Šavnik: Nature Park, Canyons and Hiking Trails
Accommodation in Šavnik
Mountain landscapes, canyons and trails of very different difficulty levels define Šavnik. In Dragišnica and Komarnica Nature Park, options range from walks to challenging hikes; there are also waterfalls, gorges and historic monasteries. When choosing a holiday apartment in Šavnik, it may therefore be important to consider whether you would rather combine your holiday with leisurely experiences in nature, a mountain hike or an excursion to remarkable landscapes.
Nature Park between Durmitor and Komarnica
Dragišnica and Komarnica Nature Park lies in the far northwest of the Municipality of Šavnik and covers 2,994 hectares. Within the park, the Dragišnica forest complex stretches along the southern slopes of Durmitor. From the cliffs near Boljske Grede, panoramic views extend across the deep Komarnica Gorge, the surrounding mountain peaks and dense forest landscapes. Two Pošćenska Lakes are also among the landscape features of the Municipality of Šavnik.
The nature park offers opportunities to explore mountain landscapes, canyon valleys and gorges. Its hiking trails connect villages, plateaus, canyon rims and high peaks. For cyclists, mountain roads, forest trails and plateaus between gorges and mountain ranges offer options for leisure and mountain biking. There are also technically demanding cycling routes near the Komarnica Gorge and at higher elevations.
Walking Trails and Challenging Mountain Hikes
Šavnik offers more than 20 mountain and hiking trails. In the nature park, the range extends from easily accessible walking trails to mountain climbs reaching nearly 2,000 metres. If you are planning several hikes as part of your trip, it is worth bearing this difference in mind: a leisurely walk and a climb to higher elevations place different demands on your day.
A marked mountain trail leads to Boljske Grede. The route is challenging and technically difficult, and is suitable only for visitors in good physical condition. Boljske Grede is also a destination for climbers. Those primarily looking for a mountain hike will find a different challenge here from the more accessible walking trails. From the cliffs, there are expansive views into the Komarnica Gorge and across the surrounding peaks and forests.
Discover Waterfalls and Gorges
The approximately 80-metre-high Skakavica waterfall is seasonal: it flows during snowmelt and heavy rain. The path there passes through an appealing natural landscape and is suitable for leisurely walks and photography. This excursion is therefore quite different from the technically difficult route to Boljske Grede.
Nevidio Gorge is a destination for adventure tourism. Narrow passages, high rock walls, clear water and natural pools define its character. The gorge was not fully traversed until 1965; for a long time before that, it remained unknown and impassable to people. The approximately one-kilometre-long Grabovica Gorge offers a different experience: its varied crossing includes waterfalls and natural pools. Those interested in river landscapes will also find a special highlight at the Komarnica. The river is a destination for nature lovers, hikers, anglers and photographers, and is rich in brown trout and grayling.
Culture and Regional Cuisine
The historic sites of the Municipality of Šavnik include several monasteries. Podmalinsko Monastery was built around 1252 on the right bank of the Bukovica River and is one of the municipality’s most significant examples of religious architecture. The Monastery of Saint George in Bijela was founded in the 11th century in the village of Bijela, on the river of the same name. Near Pošćenje, there is also a significant necropolis with stećci, medieval tombstones.
The cuisine also offers a variety of flavours: Gnijezdo restaurant in the village of Petnjica serves Montenegrin home-style specialities, grilled dishes and international cuisine. Nature, history and food can thus be included in a trip as different interests, without reducing Šavnik’s character to any single type of holiday.
Sub-Areas of Šavnik
For further orientation within the municipality, you can also consider the sub-areas of Pošćenje and Tušina. Pošćenje links regional orientation with the necropolis of medieval stećci; Tušina offers another point of reference for exploring Šavnik’s sub-areas.
For the broader travel overview: Montenegro.
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