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Piva River
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The Piva River is one of the most significant watercourses in northern Montenegro, originating at the foot of the Sinjajevina mountain range. The river is famous for its spectacular canyon, which reaches depths of up to 1,200 meters in some sections and stretches for about 33 kilometers. A turning point in the river's geography was the construction of the Mratinje Dam in 1975, which stands 220 meters high as one of the tallest arch dams in Europe. This project created Lake Piva, the country's largest artificial reservoir, which submerged the original settlement of Plužine. The Piva's water is noted for its distinctive turquoise color and exceptional purity, making it a crucial source of drinking water. Near the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Piva joins the Tara River to form the Drina, one of the most powerful river systems in the Balkan Peninsula.
- Location: Montenegro
- Top sights: Previja · Osojnica · Kobilja glava
- Nearby: Plužine Tourism Center (5 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -2 | -1 | 2 | 7 | 11 | 15 | 18 | 18 | 13 | 9 | 4 | -1 |
| Rain mm | 134 | 131 | 121 | 93 | 89 | 83 | 52 | 49 | 104 | 124 | 162 | 152 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
The majestic river and its deep canyon are typically accessed via winding regional roads that carve through the steep surrounding landscape. Reaching the lower riverbanks directly often involves navigating narrow and sharply descending local nature paths.
Best season
The warmer months from late spring to early autumn are perfectly convenient for witnessing the famous emerald-green waters in bright sunlight. Severe winter conditions often bring thick ice and snow, making the steep canyon roads hazardous and less accessible.
Terrain & paths
Visitors will encounter a highly dramatic terrain characterized by sheer canyon cliffs and rocky, uneven paths near the water's edge. Hiking routes along one of Europe's deepest canyons are generally steep, demanding good balance and hiking stamina.
What to bring
High-quality trekking shoes with aggressive tread are absolutely essential for safely managing the steep inclines of the canyon environment. It is crucial to carry plenty of drinking water, windproof layers, and a physical map due to patchy cellular signal.
Parking
Official parking areas are mostly found at designated scenic viewpoints or within the larger road-side settlements located above the canyon. Along the narrow gorge roads, finding a safe place to pull over is limited to occasional, small gravel lay-bys.
Safety
Extreme caution must constantly be taken near the unfenced edges of the canyon, as the drops are profound and the ground can be unstable. Drivers should proceed very slowly on the winding roads, remaining fully alert for falling debris and tight corners.
Time needed
A scenic scenic drive with frequent stops to simply admire the deep canyon viewpoints usually requires between two and four hours of time. Travelers intending to hike deeply down towards the emerald-green river should confidently prepare for a full-day excursion.
Geography
Facts
- The Piva River has a total length of 34 kilometers within Montenegro.
- The Mratinje Dam was constructed between 1971 and 1975.
- Lake Piva covers a surface area of approximately 12.5 square kilometers.
- Water temperature rarely exceeds 10 degrees Celsius even during summer.
- The Piva Canyon is the second deepest in the country after the Tara Canyon.
- The Piva Monastery was moved stone by stone to higher ground before flooding.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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 Piva River (3)
Kobilja glava
Kobilja glava is a mountain in Montenegro, a peak in the mountain range.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Why does the Piva water have such an intense color?
The emerald to turquoise color is due to the depth of the Piva reservoir and the water's purity.
Can you go rafting on the Piva?
Rafting mostly happens on the Tara, but the Piva gives calmer boat trips through spectacular rocky canyons.
Is swimming allowed in Lake Piva?
Yes, swimming is allowed, but the water remains quite cool even in summer (around 18-20 degrees Celsius).
What is the Piva Monastery?
An important monastery that was moved stone by stone to a higher location during the dam's construction.
How high is the Piva dam?
The Mratinje Dam is 220 meters high, making it one of the highest arch dams in Europe.
Piva River: where is it located?
Piva River is located in Montenegro.
Piva River: what is there to see?
Highlights include Previja, Osojnica, Kobilja glava.
Piva River: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Piva River: why is it worth visiting?
The Piva River is one of the most significant watercourses in northern Montenegro, originating at the foot of the Sinjajevina mountain range.
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History & landmarks
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More places
Piva Hydroelectric Plant
This power plant uses the water of the Piva River.
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The Piva Canyon is one of the deepest gorges in the region.
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The alpine flora of Durmitor National Park is unique in Southeast Europe.
Sušica Canyon
The Sušica Canyon is located within the Durmitor National Park.
Durmitor Saddle
A high mountain pass in the center of the Durmitor National Park.
Planinica Plateau
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The Komarnica Canyon cuts through the mountains between the Durmitor and Vojnik massifs.