Devil or not, this lake is a real picturesque attraction at the foot of Durmitor!

Truly, the interior of Montenegro is full of surprises that have yet to be explored. Thus, not far from Nikšić, on the road that leads to the Nevidio Canyon at the foot of Durmitor, there is a wonderfully interesting lake surrounded by lush pastures and hills.

The Devil’s Lake near the village of Novakovići is one of those lakes that hide interesting legends but also the indescribable beauty that Montenegro possesses.

Devil’s Lake, Photo: nadtochiy, Depositphotos

This natural wonder, with a very unusual name, is located 1,400 meters above sea level next to the road that once connected Onogošt with Tasliž. It is filled mainly by underground springs, melting snow, and various precipitations, and during the summer months, its water level can even drop significantly depending on the temperature.

Devil’s Lake, Photo: nadtochiy, Depositphotos

The Devil’s Lake is around 600 meters long and around 180 meters wide, its average depth, depending on the time of year, is between 4 and 11 meters. It is characterized by its color, which gradually changes from turquoise to green to dark blue depending on the depth, and together with the surroundings that make it very picturesque, it could attract more and more tourists.

Although very attractive for swimming, due to the underground springs, the water in Devil’s Lake is very cold, so swimming is not recommended. It is this cold water that can cause spasms, and in some cases, it ended with drowning.

Devil’s Lake, Photo: nadtochiy, Depositphotos

In addition to picturesque scenes, the lake also has two interesting legends that are believed to have given it its name. The first legend says that devils/demons used to live in the lake that came out of the lake during the night and caused harm to everyone who happened to be nearby, and the second one mentions Duke Momčilo who came here to hunt.

The story goes that there used to be a forest around the lake, so even the duke used to spend time here waiting for the game. On one occasion, a red horse came out of the lake and impregnated his mare. The foal that was born later had wings, and the duke named him Jabučilo. This very name of the horse is also mentioned in many folk songs.

Devil’s Lake, Photo: nadtochiy, Depositphotos

Devil’s or not, it is a location that will surely amaze you, so if your road takes you toward Durmitor, definitely visit it. And of course, as always, leave nothing but footprints.

Nearby is the Fish Lake, as well as an old Slavic cemetery with stećci (medieval tombstones).