With its emerald water and cliffs dropping straight into the lake, Piva Lake is one of the most beautiful places in Montenegro. In this guide we explain how to get to Plužine and Piva Lake (Pluzine), what to expect on the famous tunnel road, and why Plužine is the perfect base for Tara River rafting at Šćepan Polje.
How to Get to Plužine: Distances and Times
| From Podgorica | about 110 km via Nikšić, around 2 hours |
| From Nikšić | around 1 hour |
| From Žabljak | via the Sedlo pass, around 1.5 hours |
| To Šćepan Polje | through the Piva Canyon with dozens of tunnels |
| Bus | services from Podgorica and Nikšić |
All times are approximate - expect narrow roads and frequent stops for the views.
From Podgorica and Nikšić
The most direct route runs from Podgorica to Nikšić, then north on the main road to Plužine. Along the way you pass the Mratinje dam and get your first views of the Piva Canyon. Buses run regularly from Nikšić to Plužine, but check the timetable in advance as there are fewer departures outside the summer season.
The Tunnel Road: Plužine to Šćepan Polje
The stretch from Plužine toward Šćepan Polje and the Bosnia and Herzegovina border is legendary. Travellers count more than 50 tunnels, most of them unlit and carved directly into the rock, and in places the road is barely wide enough for two vehicles. A few tips:
- Always switch your headlights on - the tunnels are pitch dark.
- Drive slowly and use your horn before blind bends.
- Cyclists need strong front and rear lights.
- In peak season expect trucks and coaches - patience is key.
At the end of the road you reach Šćepan Polje, where the Tara and Piva rivers meet to form the Drina. This is exactly where our one-day Tara River rafting tour gathers.
From Žabljak via the Sedlo Pass
If you're staying in Durmitor, you can reach Plužine on the scenic road over the Sedlo pass, which links Žabljak with the Piva Canyon. Note that the Durmitor Ring itself doesn't go down to Plužine - you'll need a short detour for the lake. This road is often closed or difficult in winter due to snow, so check road conditions first. See also our guide on how to get to Žabljak.
Things to Do in Plužine and Piva Lake
- Kayaking or boat trips on the lake between vertical cliffs.
- Viewpoints above the Piva Canyon - perfect for photos.
- Piva Monastery - moved stone by stone when the dam was built.
- Tara River rafting from Šćepan Polje - €75 per person with breakfast and lunch.
- Canyoning - Nevidio and Grabovica are about an hour and a half away via Šavnik.
For more ideas, read our guide to the best things to do in Durmitor National Park.
Tips for Your Visit
- Fill up your tank in Nikšić or Plužine - petrol stations are few and far between.
- Carry cash, as cards aren't accepted everywhere.
- The lake is at its greenest from May to October.
Planning to raft from Šćepan Polje? Book online or contact us to arrange a transfer - cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure.
