Canyoning in Montenegro – adrenaline, hidden crevices and the primordial power of water

The most famous and commercially popular place for this activity is the Nevidio canyon, located in the municipality of Šavnik, on the slopes of Durmitor. As part of the course of the Mala Komarnica River, Nevidio bears the title of the last conquered canyon in Europe, which human explorers first set foot in 1965. Passing through Nevidio is an unforgettable experience characterized by narrow passages where the rocks above you almost touch, blocking out the sunlight, while natural stone slides, jumping into crystal cold water and hiking through mystical stone galleries alternate under your feet. Due to its configuration, Nevidio is extremely attractive, but also safe for commercial groups accompanied by licensed guides, which makes it an ideal introduction to the world of canyoning for all people of average physical fitness who want to feel the true spirit of the Durmitor region.

On the Montenegrin coast, canyoning has a completely different character, and the epicenter of this activity is the surroundings of Bar, on the slopes of Mount Rumija. Two exceptional canyons stand out here – Međurječje and Rikavac. The Međurječje Canyon is considered one of the most dynamic and fun in the country, as it offers the perfect balance of high verticals for going down the rope, large jumps into deep, warm pools and natural slides carved into the smooth rock. On the other hand, the nearby Rikavac canyon, located just above Stari Bar, is much tamer and shorter. Due to the warmer water and lower vertical requirements, Rikavac has become recognizable as a perfect location for families with children, beginners and all those who want to try canyoning for the first time in the relaxed, sunny ambience of the coast.

For lovers of more extreme challenges and pure technical skills, above the walls of the Old Town of Kotor is the Škurda canyon. This canyon is recognizable for its rugged, vertical character and requires serious knowledge of mountaineering techniques and rope handling, as it consists of over twenty challenging verticals and cascades. Škurda is specific in that it often dries up during late summer, so the passage turns into a superb adventure on dry rock, while from the vertical cliffs in some places there is a spectacular and dramatic view of the Bay of Kotor and the walls of Kotor, connecting the harsh interior with the coast.

In the far east of the country, within the Prokletije National Park near Gusinje, there is the Grlja Canyon – a location reserved exclusively for the most experienced adventurers and professionals. Grlja is a dark, extremely narrow, cold and mystical canyon into which the river flows with a spectacular waterfall, leading climbers into the real underground world of the Cursed Mountains. Due to the extreme conditions, low water temperature and strong water currents, this canyon requires maximum caution, superior physical fitness and professional equipment, providing in turn the experience of the raw, untouched and slightly terrifying power of nature.

The cities and towns that are most associated with canyoning in Montenegro are Savnik, Bar, Kotor and Gusinje. Savnik is the main starting point for the iconic Nevidio canyon; The bar leads to the exciting coastal streams of Međurječje and Rikavac; Kotor offers a vertical technical challenge through the Škurda canyon; while Gusinje opens the door to the mystical and extreme underground of the Grlj canyon.