Into the Wild: Discovering Piva Lake in Northern Montenegro

In a country famous for its coastline, it’s easy to forget that Montenegro has another face — quieter, greener, wilder, and far deeper. Piva Lake (Pivsko jezero) is perhaps the finest example of that hidden side. With its emerald waters, mountains that touch the sky, and silence that’s rarely found these days, this lake offers a rare kind of experience.

Whether you’re exploring Montenegro’s inland or vacationing on the coast and looking for a mountain escape — Piva Lake is absolutely worth the trip.

Where is Piva Lake?

Piva Lake is located in the northwestern part of Montenegro, near the small town of Plužine, in the remote and scenic Piva region. It’s an artificial lake, created in 1975 by the construction of the Mratinje Dam on the Piva River. But despite being man-made, the lake looks perfectly natural, winding through steep mountain slopes and pine forests like a Scandinavian fjord.

Distances to major towns:

Podgorica – 2 hours
Nikšić – 1.5 hours
Žabljak – 1 hour
Kotor / Budva / Herceg Novi – 3 to 4 hours (perfect for a day trip from the coast)

Where is Piva Lake on the map?

What to Expect?

Forget beach bars and souvenir stalls. At Piva Lake, expect peace, crystal-clear water, authentic locals, and raw nature.

Expect to be caught off guard by the landscapes — dramatic cliffs mirrored in the water, hidden coves, forest trails, and panoramic viewpoints. The lake changes colors depending on the time of day — from deep green to turquoise blue.

Oteša Cave and Boat Tour on Piva Lake

One of the best ways to explore the lake is by taking a boat tour to Oteša Cave — a natural cave hidden in the rocky shoreline, accessible only by water. Inside, you’ll feel the temperature drop and hear nothing but dripping water and your own breath. It’s a peaceful contrast to the bright light and warm air just outside.

The boat ride often includes swimming stops and, in summer, an optional BBQ picnic on the shore or raft.

A Full Day in Montenegro’s Wild Side

If you have more time, a full-day guided nature experience is a great way to immerse yourself in the lake and its surroundings. Local guides will take you beyond what’s visible from the road — to hidden viewpoints, quiet spots for birdwatching, and remote parts of the lake.

Stories, coffee breaks, swimming, and fresh air — this is the kind of day that fills both memory cards and the soul.

For Adventure Seekers: Rafting Through the Tara Canyon

If you’re craving something more dynamic than a peaceful lake cruise, rafting on the Tara River is Montenegro’s ultimate wild experience.

📝 Note: This tour doesn’t take place on Piva Lake itself — it happens nearby, on the Tara River, in the same wild and scenic region of northern Montenegro.

The tour starts early in the morning from coastal towns like Kotor, Budva, Tivat, or Herceg Novi. After a scenic drive through the mountains, you’ll reach Šćepan Polje, the gateway to the Tara Canyon — the deepest canyon in Europe, and a UNESCO-protected wonder.

From there, your rafting journey begins — three hours of adrenaline, cold rapids, cliff jumping (optional!), swimming, and breathtaking views. Along the way, you’ll stop for photos, waterfall dips, and finally enjoy a home-cooked lunch at a riverside camp.

It’s a full-day trip, packed with action but made comfortable by expert guides, all equipment included, and seamless organization. If you’ve never rafted before — don’t worry. This route is safe, beginner-friendly, and insanely beautiful.

Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or just someone who wants to dive into raw nature, this experience is an unforgettable way to explore Montenegro’s wilder side.

What Else to See Nearby?

Piva Monastery – A 16th-century Orthodox monastery, carefully moved stone by stone due to the dam project. Calm, mystical, and beautifully preserved.
Tara Canyon – The deepest canyon in Europe, famous for whitewater rafting and the spectacular Đurđevića Tara Bridge.
Durmitor National Park – Only an hour away, with hiking trails, glacial lakes, and towering peaks.
Mratinje Dam – At 220 meters, it’s one of the highest arch dams in Europe — both awe-inspiring and slightly terrifying.

How to Get to Piva Lake?

The best way to get here is by car or rental car. Roads are paved but curvy — perfect for slow travel and scenic stops. From Nikšić, the most direct route leads through Jasenovo Polje to Plužine.

More adventurous travelers can take the mountain route via Trsa and Rudin, or approach from Žabljak, passing through dramatic views of the Tara and Piva canyons.

If you’re staying on the Montenegrin coast, this makes a perfect day trip to the mountains — a change of scenery that makes the sea feel even better when you return.

When to Visit?

Summer is the best time for water activities and boat tours. Fall brings dramatic color changes and fewer tourists. Spring is fresh and green. Winter covers everything in snow — magical to see, but access and activities are limited.

Final Thoughts

Piva Lake is still under the radar. And that’s its greatest strength.

If you’re looking for something real — away from crowds, plastic chairs, and beach umbrellas — this is it.
Here, the air smells like pine. The nights are silent. The water is cold and clean. The people are few and kind. And the mountains… they don’t just surround you — they swallow you whole.

Take a breath. Slow down. This is Montenegro at its purest.

RENT A CAR

Click here to browse rental cars available in Montenegro⬇️

Into the Wild: Discovering Piva Lake in Northern Montenegro