Kapetanovo Jezero (Captain's Lake) is one of the most attractive and renowned mountain lakes in Montenegro, situated in the heart of the Lukavica plateau (on the border between the municipalities of Kolašin and Nikšić), at the foot of the impressive and steep Morača Mountains massif.
Geographical and physical characteristics
Elevation: It is located at an altitude of approximately 1,678 meters, nestled within a vast mountain cirque.
Dimensions and depth: It is about 480 meters long and 330 meters wide, with a maximum depth of around 37 meters, making it one of the deepest glacial lakes in Montenegro.
Water and origin: The lake is of glacial origin. The water is exceptionally clean and transparent, featuring a distinctive clear blue-green hue. It is fed by underground springs, snowmelt, and precipitation.
A famous legend about Kapetanovo Jezero
Its name is linked to a folk legend about Captain Mušović from Nikšić:
According to the story, the summer mountain settlement (*katun*) of Captain Mušović from Nikšić once stood on the site of the present-day lake. Above the settlement, there was a water spring used by fairies for bathing.
The fairies would open the spring every night and invariably close it in the morning. One night, the last fairy to bathe forgot to close the spring; the water flowed all night, flooding the settlement and the surrounding valley, thereby creating the lake.
Surroundings and tourist amenities
Mountain settlements and atmosphere: An authentic settlement of wooden houses and shepherd's huts (*katuni*) is located around the lake itself. During the summer, traditional local food is available here (such as *kačamak*, *cicvara*, *skorup*/*kajmak*, and homemade sour milk).
Manićevo Lake (Manito Lake): Just a gentle 40-minute uphill hike above Kapetanovo Lake lies another, smaller glacial lake—Manito (Manićevo) Lake—offering a beautiful view from above.
Hiking Base: The lake serves as an ideal starting point or waypoint for ascents to the peaks of the Morača Mountains, such as Stožac, the Žurimovi peaks (Veliki and Mali Žurim), and Kapu Moračku.
Access
Kapetanovo Lake is most commonly reached from the direction of Nikšić (via Župa Nikšićka and the Lukavica plateau); the route consists of both paved and gravel sections (mostly passable for passenger cars, though an off-road vehicle is recommended).
Access is also possible from the direction of Kolašin (via Velje Duboko or Mioska), but these routes are more challenging and generally suited only for off-road vehicles or hikers.
