🌊 Wild & Wonderful – Rivers of Montenegro 🇲🇪

✍🏻 16 November 2023 | Andjela Djokic

Montenegro, nestled in the heart of the Balkans, boasts a collection of mesmerising wild rivers. These natural wonders tell stories of rugged landscapes, unspoiled beauty, and unparalleled adventures. In this article, we'll introduce you to some of Montenegro's most remarkable wild rivers and the captivating experiences they offer.

🌊 Tara River: Europe's Deepest Canyon

Stretching over 80 kilometres, the Tara Canyon is Europe's deepest one. The Tara River Basin is a diverse ecosystem, ranging from 433 to 2,522 meters above sea level. Tara Canyon is part of the UNESCO World Heritage, and it beckons adventure enthusiasts with activities like white water rafting, kayaking, wild swimming, and wildlife spotting.

#FunFact: Tara River is drinkable throughout its flow. 😲

🌊 Komarnica River: Hidden Gem

Flowing through a deep, winding gorge nestled between Durmitor and Vojnik mountains, the Komarnica River offers an off-the-beaten-path adventure. As it winds through uninhabited terrain, it submerges beneath the Pivsko Lake, showcasing the raw power of nature.

700-meter-high cliffs of Boljska Greda dominate the Komarnica Canyon's breathtaking beauty. The canyon of Mala Komarnica, known as Nevidio (never seen), is one of the last Europe's discovered canyons. Today, it's an accessible gem and adventurers' station in the heart of Montenegro. The opposite side of Komarnica is a paradise for kayakers and the latest offer - a pack raft.

🌊 Škurda River: Nature's Oasis Near Kotor

Škurda Canyon, originating from Lovćen and flowing into Kotor Bay, is a hidden gem just a stone's throw from civilization. What sets it apart is its warm waters, even in winter, making it ideal for a refreshing dip. The river's rocky terrain is home to a thriving community of frogs. Before embarking on your journey, check the canyon's accessibility, which is typically open year-round except during heavy rains. Several early exit points offer flexibility for shorter adventures.

🌊 Bojana River: Where Two Worlds Collide

The Bojana River, originating in Lake Skadar, is a natural wonder. It spans 44 kilometres and ranks as the third-largest river in the Mediterranean by water volume. Notably, it harbours both saltwater and freshwater, creating a unique coexistence. The river's underground flow, known as Lisna-Bori, adds to the intrigue. The Bojana River splits into two sleeves in its delta, and its water level exhibits dual fluctuations, adding layers to its captivating character. There is where the river island Ada Bojana is formed - a favourite relaxation point for locals and visitors.

🌊 Morača River: A Canyon of Wonders

The Morača River Canyon, Montenegro's second-largest river canyon, boasts towering cliffs up to 1,000 metres high. The rugged terrain creates a dramatic backdrop. One of the most unique features of this canyon is Road E65, a highway with cliff-side bends and tunnels that offer jaw-dropping views, connecting Podgorica and Kolašin. In comparison to the Morača Canyon in the same-named mountain range, the Morača River becomes tame when it reaches Podgorica Valley on its way to Skadar Lake, where it flows into. In that part of the flow, Morača is the favourite refreshment spot of Podgorica citizens, offering numerous beaches and bars to bear the heat in the Montenegrin capital.

🌊 Cijevna River: A Refreshing Oasis Near Podgorica

The Cijevna River, close to the Capital of Podgorica, is a well-kept secret among locals. One part of this amazing river is known as 'Niagara,' as it forms small waterfalls south of Podgorica, close to the airport. Visitors can relax on the grassy banks or pebble beaches with ducks as companions. Check the canyon's accessibility before visiting, as it's typically open throughout the year, except during heavy rains. Springtime offers a stunning view of the Montenegrin Niagara Falls, while late summer reveals its true karst form. Other than this locality, stunning views over Cijevna Canyon are captured from the Kučke Mountains and the marked trail of Korita Circuit.

🌊 Bukovica River: The Pristine Waters of Šavnik

Flowing gracefully through Šavnik municipality, the Bukovica River is renowned for its exceptional water quality. It's home to unique endemic brown trout species and the Bukovica flower. Despite the free-flowing rivers of Montenegro being celebrated, small hydropower plants posed a threat to the Bukovica River's pristine waters once, but the citizens and Balkans activists stood to defend it.  Read more about it here.

🌊 Zeta River: A Nature Park of Significance

Declared a Nature Park in 2019, the Zeta River is immensely important to Montenegro's biodiversity. This river, spanning approximately 85 kilometres, is home to diverse bird species and a rich variety of plants. Zeta flows through Nikšić, then sinks and rises again on the Glava Zete locality in Danilovgrad. From there, it flows through Bjelopavlići Field into Morača River at the Capital's entrance. The Zeta River's historic bridges, such as the main bridge in Danilovgrad and the Emperor's Bridge in Nikšić, each tell their unique story.

Rivers Connect, Not Divide ✨

Montenegro's wild rivers are not just waterways; they are the lifeblood of the country's rich biodiversity and a source of inspiration. In a world often divided by borders, these rivers remind us of nature's ability to connect us all. Whether you seek adventure, tranquillity, or simply the joy of discovery, Montenegro's rivers offer an unforgettable journey into the heart of the Balkans. Where borders may separate, rivers unite.