Montenegro Beauty – Piva Lake
45 kilometres long, 188 metres deep, yet truly infinite when it comes to the splendour and tranquillity it offers those who discover it
In northern Montenegro, in the very heart of the mountains, lies Piva Lake. About 45 kilometres long and almost 200 metres deep, what makes it special is the serenity and magnificence it provides to everyone who visits.
As a traveller winds their way up the meandering road towards Plužine, the view of the lake takes their breath away. The dark-blue water, surrounded by forests and mountains, seems as if it is hiding ancient legends and memories. In that moment, one feels detached from the world, as though having found a small personal sanctuary.
HOW THE LAKE WAS CREATED
Piva Lake is artificial. It was formed between 1967 and 1975, when the Mratinje Dam was built. At that time, the old town of Plužine and several villages were submerged. Today, when the water level is low, remains of those structures can be seen beneath the surface. It is a sight that serves as a reminder that nature and history always leave their mark, regardless of the change.
Piva Lake is one of the most beautiful places in Montenegro. The purity of the water, the safeguarding of the forests, and careful tourism are all crucial if this mountain oasis is to remain untouched for future generations. Every visitor, through their behaviour, can contribute to ensuring that this jewel continues to be a place that takes one’s breath away.
A PLACE THAT SOOTHES
What makes Piva Lake special is the silence. Here the noise and rush of the city vanish, and a person is left alone with natural wonders. The colour of the water changes constantly – sometimes it is emerald green, sometimes dark blue – depending on the light and the sky. The forests around the lake are full of beech, fir, and pine. Deer and birds hide within them, while visitors find shade, peace, and relaxation for the soul. It is not unusual for people to remain here longer than planned, captivated by a sense of serenity that is hard to leave behind.
A FUSION OF NATURE AND HISTORY
Near the lake stands the Piva Monastery, built in the 17 th century. When the lake was created, the monastery was relocated stone by stone in order to be preserved. Today it bears witness to the strength and perseverance of this region. Beyond its spiritual value, it is also a reminder that people have always known how to safeguard what is precious to them.
AN ADVENTURE FOR EVERYONE
Piva Lake is not only for those seeking a peaceful holiday. You can go boating, swim in hidden coves, fish, paddle, or hike. The viewpoints above the lake offer breath-taking panoramas, while the villages around it tell stories of life then and now. A particularly special experience is the sunset, when the entire lake is bathed in golden hues and everything appears like a fairy-tale.
A BEAUTY THAT DEMANDS CARE
Piva Lake is one of the most beautiful places in Montenegro. Yet, like all natural wonders, it requires protection. The purity of the water, the safeguarding of the forests, and careful tourism are all crucial if this mountain oasis is to remain untouched for future generations. Every visitor, through their behaviour, can contribute to ensuring that this jewel continues to be a place that takes one’s breath away.
Piva Lake is not merely a reservoir – it is a place where nature, history, and people live together. Those who visit will recognise, in its calm surface, a reflection of Montenegro’s very soul. And that is precisely why every journey to the north of the country is hard to imagine without this gem among the mountains.