Montenegro · Northern Montenegro · Prokletije

Lake Plav

Directions

Plavsko jezero · Liqeni i Plavës

Lake Plav is a glacial lake beside the town of Plav in north-eastern Montenegro, set between the Accursed Mountains (Prokletije) and the Visitor range. It is the largest glacial lake in the country and the best-known sight of the area, with the town spread along its northern and north-eastern shore.

How it formed

The Ljuča flows into the lake and the Lim flows out of it to the north. The basin is riddled with limestone caverns, and springs rise from the ground all around it. The lake is shallow, shrinks in summer and partly freezes in the coldest winters.

History

Under Ottoman rule many local families converted to Islam, and the Redžepagić family became the most prominent. Their defensive tower is the town’s main monument and has been a museum since 1979; the Old Imperial Mosque and the Holy Trinity Monastery at Brezojevica are also protected. Plav became part of Montenegro only after the Balkan Wars of 1912–1913.

Nature

Trout, carp and chub live in the lake, and wild brown trout in the mountain streams that feed it. Reeds and wet meadows fringe the shore, so use the established access points rather than driving or pushing through them.

Gallery

3 photos

Photo: User:Chlämens · Public domain

Photo: JakobHosp · CC BY 4.0

Photo: Albinfo · CC BY-SA 3.0

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Visit

Getting there

Nearest settlement: Plav

Swimming

No reliable information

Tips

Small boats can be hired on the lakefront, kayakers bring their own craft, and fishing permits are sold locally. A footpath follows part of the southern shore, and sunrise and sunset are the favourite times for a walk, when the water is still and mirrors the mountains. The water reaches about 20–22 °C by July; ask the Plav Tourist Organisation where swimming is advised.

June to September is the season for hiking, with afternoon thunderstorms common at altitude; May and October are cooler and quieter, and winter is cold and snowy with few services. Plav is about three hours by car from Podgorica, and there are daily buses. The Ali Pasha springs near Gusinje and Hridsko jezero make easy additions. Bring cash.