- Address: Pivsko Jezero, Opština Plužine, Crna Gora
- Area: 12.5 square meters. km
- Source of inflow: Beer
- Height above sea level: 675 m
In the northern part of Montenegro, on the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina, there is a picturesque artificial lake, which is considered to be one of the largest freshwater reservoirs in Europe and is called Pivsko jezero or Piva Lake.
Description of sight
The reservoir was formed in 1975 during the construction of the dam of Maratine, as a result of overlapping the canyon of the Piva River . For this purpose, more than 5,000 tons of steel and about 8,000 cubic meters of concrete were used.
The dam is also one of the largest on the continent. At the base it reaches 30 m, and at the top - 4,5 m, its height is 220 m. After the construction of the dam Pivskoe lake flooded local neighborhoods, including. and the old town of Plouzhine, and the eponymous monastery was moved to 3 km from the coast.
The length of the Lake of Piva in Montenegro is 46 km, the total area is 12.5 square meters. km, and the maximum depth is 220 m. The reservoir, although made by human hands, but it fits perfectly into the surrounding area and visually it can not be distinguished from natural.
It is very difficult to believe that here once there was a plain overgrown with various plants. A particularly majestic view opens at the bottom of the lake where the dam abruptly rises above the river.
The water here is clear and crystal clear, and the color of it is azure. It rarely warms above + 22 ° C, this temperature is usually observed at the end of summer. In the lake there is a trout, which locals and tourists are happy to catch.
The reservoir is surrounded by the Biotic mountain range, covered with forests and green meadows, where sheep flocks graze. From above all it reminds a wonderful picture, drawn by the talented artist.
Coast of the Lake of Piva in Montenegro
On the shore of the reservoir are small settlements and the city of Pluzhine, in which the energy with their families live. Almost all of them work at the hydropower plant. At night, the lights of the nearest houses are poured into the watery surface, creating a magical and romantic atmosphere.
In the villages you can stop for the night, try the traditional Aboriginal cuisine , rent a motor boat or an ordinary boat to make a fascinating journey through the pond. Around the Lake of Piva grows a large number of medicinal herbs, from which are prepared decoctions, tinctures and teas.
Tourists come to the pond to:
- breathe the clean mountain air;
- to engage in mountaineering;
- to ride a bicycle;
- swim or hunt;
- stroll through the picturesque places;
- relax in silence from the city bustle.
This area is characterized by a high level of ecology.
What else is famous for the pond?
The dam of Mratinje together with the Piva Lake was depicted on a poster to the Montenegrin film "Detachment 10 from Navarone", the second name - "Hurricane with Navarone". Filmed his British film company in 1978, and the plot is dedicated to World War II. The main actors here are Richard Keel, Franco Nero, Robert Shaw, etc.
Visit to the Lake of Piva in Montenegro
It is worth to come here in the warm season, as the road goes through mountain tunnels and serpentine. In winter, it is unsafe, and in some places even impassable (you can only get on a snowmobile).
Most of the way to the lake is covered with asphalt and stretches through mountain spurs and suspension bridges. At this time, the gaze of travelers will open landscapes of marvelous beauty and a lake, reminiscent of its form of an irregular pearl.
How to get there?
From Podgorica , Budva and Nikshich excursions are organized to the reservoir. By car from these cities you will get on the roads E762, M2.3, N2, P15.