The peak of Stožina is located on the territory of the Durmitor National Park above the Pošćenska dolina. This is far from the highest point of Durmitor, however, due to its picturesqueness, it has become one of the symbols of the national park and one of the most frequently photographed peaks. It is called the gateway to South Durmitor.
Zminje lake (Montenegrin: Zminje jezero) is one of the small but picturesque reservoirs of the Durmitor National Park in Montenegro. It is located at a distance of 5.7 km from the center of Žabljak at an altitude of 1520 meters above sea level under the mountain Crvena greda.
A dense forest, which is already several hundred years old, comes close to the shores of Zminje lake. When you look at the reservoir from above (for example, from the Crvena greda ridge), it seems very inaccessible - you get the impression that it will be long and difficult to get to it.
However, in reality, this is not the case. It is not difficult to reach the natural attraction on foot.
From the Black Lake to the Zminje lake there is a walking route, marked on this map by a red dotted line.
The trail originates from the walking road that goes around the Black Lake (the circle must be started, moving to the right from the central approach - the alley). The turn to the route to the Zminje lake is marked by a corresponding sign.
The road goes along the Mill stream (Montenegrin: Mlinski potok).
It got its name due to the fact that earlier it had a lot of small mills, which were actively used by the inhabitants of the surrounding villages.
Today, only ruins remain of the mills, often hidden under moss and greenery. The ruins, however, have signs installed, so that those who wish can search for them.
For those who are not too interested, the stream will simply make a pleasant company, accompanying a walk to the lake with its light melodic sound.
Almost the entire path runs through a coniferous forest. Some of its sections look downright fabulous because of the spectacular interweaving of tree roots.
The route connecting Black and Zminje lakes is marked by the administration of the national park as a family one. Of course, walking here with a stroller will not work - after all, this is not a very smooth forest path.
But the path is really easy. Special physical preparation for its passage is not required, the trail without a sharp climb or elevation change and jumping over stones. Therefore, it should be within the power of both children and the elderly to overcome it.
Classic markings are made along the entire road - red and white circles and stripes.
The route number is 102.
The marks are clearly visible; are not located too often, but still there are no big problems with the orientation.
The entire journey from Black Lake to Zminje Lake takes 60-80 minutes at an average pace.
If walking doesn't appeal to you, you can get there by car. Not directly to the lake, but very close to it.
The road goes past the village of Bosača, its final segment is a macadam.
The path ends with a small free parking lot, there is a sign and markings from it to the lake. Rather, there are even two marked trails, approximately the same in length and complexity.
It will take only 5-7 minutes to walk from the parking lot to the reservoir.
Due to the fact that the trees come close to the water, you can see the lake either from above, from the mountain, or only by coming close to it.
The forest surrounding the lake consists mainly of spruces.
Occasionally they are complemented by beeches or mountain ash.
Zminje Lake has a length of 230 meters and a width of 120 meters. The maximum depth in it reaches 7.7 m.
The main feature of the reservoir is its rich green color.
In places it is simply impossibly bright and bewitching.
The name of the reservoir is translated as "Snake Lake".
There are several versions explaining the toponym.
According to one of them, the reflection of the firs reminded someone of snake skin.
According to another, the branches of trees growing on the banks looked like snakes, hence the name came from.
There is a more obvious explanation: the lake was called "Snake" because of the large number of snakes that live near it. Old-timers say that before so many snakes crawled here that it was almost impossible to approach the reservoir. Luckily, there are far fewer of them these days.
At the same time, with all this, they say that specifically in this location not a single snake bite has yet been recorded.
The reservoir is filled with two springs located nearby, rains, as well as water formed as a result of melting snow. So most often the lake is quite cold. Nevertheless, on hot summer days there are people who want to swim in it.
However, tourists should take into account that swimming here is recommended only for adults and experienced swimmers, since the entrances to the water are inconvenient, and the bottom of the lake is quite unpleasant.
On the shore there is a picnic corner with benches and a table, so instead of swimming, you can sit on a bench or some pretty stump, enjoy the scenery, have a snack.
Those who want a more active pastime can try walking around the lake. Or parts of it.
There is no good walking route around the reservoir, but it is still possible to go around it along the shore. At least we made it.
Those who decide to take such a walk are waiting for excellent landscapes.
At the end of the post - the Crvena greda and its reflection in the waters of the lake.
Comments
Post a Comment