7 minute read
Piva, unintended and untamed!
from Luštica Bay LIFE
by Lustica Bay
The mountains, greenery, and the sea – a harmonious union that renders Montenegro inimitable; wherever you may be in this wild, outspoken nature, its tranquillity will bring you back to self.
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As John Muir, an influencer and a naturalist, so beautifully describes, the mere sight of the mighty Montenegrin mountains is bound to wow you. Travelling to the North of Montenegro is a journey to the country’s rooftop, where the views are impeccable, and the mind clear. Let us take you on a trip to Piva, where the history of the mountains and their people unfolds, with an unpretentious invite to learn about their heritage and their ancestorial tales. Piva runs in northwest Montenegro, somewhat unfairly neglected by its popular neighbour, Durmitor. Off the beaten path receives its true meaning here, with locals claiming: “In Piva, you will experience 300 miracles in 3 days!” Piva’s mysterious beauty invites you to explore the outdoors, reminding you of the distinct nature, witnessed in its full glory in this region! Crowned by the astonishing peaks of Pivske Mountain Range – Bioč (2397 m), Maglić (2386 m) and Volujak (2336 m), there is an abundance of water sources intersected by Piva, Tara and Sušica canyons and embellished with mountain lakes – Stabna and Trnovačko. With its breathtaking appeal, Piva leaves its visitors at a loss for words and completely mesmerized.
WELL-CONNECTED AND EASILY ACCESSIBLE
When it comes to the connection to the coast, the areas of Durmitor and Piva are a short reach from Boka Bay, making it even more attractive to our visitors excited to explore Montenegro. Only a 2-hour drive from Luštica Bay, the Piva region is well connected to the coast via the local highway Risan – Nikšić – Žabljak, one of the best and sparingly used roads in the country! If you have ever been to Montenegro during the summer season, you probably noted that the traffic can be very dense, rendering short day trips somewhat tiring. That same 2-hour drive can be extended allowing you to take in all the scenery. The stunning views will, undoubtedly, make you want to stop on every vantage point and marvel at the sights before your eyes! The Western Montenegro terrain is, in much, affected by the latest glacial erosion, and is frequently called the Stone Sea due to the looks of its vast, moulded karst with high mountains and valleys, and a variety of bio-communities. Untouched and wild – that is how you might view Piva, especially when you noticed different pace of life outside the city rules, governed by the laws of nature and centuries old tradition.
PLUŽINE –
A Portrait of Switzerland IN MONTENEGRO
The heart of the Piva region is the small town of Plužine. Descending towards Plužine from the main road, the visual landscape is fascinating! Resembling a small, picturesque Swiss village lost in the mountains of a proud and untamed Montenegro. Observing it from a distance in all its natural abundance, it is difficult to imagine that the turquoise Piva Lake is actually man-made! The lake is 45 km long, covering a surface area of 12,5 square kilometres. It was formed in 1976, with the aim of generating electricity from the hydro sources and potentials of the mountainous rivers of Montenegro. The city was submerged and rebuilt at the shores of the new Piva Lake. This charming settlement was promptly identified as a touristic attraction; albeit artificial, it was soon clear that the Piva Lake was the best thing that happened to this town. In the former town of Plužine, a very famous Orthodox temple was located – Piva Monastery. In the most precise manner, it was relocated to another spot, stone by stone, at the entrance of this small mountain town before the lake was formed, and has been preserved in its authentic state. As the formation of the lake is relatively recent, we can still encounter senior citizens of Plužine, who often reminisce about the charm of the former town.
The Piva Lake immediately caught the attention of many visitors, and today, is a small town nestled in the mountains with a seemly travel offer. Here you can find unique guesthouses along the shores of the lake, enjoy the outdoors and taste delicious food in local households or restaurants. You will find the the longest, 1400 m long, zipline in Montenegro connecting the opposite shores of the lake, so you can fly over Piva Lake. Do not be alarmed if a surge of adrenaline washes over you, it is all part of the experience! The scenes are miraculous and the colour of the lake indescribable, with its green, emerald and turquoise hues. The cruise on Piva Lake puts you closer to the crystal clear, potable water with the unparalleled rafting adventure in the Tara River Canyon, the 2nd deepest in the world and UNESCO protected area, located several kilometres from the city of Plužine. If you plan to indulge in the tastes of the Montenegrin north, some of the national specialities that we recommend and can be found in Plužine are – kačamak, cicvara, lamb, goat, and veal roast under the sač (a special kind of ceramic pot traditionally used in Montenegro), and trout from the lake - a delicacy you should treat your senses to! Guesthouse Zvono is the go-to place for homemade mead and brandy, where the brothers Vuković, the owners, will tell you legendary stories and facts about the discovered ancient tombstones around Piva.
EXPLORING Piva
Town of Plužine in not the only thing on the menu in the Piva region. Take some time to be in the nature, and go back home feeling relaxed and refreshed, letting what you absorbed in the outdoors heal you. When in Piva, we recommend you go on a hiking quest to discover the heart-shaped Trnovačko lake; the trip requires a degree of physical fitness as the hike takes you through the mountains. The lake is mostly visited by true nature lovers, mountaineers, alpinists and adventurers who love the thrill of getting to the finish line. We strongly recommend you go on this quest with professional tour guides, who can guide you safely through the forests, mountain peaks, and off the beaten paths. Piva’s villages and katuns are, indeed, a remarkable story. In every village, you will be welcomed by hosts who live there year round. Observing the highlanders’ way of life represents a humble return to the primal way of functioning and is the definition of a different and healthy approach to living. People work in the fields, mow the meadows, prepare hay for the cattle graze them in the summer, producing food in their households. A depiction of life in an incomparably more peaceful society that knows how to appreciate the present moment.
PIVA –
Nature Park
Starting with the Montenegrin seashore and over to the glacial lakes, rivers, deep canyons, rainforest, arriving to the final high mountain peaks: this is just part of what wild Montenegrin nature has to offer. The best way to fully experience this jaw-dropping scenery is by visiting protected areas, such as national and nature parks. Fairly recently, the area of Piva between the Bosnian border and Durmitor, was officially named a protected nature park. With a surface area of 32.477,9 ha, Piva Nature Park is located in the northwest Montenegro, covering 39% of Plužine’s municipal territory.
It is home to wild boars, deers and bears, even! Tara and Piva rivers are extremely rich in trout, grayling and sprout fish. The park has over 1,500 rare and endangered plant species, which locals are using for medicinal purposes or food. There are more than 200 types of mushrooms, many of which edible. Flora treasures consist of white and black pine, beech, fir, maple, and spruce forests. It is not just the coast, it is the mountains of Montenegro that will take your breath away. Unconquered, untouched, undiscovered. Albeit one of the smallest countries in the world, there is no question about it - what it lacks in size, Montenegro definitely compensates in character, charm and charisma.
WEEKENDERS
