allow you to explore the lake at the maximum depth, as well as enjoy fishing. In Crno Jezero trout of various types is found - lake, California. Fishing is paid, it requires a special license, the organization of fishing is discussed separately with the local keeper. Fishing without permission will incur a significant fine from the offender.

3 kilometers from Crno Jezero there is a small Snake lake located at the source of the Mlinsky brook. It is a very convenient picnic area, equipped with benches and gazebos a bit off the beaten track. Hikers will get to this paradise from the Black Lake in 1.5 hours.

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

You can also get acquainted with local wines, the most popular of which is wine "Vranats", local beer "Nik" and "Niksichko", from stronger drinks - local moonshine lozovach or rakia.

For dessert, the favorite drink of the Montenegrins is offered - coffee with various pies and sweets.

Climbing is offered for those who like the most active rest to Bear Mountain and climb the highest peak - Bobotov Kuk, 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, inaccessible 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 beautiful ornaments.

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.In the cave, the purest ice water constantly oozes, which can be collected in a flask on the way back.

Coordinates Crno-Jezero - 43 ° 08'43 ″ s. NS. and 19 ° 05′23 ″ in. e. Entrance to the territory of the reserve costs 3 euros.

You can get to the place in different ways.

• With a rented car... From Budva to Zhavlyak can be reached in 4.5 hours. It is necessary to leave early in the morning, as on the way you will meet many picturesque places that you want to explore and you definitely need to plan an overnight stay in Zhavlyak.
• By bus from Budva or Kotor. There are no direct flights to Zhavlyak, you will need to change planes in Podgorica or Niksic.
• With a group of tourists on a sightseeing bus, exploring 2 or 3 canyons, with Russian guides, excursions are held from April to October.
• With an individual guide in your own vehicle.

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

You can rent a room in one of more than 150 hotels in the city for every taste and budget - from small chalets to larger and more comfortable hotels. Zhavlyak resort is a real mecca for mountain fans. At any time of the year, you can find something to your liking and according to the 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 the Black Lake in Montenegro, see below.