Durmitor National Park: Your Guide To Montenegro’s Hidden Gem
On your trip to Montenegro, you should not forget to visit this Durmitor National Park, The park is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the region. This park is not only home to animals Like bears and wolves, but it also includes limestone peaks, glacial lakes and the 1300 meter deep Tara River valley. The highest peak of this national park, Bobotov Kuk, is situated at an altitude of 2,523 metres.
About Durmitor National Park
Part of the Dinaric Alps, Durmitor National Park is a vast park located in the north-western Montenegro region. This national park creates many remarkable landscapes shaped by glaciers, numerous rivers and of course underground aquifers. With a variety of attractions, Durmitor is best known in the world for its excellent hiking, climbing, mountaineering and canoeing opportunities. If you are fond of skiing, you can consider the nearby town of Zabljak. Tourists from all over the world come to this park.
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Best time to visit Durmitor National Park
Although the park is open throughout the year, the period from late spring to early autumn is considered an ideal time to visit. If you want to avoid the crowds, you can consider visiting between the months of May to July. To see the birds, you are advised to come here early. Early in the morning, you can meet birds, fish and wild animals in their natural habitat.
Things to do in Durmitor National Park
Durmitor National Park is an ideal place to indulge yourself in many outdoor activities such as white-water rafting, zip lining, climbing and mountain biking:
1. Durmitor National Park: Raft
If you are fond of rafting then you should consider this park. Apart from the natural beauty, the speed of water here is enough for rafting. Book your rafting trip well in advance to avoid last minute hassles. One of the most popular companies for rafting here is Tara Kula Rafts. It always helps the tourists to go sailing on the most spectacular stretch of Tara River valley.
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2. Durmitor National Park: Zipline
You can opt for zip-lining at Red Rock Zipline via a wire that is made of stainless steel. Tourists can indulge in these activities at the magnificent Durdevika Tara Bridge and have unimaginable memories to last a lifetime. Zip-liners reach speeds of up to 50 km/h (31 mi/h), and which take them 170 m (558 ft) above the Tara River. To avoid last minute rush, you should contact your hotel to arrange your travel.
3. Durmitor National Park: Swimming
Durmitor National Park is home to 18 glacial lakes making it an ideal place for water adventure activities including swimming. Ideal for swimming purposes, the famous Crno Jezero (Black Lake) is the largest lake here. It is surrounded by tall cedar trees. There is a small café situated on the banks of this lake which swimmers come to for the purpose of having some refreshment and changing clothes. They can dry there and likewise they can taste some delicious light dishes. Although the lake is available for swimmers throughout the year, the month of August is considered to be the best time for swimming due to moderate temperatures and ample water.
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4. Durmitor National Park: Hiking
There are several popular, well-marked and scenic walking routes that traverse the 339 sq km area of this national park. Before starting the trekking and climbing, you are advised to have a local map of Zabljak. You can see brown bears, gray wolves and European wild cats roaming inside the park. Considering their presence, you should be careful while exploring there. As much as the mountains are for intrepid hikers, it is a boon for adventure lovers. Bobotov Cook, Planinik and Savin Cook are some of the popular places for hikers here.
5. Durmitor National Park: Shop till you drop
If you like shopping, the area near Durmitor National Park is a perfect place for you to buy some souvenirs. There are places to pick up food and drinks, locally made gift items and more to take back home. There is also an outdoor clothing store for those who have left some important things at their hotels and want some clothes on an urgent basis. You can taste local foods here which are being prepared from locally grown ingredients and spices in and around this park.
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6. Durmitor National Park: Pray
Durmitor National Park in Europe is not only a paradise for nature and wildlife lovers, but it is also a great place for spiritual healing. The presence of a famous Serbian Orthodox monastery along the park paves the way for tourists to worship while they appreciate the natural beauty of the place. Church is a wonderful place where you get enough space and time to contemplate deeply and re-establish your faith in spirituality. On the way to Dobrilovina, you get a panoramic view of white water rapids next to thrilling canyons.
7. Durmitor National Park: Step back in time
The park is also home to several historical monuments that attract tourists. The mysterious stone monument named Stacey also attracts tourists here. Two other historical monuments such as Greco Groblje (Greek Cemetery) and Bare Zugica are popular names for being filled with intricately designed mausoleums. They are unique and places worth seeing.
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8. Durmitor National Park: Explore the Wildlife
Are you interested in seeing different types of wild animals? Durmitor National Park is home to a variety of flora, fauna, birds, mammals and more. To see wildlife in their natural habitat, this park remains an ideal place for complete exploration. It is also believed that the largest diversity of butterflies in Europe is found in this park. On the other hand, you will hardly find bears or wolves here.
9. Tara Bridge: Stop
Also popular as the Duraseviša Tara Bridge, the Tara Bridge is a concrete arch bridge constructed over the Tara River in northern Montenegro. This 150 meter high bridge is popular for its natural beauty and it connects the two villages of Budževica and Tržnjica. The structure was the largest concrete arched vehicular bridge in Europe at the time it was constructed.
10. Stacey Sites: Explore
The Stasi sites near Durmitor National Park are believed to date back to between the 12th and 16th centuries. These mysterious carved stone tomb monuments have been included in the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites. The stones at both the grave sites are intricately decorated.
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If you’re planning a trip to Europe, be sure to stop in Montenegro and visit Durmitor National Park. The park is home to many adventure activities, picturesque views, wildlife and historical monuments. Apart from these, the restaurants will also delight you with incredible food varieties served in a spectacular setting.
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