The Škrka Lakes (Veliko and Malo Škrčko Lake) rank among the most beautiful, wildest, and most isolated mountain tarns on Durmitor. They are situated in the deep and impressive high-mountain Škrka Valley, surrounded by some of Durmitor's highest and most rugged peaks.
Key Characteristics
Veliko Škrčko Lake:
Elevation: Approximately 1,686 m.
Dimensions and depth: It is about 700 m long, with a maximum depth reaching around 17 meters.
Appearance: It is distinguished by exceptionally clear, greenish water and high transparency (up to 8.5 m), making it one of the clearest lakes on Durmitor.
Malo Škrčko Lake:
Elevation: Approximately 1,711 m (located slightly above Veliko Škrčko Lake).
Dimensions and depth: It has a significantly smaller surface area and a depth of up to about 6 meters; during warmer summer months, its water level can drop considerably.
Location and Setting
The lakes are "hemmed in" on all sides by magnificent cliffs:
On one side rise Bobotov Kuk (2,523 m) and Bezimeni Vrh,
On the other side stand the distinctive vertical rock faces of Prutaš (2,393 m) and Šareni Pasovi.
In the immediate vicinity of the lakes (between Veliko and Malo Škrčko Lake) lies the "Škrka" mountain hut (1,723 m a.s.l.), serving as an important shelter and resting point for hikers traversing this part of the massif.
How to reach the lakes? There is no road for cars to the Škrka Lakes, so they can only be reached on foot:
Via the Škrčko Ždrijelo pass (the most common option):
The trail begins at the Žabljak–Plužine regional road (near the Dobri Do / Vodeni Do summer pastures).
It crosses the Škrčko Ždrijelo pass (2,114 m)—offering an incredible view of the Škrka Valley—followed by a steep descent (an elevation drop of about 300 m) to the lakes themselves.
Via Samar or Ališnica:
For more experienced hikers coming from Žabljak or from the direction of Bobotov Kuk/Planinica.
