Lukavica
by Sandra Keković
The region is a paradise for hikers, offering trails that range from easy walks to more challenging ascents, like reaching the peaks of Veliki and Mali Zurim. It’s also steeped in local traditions, with herders still tending their flocks, adding a charming cultural touch to the natural beauty.
Lukavica is a mountain located in the central part of Montenegro, 30 km from Nikšić, and belongs to the Morača mountain range. It is particularly remarkable due to its exceptional natural beauty, making this area one of the most picturesque in Montenegro. Lukavica is famous for its abundant water springs, which, according to legend, number as many as the days in a year – 365 – something no other Montenegrin mountain can boast.
Its awe-inspiring landscape is dominated by towering peaks, including Veliki Žurim (2036 m above sea level) and Mali Žurim (1984 m), which reign over the mountain. Other prominent peaks include Ilijin Vrh (2051 m), Gackove Grede (2004 m), and Borovnik (1935 m). Additionally, Lukavica is home to two magnificent mountain lakes: Kapetanovo Lake and Manito Lake. Kapetanovo Lake, situated at an altitude of 1678 m, lies within the municipality of Kolašin and belongs to the group of glacial lakes. It measures 480 m in length, 330 m in width, and reaches a maximum depth of 37 m. The lake is celebrated for its enchanting surroundings, diverse aquatic life, and crystal-clear greenish waters.
Manito Lake, also known as Brnjičko Lake, is located near Kapetanovo Lake, about a 40-minute walk away, at an altitude of 1773 m. It is 220 m long, 140 m wide, and has a maximum depth of 13 m.
Lukavica is also home to katuns (traditional shepherds’ settlements) belonging to the people of Zagarač, Župa, Piperi, Morača, and Rovca. For centuries, these pastoral communities have brought their livestock to graze here from early spring until late autumn, a tradition that continues to this day. Although the number of livestock has significantly decreased compared to the past, Lukavica is still teeming with activity. Each summer, an increasing number of tourists and visitors come to experience its stunning landscapes.
Access to Lukavica is via Nikšić, passing by the “Zagrad” mine, Luka Bojović, and reaching the entrance to the valley at Bare Bojovića, from where the route continues to the Zagarač katun. At Bare Bojovića, a road branches off toward Kapetanovo Lake (5 km). Along this route, visitors will come across the Church of St. Ilija, built in 2007 beside Nikšin Kiljan. This location has long been a traditional gathering place for the people of Zagarač, Župa, Piperi, Rovca, and Morača during the Ilindan (St. Ilija’s Day) celebrations.
Lukavica offers its visitors expansive meadows, boundless skies, majestic peaks, and breath-taking panoramic views, making it one of Montenegro’s most stunning landscapes. Its beauty is, to say the least, mesmerising, making it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking to immerse themselves in its vastness, the scent of wildflowers, and the opulence of its natural splendour. For this reason, it has become an unmissable stop for nature lovers, hikers, motorcyclists, and off-road adventurers alike.