Black Lake
Northern Region
Black Lake, located near the town of Žabljak in northern Montenegro, is a prominent glacial lake nestled on Mount Durmitor at an elevation of 1,416 meters. It comprises two interconnected smaller lakes: Big Lake and Little Lake, linked by a narrow strait that often dries up in summer, separating them. Big Lake covers 0.338 square kilometers with a maximum depth of 24.5 meters, while Little Lake, though smaller in area, is deeper at 49.1 meters. The lake is fed by numerous mountain streams, most notably Mlin Creek, and exhibits a rare hydrological phenomenon where water flow between the two lakes reverses seasonally. Surrounded by dense coniferous forests, Black Lake offers a 3.5 km walking path that circles the lake, attracting hikers and nature lovers. The nearby Katun restaurant serves traditional Montenegrin cuisine, enhancing the visitor experience. As the largest and best-known of 18 glacial lakes in the Durmitor area, Black Lake is a key tourist destination noted for its scenic beauty and accessibility from Žabljak.
Plan your trip to Montenegro with AI
Create a detailed itinerary in minutes. AI suggests the best places, restaurants, and an optimized route.
Tip: The best time to visit Black Lake is late spring through early autumn when the walking paths are accessible and the strait between the two lakes is typically dry. Visitors are advised to wear sturdy footwear due to stream crossings along the trail. Purchasing tickets or reservations is generally not required, but planning for peak tourist seasons is recommended. Local eateries like the Katun restaurant provide authentic Montenegrin dishes, perfect for a lakeside meal. Discounts may be available for groups or during off-peak times.
Interesting facts
- •Black Lake is the largest and best-known of 18 glacial lakes on Mount Durmitor.
- •The lake is composed of two smaller lakes connected by a narrow strait that dries up in summer, creating separate bodies of water.
- •Water flow between Big Lake and Little Lake reverses seasonally, a rare hydrological phenomenon.
- •The lake is surrounded by dense coniferous forests and sits at an elevation of 1,416 meters.
- •The walking path around the lake is 3.5 km long and includes challenging stream crossings.
- •The subterranean outflows from Black Lake feed into the Tara and Piva rivers.
History
Black Lake was formed during the Pleistocene epoch by glacial activity on Mount Durmitor, which shaped the two basins that now form Big and Little Lake.
Over centuries, the lake's water levels have fluctuated seasonally and annually, influenced by melting snow and mountain springs.
The lake's hydrological connection to rivers Tara and Piva has been established through subterranean effluents.
Historically, it has been a central feature of the Durmitor region's natural landscape and a significant attraction for visitors seeking alpine scenery.
Place Guide
Big Lake (Veliko jezero)
The larger of the two lakes making up Black Lake, covering 0.338 square kilometers with a maximum depth of 24.5 meters. It is characterized by its broad surface area and is connected to Little Lake by a narrow strait.
Little Lake (Malo jezero)
The smaller but deeper lake within Black Lake, with a maximum depth of 49.1 meters and an area of 0.177 square kilometers. It holds a greater volume of water due to its depth.
Walking Path Around Black Lake
A 3.5 km trail encircling the lake, popular for hiking and recreation. The path crosses streams in two places, which can be challenging to cross during high water levels.
Katun Restaurant
Located on the shore of Black Lake, this restaurant serves traditional Montenegrin dishes, providing visitors a chance to experience local cuisine while enjoying lake views.