The Durmitor Ring road is one of the most scenic drives in Montenegro - a loop of about 80 km that starts and ends in Žabljak and takes you across high plateaus, over Sedlo Pass and past viewpoints above the Tara and Sušica canyons. In this self-drive guide we cover the route, the best stops, when the road is open and how to combine the Durmitor Ring with rafting or canyoning.
What Is the Durmitor Ring?
The Durmitor Ring is a circular route through Durmitor National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The road is narrow and winding but paved, and it passes through landscapes that feel like another planet: stone plateaus, glacial valleys, shepherds' huts and peaks rising above 2,000 meters. Allow at least half a day for the drive itself, or a full day with walks and photo stops.
| Length | About 80 km (loop) |
| Start and finish | Žabljak (Zabljak), about 1456 m above sea level |
| Highest point | Sedlo Pass, about 1907 m |
| Time needed | Half a day to a full day with stops |
| Season | Roughly June - October (check road conditions) |
Best Stops on the Durmitor Ring Road
Tara Canyon Viewpoint
On the northern part of the ring you'll find viewpoints over the Tara Canyon - Europe's deepest canyon, up to 1.3 km deep at Ćurevac. If you'd rather see the river from a raft than from above, check out our Tara River rafting.
Sušica Canyon
A spectacular view of the Sušica Canyon and the road that switchbacks down to the canyon floor. One of the most photographed spots in Durmitor.
Sedlo Pass
The highest point of the route, about 1907 m, with views of the Durmitor massif. Several hiking trails start here. The weather changes quickly up here - bring a jacket even in summer.
Plateaus and Shepherds' Huts
Between the viewpoints you pass traditional katuns (summer shepherd settlements) where in summer you can often buy homemade cheese and kajmak. Expect sheep on the road - drive slowly.
Piva Canyon Viewpoint (Detour)
The Piva Canyon viewpoint is not on the ring itself, but it's well worth the detour. Note that Plužine (Pluzine) and Piva Lake are also not on the route - they require a separate detour.
Practical Driving Tips
- The road is narrow - in many places you can only pass at wider sections; drive slowly and honk before blind bends
- Season - parts of the road close in winter and while snow lingers, typically passable from June to October; check locally before you go
- Fuel - fill up in Žabljak, there are no petrol stations on the route
- Park fee - commonly €5 per person per day, paid in cash; check the current price
- Cash - katuns and small places often don't take cards
- Signal - parts of the route have no signal; download offline maps
- Weather - afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so set off in the morning
Which Direction to Drive
Most drivers leave Žabljak counter-clockwise towards Sedlo Pass and return via the Tara Canyon side. Either direction works - what matters is leaving enough time for stops and not driving in the dark.
How to Combine the Durmitor Ring With an Adventure
The Durmitor Ring fits perfectly into a day of rafting or canyoning:
- Rafting + ring - Tara rafting from Šćepan Polje in the morning, then drive back to Žabljak over Sedlo Pass in the afternoon
- Canyoning + ring - Nevidio Canyon is about 50 km from Žabljak towards Šavnik, and the southern part of the ring lies along the way
For a complete trip plan, see our 3-day Durmitor itinerary. Planning to hike as well? Read our Durmitor hiking safety guide.
Don't Want to Drive?
We also offer transfers across Montenegro and guided hiking in Durmitor. Get in touch via our contact page or on WhatsApp at +382 67 354 616.
Add an unforgettable adventure to your Durmitor Ring trip - book canyoning or rafting early, especially for July and August.
