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Valovito Lake
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Lake
Valovito Lake (Valovito jezero) is an easy on the eye glacial lake set in the heart of Durmitor National Park in northern Montenegro. It is situated at an impressive altitude of 1,695 meters above sea level, directly beneath the rugged cliffs of the Stožina and Sedlenik peaks. The lake belongs to the group of 18 glacial lakes in the Durmitor massif, traditionally referred to as mountain eyes. While its surface area is relatively small, its location in a depression surrounded by massive boulders and scree slopes gives it a dramatic appearance. The water is crystal clear, reflecting the surrounding summits, with a maximum depth of only about 3.5 meters. The lake is most easily reached via the Sedlo Pass and serves as a vital landmark for mountaineers aiming to summit Bobotov Kuk, Montenegro's highest peak.
- Location: Montenegro
- Nearby: Durmitor National Park (4 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
Accessible via well-marked hiking trails completely within the Durmitor National Park. Some highly scenic routes actively follow high mountain passes leading down into the easy on the eye basin where the small lake sits.
Best season
Summer and early autumn definitely offer the most accessible trails and lively surrounding nature. In winter, the lake may completely freeze over and the access trails get heavily blocked by impassable deep snow.
Terrain & paths
The approach definitely requires traversing typical alpine paths, which can be quite rocky and inherently uneven. There are also some notably steeper trail sections specifically descending right towards the water's edge.
What to bring
Standard hiking footwear providing very good grip is important. The weather at over 1,600 meters can change extremely rapidly, so totally waterproof clothing and extra warm thermal layers are an absolute necessity.
Parking
Visitors usually safely park at the designated official national park trailheads or in secure roadside pull-outs before confidently continuing their onward journey completely on foot down to the lake area.
Safety
Strictly stay exactly on the well-marked trails to protect the highly fragile alpine ecosystem. The mountain water is extremely cold, so swimming is typically strongly discouraged for obvious medical safety reasons.
Time needed
The hike completely down to the small lake and back, heavily including relaxing time spent by the shore, generally takes a solid half to a very full, leisurely day entirely depending on your specific starting point.
Geography
Facts
- The lake is approximately 225 meters long and 80 meters wide.
- Water temperature remains very low even during the peak of summer.
- The name Valovito means wavy or characterized by boulders.
- The lake is often buried under snow for several months during winter.
- The country's highest paved road passes in the immediate vicinity.
- The lake is fed solely by snowmelt and rainfall.
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 Valovito Lake (1)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Where is Valovito Lake located?
It is located in Durmitor National Park at an altitude of approx. 1690 meters, near the road over the Sedlo pass.
Can you swim in Valovito Lake?
Theoretically yes, but the water is extremely cold, and the lake is more of a shallow glacial eye.
What is the best way to reach the lake?
The easiest way is to park on the 'Durmitor Ring' panoramic road and walk the last few meters.
Is the lake one of the 'mountain eyes'?
Yes, it is one of the 18 glacial lakes of Durmitor, popularly known as 'Gorske Oči' (mountain eyes).
What is special about Valovito Lake?
It is often surrounded by rugged rocks and scree slopes, giving it a particularly wild atmosphere.
Valovito Lake: where is it located?
Valovito Lake is located in Montenegro.
Valovito Lake: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Valovito Lake: why is it worth visiting?
Valovito Lake (Valovito jezero) is an easy on the eye glacial lake set in the heart of Durmitor National Park in northern Montenegro.
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