Mrtvica Canyon is a place where nature speaks the language of beauty, and humans become mere silent listeners to its majestic symphony.
Hello, friends! Today I want to share with you my impressions of one of the most breathtaking places I’ve had the chance to visit in Montenegro — Mrtvica Canyon, or as the locals call it, Mrtvičke Grede. This place left an indelible mark in my memory, and I’m sure it won’t leave any nature and adventure lover indifferent.
First Encounter with Mrtvica Canyon
When I first heard the name «Mrtvica Canyon,» it sounded a bit scary to me. «Mrtvica» in Montenegrin means «dead,» and I couldn’t help but wonder why this place got such a gloomy name. But as soon as I saw the canyon with my own eyes, all my doubts vanished. A true paradise on Earth opened up before me!
Location and How to Get There
Mrtvica Canyon is located in the central part of Montenegro, about 30 kilometers from the town of Kolašin. You can get here by car, which is what I did. The journey took about 40 minutes from Kolašin, with the last few kilometers on a dirt road, which added a certain charm of adventure to the trip.
There are several route options to Mrtvica Canyon. From Kolašin, the journey is about 30 km and takes approximately 40 minutes of driving. If you’re coming from Podgorica, be prepared for a two-hour journey covering 110 km. And for those departing from Žabljak, the road will take about 2.5 hours and cover 120 km. Regardless of where you start your journey, the last part of the road will be along a scenic dirt track, which only adds to the sense of adventure.
Nature of the Canyon
The first thing that strikes you in Mrtvica Canyon is the incredible diversity of natural landscapes. You can see everything here: from deep gorges and sheer cliffs to lush forests and crystal-clear mountain rivers. The Mrtvica River, which gave the canyon its name, has carved amazing shapes in the limestone rocks, creating fantastic landscapes.
My journey through the canyon was filled with amazing discoveries. The emerald-green water of the Mrtvica River amazed me with its surreal beauty against the backdrop of gray rocks. It seemed as if the river was glowing from within, creating a magical contrast with the surrounding landscape. No less impressive were the huge boulders scattered along the bottom of the canyon. These stone giants, polished by water and time, resembled toys of some ancient giant, forgotten in this lost world.
The diversity of vegetation in the canyon also didn’t leave me indifferent. Here, in a relatively small area, you can see both alpine meadows covered with bright flowers and plants characteristic of the Mediterranean climate. This amazing combination creates a unique ecosystem that changes before your eyes as you progress along the route. I especially remember the numerous waterfalls and cascades that I encountered on my way. In spring, when the snow melts in the mountains, these water streams become particularly powerful and impressive, creating a unique symphony of nature sounds.
Route and Trail
The main route through the canyon is a circular trail about 7 kilometers long. The hike takes an average of 3-4 hours, but I recommend allocating a whole day to enjoy the beauty of this place without rushing.
My journey began at a small parking lot where there’s an information stand with a map of the route. The first section of the path ran through a picturesque forest, gradually descending to the river. The fresh mountain air and the sound of rustling leaves created a special atmosphere, setting the mood for the upcoming adventure.
Then the trail led me along the river, periodically climbing up rocky ledges. This was perhaps the most exciting part of the route. On one side, stunning views of the canyon and the river below opened up, and on the other, majestic rocks loomed, creating a feeling as if you were between two worlds.
About halfway through, I reached the famous «Hanging Bridge» — one of the main attractions of the canyon. Crossing this bridge became a real test for me and at the same time an incredible adventure. Narrow and slightly swaying, it made me feel a rush of adrenaline. But the views opening from the bridge were worth every second of excitement — the panorama of the canyon from here is simply breathtaking.
After the bridge, the trail began to climb higher, revealing even more impressive views of the canyon. I often stopped to catch my breath and enjoy the surrounding beauty. The last part of the route took me through a picturesque forest, gradually returning to the starting point. This section of the path gave me an opportunity to rest a bit and reflect on everything I had seen during the day.
The entire route took me about 7 kilometers and required approximately 4 hours of leisurely walking with stops for rest and nature observation. I would rate the difficulty as medium — there are several steep ascents and descents, but overall the trail is well-maintained and accessible to most tourists with basic physical fitness. The elevation change on the route is about 300 meters, which adds variety to the landscapes but doesn’t make the hike too tiring.
My Impressions and Advice
The hike through Mrtvica Canyon was a real revelation for me. I was amazed not only by the beauty of nature but also by how this place still remains untouched by mass tourism. Each turn of the trail revealed new breathtaking views, and the silence, broken only by the sound of the river and birdsong, allowed me to fully immerse myself in the atmosphere of wild nature.
One of the brightest moments was crossing the «Hanging Bridge». This experience gave me a real adrenaline rush. The bridge is narrow and sways a bit, which adds to the thrill, but the views from it are simply incredible. Standing on the bridge, I felt like a part of this majestic landscape, and this feeling will stay with me forever.
No less memorable was swimming in the river. The water turned out to be very cold, but incredibly refreshing. I found several spots where it was safe to swim, and it became a great way to cool off after the hike. The crystal clarity of the water was astounding — it seemed like you could see every pebble at the bottom.
During the hike, I was lucky enough to observe the local fauna. I saw several bird species, whose names I unfortunately don’t know, but their singing created an amazing atmosphere. These moments reminded me of how important it is to preserve such corners of wild nature.
One of the most pleasant moments was an improvised picnic on the riverbank. I strongly recommend bringing food and having lunch with a view of the canyon. This not only allows you to regain strength but also gives you the opportunity to fully enjoy the surrounding beauty, leisurely contemplating the majestic rocks and listening to the sound of water.
Advice for Future Visitors:
Based on my experience, I want to give some advice to those planning to visit Mrtvica Canyon. First, footwear — take comfortable trekking boots with good grip. Some sections of the trail can be slippery, especially after rain, so good footwear is the key to a safe and comfortable journey.
Second, water — be sure to take enough drinking water. Despite the proximity of the river, drinking from it is not recommended. On a hot summer day, you’ll be grateful for an extra bottle of water in your backpack.
Third, clothing — even on a warm day, take a jacket or fleece with you. It can be cool in the canyon, especially in shady areas or if you stay until evening. It’s better to have an extra layer of clothing with you than to be cold.
And last but not least — remember that you are in a nature reserve. All trash needs to be taken with you. Let’s preserve this beauty for future generations and other travelers.
Conclusion
Mrtvica Canyon is a true gem of Montenegro, which, fortunately, still remains little known to mass tourism. This place is ideal for those who want to enjoy untouched nature, experience a little adventure, and get unforgettable impressions.
My trip to Mrtvica Canyon became one of the brightest moments of my journey through Montenegro. I sincerely recommend everyone who finds themselves in this beautiful country to find time and visit this amazing place. Believe me, it’s worth every minute spent on the journey!
