Hridsko Lake

Hridsko jezero sits at around eighteen hundred metres in the Prokletije mountains above Plav, a small glacial lake ringed by pine and spruce with the peaks standing behind it. Local tradition calls it the lake of the mountain fairies and holds that swimming in it brings a storm. A rough track climbs most of the way from the valley and a walk of an hour or so completes the approach through forest and past summer katuns.

What you actually see

• The lake - glacial water at around eighteen hundred metres ringed by conifers.
• The peaks behind - the Prokletije ridges rising above the basin.
• The katuns - summer shepherds' settlements passed on the approach.
• The forest walk - the final hour on foot through pine and spruce.

When to go

June to September; snow closes the track for much of the year. July and August are the reliable window. Afternoon storms build quickly at this altitude.

Honest expectations

The access track needs a high-clearance vehicle and is rough. There are no facilities at the lake. Weather at altitude changes fast and shelter is limited.

Nearby

Plav is below, and Grebaje Valley is southwest.