Montenegro’s Durmitor ring
From the Bay of Kotor to the cliff monastery of Ostrog, the Piva canyon, the high Sedlo pass and the Tara canyon bridge.
- Distance
- 171 km (106 mi)
- Driving
- 2 h 21 min
- Suggested days
- 4
- Stops
- 8
- Countries
- Montenegro
- Updated
- June 11, 2026
At a glance: 4-day road trip of about 171 km (106 mi) with 8 stops, from Kotor to Đurđevića Tara Bridge. About 2 h 21 min of driving in total.
More road trips in Montenegro · More road trips from Kotor
Route description
From Kotor, drive round the bay to Risan and over the hills via Grahovo towards Nikšić, then turn south to Ostrog Monastery, built into a cliff high above the Zeta valley. The upper road is steep and narrow, so park larger vehicles at the lower monastery and walk the last part.
Nikšić is a relaxed town with a brewery and a good market. The E762 then heads north past Lake Slano and into the Piva canyon, where the road threads dozens of unlit, rough-hewn tunnels to Plužine on the emerald Piva lake.
From Plužine the Durmitor ring road climbs to Trsa and over the Sedlo pass at about 1,900 m, through high karst pastures below Bobotov Kuk. It is narrow, unfenced and usually open only from June to October; small campervans manage well, large motorhomes should reach Žabljak via Nikšić and Šavnik instead.
Žabljak, the highest town in the Balkans, is the base for walks to the Black Lake. Finish at the Đurđevića Tara bridge, high above Europe’s deepest canyon, where rafting trips start. Nights are cool even in August.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Kotor
Montenegro - 244 km
Ostrog Monastery
HistoryOstrog, MontenegroA white monastery built into a sheer cliff face 900 m up, one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in the Balkans. The last stretch of road is narrow; larger vehicles should park at the lower monastery.
- 316 km
Nikšić
Montenegro - 454 km
Plužine
Montenegro - 522 km
Sedlo Pass
ViewsŽabljak, MontenegroThe high point of the Durmitor ring road at about 1,900 m, below the peaks of Bobotov Kuk. The road is narrow and unfenced, and usually closed from November to May.
- 610 km
Žabljak
Montenegro - 74 km
Black Lake
NatureŽabljak, MontenegroA glacial lake under pine forest and the Međed peak, a short walk from Žabljak. An easy trail circles it in about an hour.
- 821 km
Đurđevića Tara Bridge
ViewsŽabljak, MontenegroA concrete arch bridge about 170 m above the Tara, Europe’s deepest canyon. Rafting trips and a zip line start next to it.
Suggested stages and overnight stops
4 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Kotor → Ostrog Monastery · 44 km · 0 h 36 minOvernight nearby, for example: Koliba Bogetići (4 km); Ilijin vir (3 km).
- Day 2: Ostrog Monastery → Nikšić · 16 km · 0 h 13 minOvernight nearby, for example: Koliba Bogetići (10 km); Riverside (6 km).
- Day 3: Nikšić → Sedlo Pass · 76 km · 1 h 03 minOn the way: Plužine.Overnight nearby, for example: Kod Boće (7 km); Autocamp Razvršje (7 km).
- Day 4: Sedlo Pass → Đurđevića Tara Bridge · 35 km · 0 h 29 minOn the way: Žabljak, Black Lake.Overnight nearby, for example: Kamp Kljajevića luka (< 1 km); Kod Boće (15 km).
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, June–August and November. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
Practical notes for the road
- Montenegro: Tolls on some roads, bridges or tunnels. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
Road rules and fees change. Check official sources before you travel.
FAQs
How long is Montenegro’s Durmitor ring?
4-day road trip of about 171 km (106 mi) with 8 stops, from Kotor to Đurđevića Tara Bridge. About 2 h 21 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Montenegro’s Durmitor ring?
We suggest 4 days: about 2 h 21 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Montenegro’s Durmitor ring start and end?
It starts in Kotor and ends in Đurđevića Tara Bridge.
Which countries does Montenegro’s Durmitor ring pass through?
Montenegro.
Where can you camp along Montenegro’s Durmitor ring?
OpenStreetMap lists 66 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 20 km of the stops on this route. For example: Kamp Kljajevića luka, Auto Kamp Lara and Kod Boće.
When is the best time for Montenegro’s Durmitor ring?
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, June–August and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
