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Zelengora Glacial Lakes

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Zelengora Glacial Lakes (Bosnia and Herzegovina)

Weather…

The Zelengora mountain range, part of the Sutjeska National Park in southeastern Bosnia and Herzegovina, is renowned for its 'mountain eyes', a collection of eight crystal-clear glacial lakes set within its alpine landscape. The most prominent among these are Orlovačko, Kotlaničko, and Donje Bare lakes, each possessing a unique microclimate and specific aquatic flora. The range culminates at the Bregoč peak, reaching an elevation of 2,014 meters, and features expansive high plateaus alongside deep primary forests that border the Perućica primeval forest. The vegetation is exceptionally diverse, comprising numerous endemic plant species and vast wild blueberry fields. Zelengora provides a critical habitat for the western capercaillie, brown bears, and wolves, highlighting its immense ecological value. Historically, the region was a significant theater of operations during World War II, a legacy marked by various monuments in the vicinity. The mountain's relatively gentle slopes and untouched wilderness make it a premier destination for hikers and nature photographers seeking solitude away from mass tourism.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-2-137121618181394-1
Rain mm898786748610165558492108100

📋 Practical info

📅
Best season
The best time to visit the Zelengora glacial lakes is from June to September, when alpine flowers bloom and wildlife is active. July and August offer snow-free trails and pleasant temperatures.
🌅
Best time of day
Early morning, shortly after sunrise, provides the best chances to see deer, bears or golden eagles. Midday is quieter, but the landscape is equally impressive.
📜
Etiquette
Do not leave any litter and take all waste with you. Stay on marked hiking trails to protect fragile alpine vegetation; open fires are prohibited.
🎒
What to bring
Sturdy hiking boots with good grip are essential for the rocky and sometimes wet trails. Rain gear and a warm layer are recommended even in summer as weather can change quickly. Don't forget binoculars.
🧭
Getting there
The Zelengora region is reachable from Foča or Tjentište via paved roads, followed by hikes to the lakes. A 4x4 is not strictly necessary, but good road clearance helps. Parking is available at trailheads.
🦌
What to expect
Wildlife in Zelengora is shy and avoids loud noises; plan at least an hour of quiet waiting at a viewpoint. Movements should be slow, and it's better to stay in one spot than to wander around.

Geography

Coordinates
43.32830, 18.57750

Facts

  • Zelengora is home to a total of eight natural glacial lakes.
  • The mountain's highest elevation is reached at Bregoč peak, 2,014 meters high.
  • Lake Kotlaničko is the deepest of the Zelengora lakes, with a depth of 10 meters.
  • The entire mountain range is situated within the Sutjeska National Park boundaries.
  • Zelengora is famous for its vast, naturally occurring wild blueberry fields.
  • The area was a major site for the historic Battle of the Sutjeska in 1943.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

ZelengoraZelengora3 km · NExplore →
Sokol FortressSokol Fortress3 km · NEExplore →
Bijela GoraBijela Gora5 km · NEExplore →
ČemernoČemerno8 km · SExplore →
Sutjeska National ParkSutjeska National Park9 km · EExplore →
VlasuljaVlasulja10 km · SExplore →
Perućica Primeval ForestPerućica Primeval Forest11 km · EExplore →
LelijaLelija12 km · NWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Zelengora Glacial Lakes (1)

Tovarnica📍 landmark

Tovarnica is a peak in Zelengora, known for its alpine meadows.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

How many glacier lakes are here?
Zelengora is home to eight beautiful glacier lakes, often called the eyes of the mountain.
Are there bears there?
Yes, the area is an important habitat for brown bears, wolves, and chamois.
When do the mountain meadows bloom?
The best time for flora is June to July, when rare gentians bloom.
Is swimming allowed in the lakes?
Yes, swimming in Donje Bare or Orlovačko lake is possible in summer, but the water is cold.
What birds can be seen?
Golden eagles and various falcon species nest in the rugged cliffs of Zelengora.
Zelengora Glacial Lakes: where is it located?
Zelengora Glacial Lakes is located in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Zelengora Glacial Lakes: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Zelengora Glacial Lakes: why is it worth visiting?
The Zelengora mountain range, part of the Sutjeska National Park in southeastern Bosnia and Herzegovina, is renowned for its 'mountain eyes', a collection of eight crystal-clear glacial lakes set within its alpine landscape.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →

Nearby cities

Lukavica — Zelengora Glacial Lakes (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Lukavica
Lukavica is an administrative center in Republika Srpska, which forms a large part of East Sarajevo.
East Sarajevo — Zelengora Glacial Lakes (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
East Sarajevo
East Sarajevo is a city in Republika Srpska adjacent to the city of Sarajevo.
Briješće — Zelengora Glacial Lakes (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Briješće
Briješće is a settlement in the Novi Grad municipality, a suburb of the capital Sarajevo.
Ilidža — Zelengora Glacial Lakes (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Ilidža
Ilidža is a municipality in the Sarajevo Canton and a major health resort.
Visoko — Zelengora Glacial Lakes (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Visoko
Visoko is located northwest of Sarajevo at the confluence of the Bosna and Fojnička rivers.
Konjic — Zelengora Glacial Lakes (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Konjic
Konjic is located on the Neretva River, roughly halfway between Sarajevo and Mostar.
Foča — Zelengora Glacial Lakes (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Foča
Foča is located in the east of the country at the confluence of the Drina and Ćehotina rivers.
Bileća — Zelengora Glacial Lakes (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Bileća
Bileća is located in eastern Herzegovina on the artificial Lake Bileća.
Kravica Waterfall — Zelengora Glacial Lakes (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Kravica Waterfall
A spectacular natural phenomenon on the Trebižat River, often referred to as the 'Little Niagara' of Bosnia.
Široki Brijeg — Zelengora Glacial Lakes (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Široki Brijeg
Široki Brijeg is the administrative center of the West Herzegovina Canton.
Kiseljak — Zelengora Glacial Lakes (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Kiseljak
Kiseljak is located in central Bosnia and is famous for its natural mineral water.
Vogošća — Zelengora Glacial Lakes (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Vogošća
Vogošća is a municipality north of Sarajevo and a key industrial suburb of the capital.
Tihovići — Zelengora Glacial Lakes (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Tihovići
Tihovići is a small settlement near the capital Sarajevo.
Čapljina — Zelengora Glacial Lakes (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Čapljina
Čapljina is located in southern Herzegovina at the confluence of four rivers.
Stolac — Zelengora Glacial Lakes (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Stolac
Stolac is located in southern Herzegovina on the Bregava River.

History & landmarks

Počitelj — Zelengora Glacial Lakes (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Počitelj
Historic Ottoman-style village built into a limestone cliff overlooking the Neretva river.

More places

Old Town Visoki — Zelengora Glacial Lakes (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Old Town Visoki
Visoki was a royal castle and the capital of the medieval Bosnian state.
Sarajevo City Hall — Zelengora Glacial Lakes (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Sarajevo City Hall
Built in the Pseudo-Moorish style, the Vijećnica is one of the most magnificent buildings from the Austro-Hungarian period in Sarajevo.
Zelengora — Zelengora Glacial Lakes (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Zelengora
Zelengora is known as the most beautiful mountain in the country, famous for its vast grassy plateaus and crystal clear glacial lakes cal…
Sokol Fortress — Zelengora Glacial Lakes (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Sokol Fortress
Sokol Fortress was a significant fortification near Šipovo.
Bijela Gora — Zelengora Glacial Lakes (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Bijela Gora
Bijela Gora is a mountain range on the border between Bosnia and Montenegro.