Skrcko Lake is a mountain eye of Durmitor that few people ever see

People usually come to Durmitor because of Black Lake, but the true character of this mountain reveals itself only when you go further, deeper into the massif. Among the so-called mountain eyes of this remarkable mountain, the name given to numerous glacial lakes scattered across plateaus and valleys, the Škrčko Lakes hold a special place.

Škrčko lakes Photo: krugli86 Depositphotos

Located in the western part of the massif, within Durmitor National Park, Škrčko Lakes lie in the isolated and hard-to-reach Škrčka Valley. They consist of Large and Small Škrčko Lake, two glacial basins formed by ancient glaciers, which together represent one of the most striking yet least visited parts of the mountain.

Durmitor has more than a dozen glacial lakes, the most famous being Black Lake, Zminje Lake, Vražje Lake, and Riblje Lake. These lakes, positioned at different altitudes, are one of the key features that distinguish Durmitor from other mountain massifs in the region. The Škrčko Lakes are part of this system, but due to their location and demanding access, they are considered among the most isolated.

Big Škrčko Lakes Photo: krugli86 Depositphotos

Large Škrčko Lake lies at an altitude of around 1686 metres. It is approximately 700 metres long and reaches a depth of about 17 metres. Small Škrčko Lake is located above it at around 1710 metres above sea level and is somewhat smaller in size but of similar depth. The lakes are surrounded by steep mountain slopes and lie below the highest peaks, including Bobotov Kuk, which gives the entire area a pronounced high mountain character.

The surroundings of the lakes carry the raw beauty for which Durmitor was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The combination of glacial relief, deep canyons such as the Tara Canyon, and a large number of lakes makes this massif one of the most important natural areas in Montenegro.

Škrčko lakes Photo: mathes Depositphotos

The route to Škrčko Lakes is not accidental. Access to the valley is possible only on foot, and that is the key point of the entire experience. There are no access roads and no organised tourist facilities along the shore. Several hours of hiking and proper mountaineering preparation are required, which is why these lakes have remained outside the main tourist routes.

Due to the altitude, the water remains cold even during summer, so swimming is uncommon. A visit to Škrčko Lakes is most often part of hiking routes through western Durmitor and an opportunity to see what one of the most well-preserved segments of a mountain rightly known as the mountain of lakes looks like.

Meet the mountain eyes of Durmitor! These lakes make it special!