Black Lake

Black Lake (Crno jezero) is a glacial lake located in the municipality of Žabljak in northern Montenegro, in the heart of the Durmitor Mountains, at an altitude of 1,416 meters above sea level, 3 km from the town of Žabljak. The lake consists of two smaller bodies of water: Veliko jezero (Big Lake) and Malo jezero (Small Lake), which are connected by a narrow strait that dries up in summer. Big Lake has a surface area of 0.338 km², a maximum depth of 24.5 m, and a length of 855 m, while Small Lake, despite its smaller area (0.177 km²), is deeper, reaching a maximum depth of 49.1 m. Black Lake is 1,155 m long and is fed by numerous mountain streams, including the well-known Mlin Creek. An interesting feature is the periodic change in the direction of water flow between the lakes; in summer, water flows from Big Lake to Small Lake, and in winter, the opposite occurs. The lake is home to two rivers: the Tara and the Piva, which drain underground waters. Black Lake is the main tourist attraction of the Durmitor region and the largest and most famous of the 18 glacial lakes in the area. The lake is easily accessible, and a 3.5 km walking path leads to its shores, encircling the lake and serving as a popular spot for recreation and hiking, although some sections can be challenging to cross due to encountered streams. There are also numerous trails in the area leading to smaller lakes. On the shore of the lake is the Katun restaurant, which serves traditional Montenegrin dishes, adding local flavor to this picturesque location. Black Lake is not only a natural beauty but also a place that attracts tourists with its unique flora and fauna and exciting opportunities for active recreation, making it one of Montenegro's most important treasures.